14 DAY TRIAL // What makes an excellent teacher is the focus of a study at the University of Hertfordshire. The results showed that students appreciate entertaining teaching, and that professors which did not limit themselves to a simple lecture, were far more popular than others.
“Edutainment” might be the new trend in Universities. Entertaining while educating could become a criteria for selecting the best teachers in a campus. In the study made by Dr Mark Russell and Dr Helen Barefoot from the University of Hertfordshire, the most valuable teachers are those committed to their students, those that inspire and entertain them. The last criteria seems to be more and more important in students attending class and motivation in learning. The two academics say that “good learning isn’t about boring lectures but should be a fun and enjoyable experience.”
This study lasted for three years and gathered information from 412 University students' teachers appreciations. They voted for the “tutor of the year”, in the University of Hertfordshire’s annual Vice-Chancellor’s Awards. One of the students wrote about one of the nominees: “As a student, I look forward to his lectures; his charisma and dynamic teaching style are a breath of fresh air. He adds flair and humor to his teaching making difficult subjects seem a little easier.”
Students recognize teachers' experience and expertise in their subject, they prefer teachers that go beyond their duty and terms like “excellent teachers” come up in their appreciations. Another important thing is the way teachers help students to learn better by providing feedback and, a less common thing, pastoral care.
It is quite difficult to define excellent teaching. Dr Russell says that “although, the Higher Education sector has sought to enhance student learning and reward good teachers through various schemes, what makes a good teacher from the point of view of students, needs to be carefully considered.”
“This work once again reinforces the significant impact that excellent teachers have on student lives and their learning.” adds Dr Barefoot.
The “excellent” mark of a teacher is given not only by peers, but by students too. The teacher's educational skills show in the success students have during and after University years.