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Explanation of the importance of getting a good teacher and how to find which ones to choose. Also refer to good grades, homework, communication, instruction, high school, college, university, evaluation sheets, survey, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Getting a Good Teacher

by Ron Kurtus (5 October 2003)

In college and in most high schools, students select the courses and schedule they want. What is also important is to select the best teacher for the situation. This is something many students don't think about, but the extra research involved can be well worth the effort and result in better grades and less headaches.

Questions you may have include:

• How do I find out about teachers?
• What makes a good teacher?
• What should I do?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

How to find out about teachers

Finding out about teachers takes some work and research.

Rating sheets

Some high schools and colleges allow the students to fill out evaluation sheets on the teacher or instructors. Why this is not done as a regular practice, I don't know. Students or parents are paying for the education, so students should get the best teachers possible.

In those schools, students can see the evaluation of potential instructors. This will help them make a decision, if they want to include certain teachers in their schedule. Surprisingly, many students do not bother to check these evaluations.

In many colleges where such a grading system is not done, student entrepreneurs create and surveys and sell the results off campus. Fraternities and sororities often have such evaluations for their members.

Asking around

A very common way to find out about potential teachers is done by asking around. An older brother or sister or an acquaintance who has taken the course of interest can give his or her opinion on the teacher. Often information about good and bad teachers is disseminated through "the grapevine" and can be learned by asking around.

A good teacher

What makes a good teacher?

Grades

The first thing students want to know is how the teacher grades. Certainly everyone wants a teacher who gives out good grades. The worst ones are those who grade on a curve for the class, no matter how well the students do.

I was fortunate for 3 of the 4 years in high school to have an English teacher who only gave out A's and B's. I didn't select her, but I was just lucky enough to get her. She was also a good teacher and made the classes enjoyable.

Amount of homework

Some teachers have a reputation for giving out an excess of homework. They think their class is the only one the students are taking. What is really bad is if the homework is meaningless busy work.

On the other hand, if a teacher gives little or no homework, the students really get short-changed. There is just the feeling that the class itself is meaningless, if there is no studying required. The problem with a class with too little homework is that you may have problems in future classes because of what you didn't learn in that class.

Beware of teachers who are known for giving out too much or too little homework. You want an education and have to think of having sufficient knowledge for future classes.

Good teaching

The most important thing is whether or not the teacher provides instruction in a clear and interesting manner, such that the students will enjoy the class and really learn something. You can tell it this when previous students say, "That was a good class" or "She was a good teacher."

A major problem in colleges is that instructors aren't hired for their teaching skills. Instead they are there for their ability to do research and write papers that can bring in funding to the school. Also, many are foreigners who are extremely difficult to understand. The fact that colleges and universities many times disregard the quality of the instruction is a crime.

But in all schools, there are good teachers. You just have to look for them.

Course of action

If you are in a situation where you have the opportunity to select your instructors, it is well worth your while to do some research on the matter. An incoming freshman may have little choice, but after that, you can start planning for the next 3 1/2 years by checking around for resources and getting to know people in the school who have been taking similar courses or subjects.

This type of research can help you get a better education, better grades and make your life in school more enjoyable.

Summary

It is worthwhile to find out who the good teachers are in your school and then try to get classes taught by them. Some schools have formal or informal rating available. In other cases, you might just have to ask people you know what they have heard about certain teachers. Grades, homework and quality of instruction are important facts.

Answers to Readers' Questions

People rise to your expectations

Resources

The following are resources on this subject.

Websites

Good Grades Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Studying

Top-rated books on Taking Tests

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Why should you do if your school has no rating system on its teachers?

2. Why is a teacher who gives little or no homework a bad choice?

3. Why should you try to find out who are the good and bad teachers?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in School studies. If you had problems, look over the material again.

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