Qualities of Effective Teachers

Author: Stronge, J.H.
Publisher: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Publication Date: 2002
Available for purchase online at: http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/102007.aspx

Abstract (written by WestEd)

According to Stronge, teachers generally take five to eight years to develop from novices to masters in the art and science of teaching. This 100-page book explains and summarizes specific qualities of a master teacher and provides research citations at the end of each chapter. Each chapter focuses on a particular area:
Interpersonal skills. Students know their teachers care, listen sympathetically, understand their concerns and problems, discipline fairly, and promote enthusiasm and motivation for learning. Effective teachers truly believe that all students can learn, feel responsibility for the success of their students, and reflect on their own practice and explore new and better methods.

Classroom management and organization. Effective teachers use proactive discipline, orchestrate smooth transitions, and offer a variety of challenging activities.

Organizing for instruction. Consistency and organization in classrooms maximize time for teaching and learning. Effective teachers expect all students to achieve, plan clear lessons and learning objectives linked to varied learning activities, and use advance organizers, graphic organizers, and outlines.

Implementing Instruction. Effective teachers continually improve their repertoire of teaching strategies and integrate inquiry-based, hands-on learning activities, critical thinking skills, and assessments into daily lessons. Individual, small-group, and whole-class instruction is varied and used strategically. Question-and-answer interaction, calling on students in random order, and giving positive reinforcement engages students and provides feedback to teachers.

Monitoring student progress. Homework reinforces familiar concepts, and quality is more important than quantity; effective teachers review it regularly and give feedback; and parents should provide the right space and time and ask students specifics about the school day and what needs to be done each night. Teachers use a variety of assessment practices to determine the effectiveness of a lesson, evaluate student progress, and use the information to tailor lessons to students' needs and reteach material to students not achieving mastery. Feedback to students is corrective — not simply right or wrong answers but explanations about what is correct, why, and how to fix problems.

Note: This book is available for purchase, with select chapters available to preview online at the link above on the ASCD website; alternatively, you may preview and purchase the second edition.