These four sets of research-based traits that are desirable in the effective teaching professor are drawn from:

----The Institute for Teaching in the Active Voice. University of Prince Edward Island, Canada

----K.A. Feldman, 1988. Effective college teaching from the students' and faculty's view: Matched or mis-matched priorities? Research in Higher Education 28(4): 291-344.






Teaching Professor As Coach
Students regard good teaching professors as those that challenge them and work them hard, but somehow communicate that they really care about their students' success.



SIUE Logo

What Students Want
In a Teaching Professor

What Students Want in a Teaching Professor
Clarity & OrganizationCommand of Knowledge
Caring AttitudeChallenge
SpontaneityDrama
EnthusiasmSincerity
AcknowledgmentSense of Humor
Involvement



Students Respond Positively To:
High levels of interaction with faculty outside the classroom
Genuine effort to make courses interesting
Frequent examples, analogies, and metaphors
Use of contemporary issues as appropriate
Application of course materials to other fields of study
Involvement of students through:
Discussion/Library Research
Oral Presentations/Small Group Activities
Enthusiasm for the student and the subject
Clear, well-organized classes



Nine Key Traits for Good Teaching and Learning
on which Students and Faculty Agree
Knowledge of the Subject/Discipline
Course Preparation and Organization
Clarity and Understandability
Enthusiasm for Subject/Teaching
Sensitivity to and Concern for Students' Level
and Learning Progress
Availability and Helpfulness
Quality of Examinations
Impartiality in Evaluating Students' Work
Overall Fairness to Students