What Students deserve from their teachers
By: Arshid Qalmi
Teaching is an essential and noble profession that plays a vital role in shaping the future of students. Teachers are responsible for not only imparting knowledge but also helping students develop social and emotional skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. However, not all teachers are equally effective in achieving these goals, and not all students receive what they deserve from a teacher. Students deserve many things from their teachers.
The first and foremost thing that students deserve from their teachers is quality instruction. Quality instruction refers to the teaching techniques, strategies, and practices that teachers use to facilitate student learning. According to the research, effective teachers use a variety of instructional techniques that are tailored to the individual needs of their students. They also use engaging and interactive methods such as inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and problem-based learning that allow students to explore and discover new ideas and concepts. (Biehler& Snowman, 2017).
Respect is another crucial factor that students deserve from their teachers. A teacher who respects their students creates a positive learning environment that fosters trust and open communication. When students feel respected, they are more likely to engage in class discussions, ask questions, and take risks in their learning. In contrast, disrespectful teachers can create a hostile and negative learning environment that can inhibit student learning and motivation. (Glanz, 2008)
Positive feedback is another aspect that students deserve from their teachers. Providing positive feedback helps to build students’ self-esteem and confidence, which is essential for their academic and personal development. Research has shown that positive feedback improves student motivation and engagement, leading to higher academic achievement. Moreover, teachers should provide feedback that is specific, timely, and focused on the student’s performance, rather than their personal attributes. (Hattie & Timperley, 2007).
Fairness is another crucial factor that students deserve from their teachers. A fair teacher treats all students equally, irrespective of their race, gender, or social background. They should provide equal opportunities for all students to learn and participate in class activities. Moreover, a fair teacher should also be transparent in their grading system, and provide clear criteria for evaluation. When students perceive their teacher to be fair, they are more likely to engage in positive behavior, have higher self-esteem, and are more motivated to learn. (Coleman & Rouse, 2015).
Personal attention is another important factor that students deserve from their teachers. A teacher who provides personal attention creates a sense of belonging and rapport with their students. Personal attention can take many forms, such as addressing students by their name, providing one-on-one feedback, or being available to answer questions. Research has shown that personalized attention can improve student motivation, engagement, and academic performance. (Fisher & Frey, 2015).
In addition to these factors, there are several other things that students deserve from their teachers. For example, students deserve a teacher who is knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter. A teacher who is passionate about their subject can inspire students to develop an interest in the topic and can encourage them to pursue further studies in that field. Furthermore, students deserve a teacher who is skilled in classroom management and can create a safe and supportive learning environment. A teacher who is able to manage the classroom effectively can reduce disruptive behavior and increase student engagement and achievement. Another critical factor that students deserve from their teachers is support and guidance. Many students face a variety of challenges outside of school that can impact their academic performance. For instance, students may face financial difficulties, family problems, or mental health issues. Teachers who provide support and guidance can help students navigate these challenges and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Additionally, teachers who provide mentorship and guidance can help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue their goals and aspirations. Finally, students deserve a teacher who is willing to go above and beyond to help them succeed. This can include providing extra assistance or resources outside of class, advocating for their needs, or providing encouragement and motivation. Teachers who are invested in their students’ success can have a significant impact on their academic and personal development, and can help students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Students deserve a lot from their teachers, including quality instruction, respect, positive feedback, fairness, personal attention, support, guidance, passion, and dedication. Effective teachers who prioritize these factors can create a positive learning environment that fosters student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. Additionally, these factors can have a lasting impact on students’ academic and personal development, leading to success in school and beyond. Therefore, it is essential for teachers to recognize the importance of these factors and strive to provide them to their students to ensure that they receive the education they deserve.
