Best Practice in ELT:

10 Characteristics of Highly
Effective EF/SL Teachers

Reasons for Entering the

TESOL/TEFL Profession
Desire to make a difference
To see the world
Long summer vacations
The impact of a favorite teacher
Desire to be on stage
Life of the mind
Family tradition
High salary

What is a good teacher?

What do various groups within education

mean when they talk about effective teaching

practices?
A variety of different perspectives

Teachers
Students

The Teachers Perspective

Treats student as an individual
Is enthusiastic and inspiring
Has caring qualities
Creates a rich learning environment
Is funny
Is spontaneous and flexible

(Bress, 2000)

94%
77%
55%
22%
22%
22%

The Students Perspective

What Makes a Good Teacher? (1996) UNESCO

publication
Over 500 children from some 50 countries
A great teacher

Interacts with the child

gives affection to Ss, makes Ss understand emotion.
smiles even when Ss make mistakes.
teaches not only textbook materials but also the truth
that's happening outside.
is dedicated to the job.

1. A Calling to the Profession

Effective EF/SL Ts are driven & passionate

about the profession

Feel a call to teach as well as have a passion
to help students learn and grow
Without a mission or a calling, teaching is just
another joband a tough one at that

This is essential to help teachers survive and

avoid burnout

2. Professional Knowledge
Lots of disturbing research about the deficiencies that

teachers have
Old adage: those who can do; those who cant
teach
We believe that the right credentials and sound
professional knowledge are of paramount importance
to teaching effectiveness

Credentials
Recognize the importance of PD
IT/Technology skills a must

Types of Knowledge Ts Must Have

Shulman (1987) identified seven different kinds of

knowledge that highly effective teachers must have

Knowledge about:

Content
Broad principles and strategies of classroom
management and organization
Curriculum materials and programs
Teaching of particular content topics
Students
Educational contexts
Educational aims and values (pp. 1-22)

Most Important Personal/Personality

Qualities for EF/SL Teachers
Caring
Empathetic
Fair
Respectful
Fun
Sense of humor
Personal/unique style

4. With-it-ness (McEwan, 2002)

The state of being on top of things, tuned in to the

teaching/learning environment; and in control of the

different facets of classroom life and our jobs

Management and classroom organization

Student Engagement
Momentum
Time management
Ability to multitask

Can adapt to the changing needs and demands of

our job and our profession

6. Good Communicator
Highly effective teachers must be good

communicators
Able to articulate ideas, issues, beliefs and
values about the art of teaching
Skilled at conflict resolution
Active emailer
Public speaking/presentation skills

8. Willingness to Go the Extra Mile

Belief in your own ability to make a difference

in Ss lives
Have high expectation of your Ss
Willingness to inspire and motivate Ss

through example

9. Lifelong Learner
Effective teachers are concerned with their

self and professional development.

Have a strategic plan
For many, assuming a leadership position is
the logical next step.

As McEwan (2002: 38) points out: if you can

lead in the classroom, you can lead
anywhere.

Five Ways to Lead in the Classroom

1. Through example
2. Through listening
3. Through empowerment
4. Through inspiration
5. Through learning