What makes a good teacher great? | Azul Terronez | TEDxSantoDomingo

Introduction

This tutorial explores the insights shared by Azul Terronez on what makes a good teacher great. Drawing from 24 years of experience and 26,000 student responses, this guide distills key qualities and actionable steps that educators can adopt to enhance their teaching effectiveness. Whether you're a novice teacher or a seasoned educator, these principles can help you foster a more impactful learning environment.

Step 1: Build Strong Relationships

• Understand your students: Take time to learn about your students' backgrounds, interests, and challenges. This helps create a supportive atmosphere.
• Be approachable: Encourage open communication. Make it clear that students can come to you with questions or concerns without fear of judgment.
• Create a community: Foster a sense of belonging in the classroom by promoting teamwork and collaboration among students.

Step 2: Cultivate Passion for Learning

• Model enthusiasm: Show your passion for the subject matter. Your excitement can be contagious and inspire students to engage more deeply.
• Encourage curiosity: Ask open-ended questions that stimulate critical thinking. Allow students to explore topics that interest them individually or in groups.
• Celebrate achievements: Recognize both small and large accomplishments. This reinforces the value of effort and persistence in the learning process.

Step 3: Adapt Teaching Strategies

• Know different learning styles: Acknowledge that students learn differently. Incorporate a variety of teaching methods (visuals, hands-on activities, discussions) to cater to these differences.
• Utilize technology: Leverage educational tools and resources to enhance learning experiences. This can include online resources, interactive lessons, or educational apps.
• Provide constructive feedback: Offer specific, actionable feedback that guides students on how to improve their work and encourages growth.

Step 4: Foster a Growth Mindset

• Emphasize effort over outcome: Teach students that hard work and persistence are more important than innate ability. This helps them embrace challenges.
• Encourage risk-taking: Create a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes as part of the learning process.
• Model resilience: Share your own experiences of overcoming challenges and setbacks, illustrating that growth comes from facing difficulties.

Step 5: Engage with the Community

• Connect with parents and guardians: Keep them informed about their child's progress and involve them in the learning process. This builds a supportive network.
• Participate in professional development: Engage with other educators to share ideas and strategies. Continuous learning helps you stay effective and inspired.
• Involve local resources: Utilize community resources, like guest speakers or field trips, to enhance the learning experience and provide real-world connections.

Conclusion

Becoming a great teacher involves a commitment to building relationships, fostering a love for learning, and adapting strategies to meet student needs. By implementing these steps, educators can create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that not only enhances student achievement but also inspires a lifelong love of learning. Start by reflecting on your current practices and identifying areas for growth, and remember that the journey toward greatness in teaching is ongoing.