questions from a couple of teachers

[ringaswan]

Hello Teen DISers!

We are teachers and we'd like to get your input about teaching/teachers.

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?

Thanks for you input!

Jenn & Nicole

 

[Axel]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching? For me, my history teacher (Mr. David M. Chamberlain) is the ultimate teacher. I highly doubt I'll ever have another one like him. He's energetic, he really knows what he's talking about and he's an all-around fun guy. He's got commendations and accolades coming out his ears, but he's really down to earth. He amuses the class while informing, he challenges us to think independently, and he assigns projects that grab our interest (like last year for US History [I have him again this year for a completely different subject] he assigned us a project to write journals from different view points in early colonial times instead of making us write research papers on what life was like- we got to pretend we lived it). I really can't put into words why he's such a great teacher. It could be the fact that he's travelled the globe and is full of funny anecdotes. It could be that he uses America: The Book by Jon Stewart/The Daily Show Writers as reading material. He's just like a high school student...only twice our age and much, much smarter.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught? Freshman year algebra. Didn't know the subject matter, was completely lost, had no people skills whatsoever. Horrible, horrible class. I am so glad I got transferred out two weeks in. She came to me for advice on how to teach algebra!

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not? In most cases, I look it up on my own. I was raised to be independent intellectually and that's one of the things I pride myself on. I ask peers before teachers (although, that stems from not wanting to waste both their time and mine with simple questions). I do ask questions, though, just not a lot. I get annoyed with people who ask questions that the teacher answered not even five minutes prior.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject? With Math (specifically Geometry. I'm good with algebra. Great even. But I hate geometry), I've found that giving me a basis to use it in the real world has always helped. Algebra I can do no problemo, but geometry I need a practical application for. The best I ever did in that course was when we had to design a house with specific instructions as to room shapes and sizes. So, I'd give examples of how what I'm learning could be put to use. That way I'm more apt to want to learn.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else? My "easiest" subject has always been English. It's a running gag in my family that if I ever get below and 90 overall in an English class, the world will stop spinning. I don't even need to try in these courses. It's always been just because I'm smart when it comes to English (and all other languages. I can read something like 5 foreign languages that I can't speak). Short of that, I've always excelled at History and French. And both of those come naturally, too. My mom ingrained history into me since the second I was born (she was a European History major in college) and French has been spoken to me since first grade.

Hope I helped!

 

[Disneylover 2]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
The teacher bonds with the students and makes learning fun. For example, if I am bored with something I have to read for the class, the teacher makes up a funny neat project for us to do, like my English teacher does.
What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught? a Teacher who just doesn't explain well and doesn't get along with his or her students. Like My Social Studies teacher. He just sits in his computer almost everytime and just tells us to do a section assessment without even reading or discussing the section. After four days, have passed without him ever talking to us about what we are learning, he anounce when the test will be. And then he just explains the whole chapter in 3 days. I really don't like him.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?No. Especially with my Algebra 1 teacher. If I say, "I don't understand anything." he just explodes and starts screaming at me, and tell me, "What's there to not understand?" That i why when I have math HW and don't understand, I copy, which I know is bad. But I usually get it, after I have the guts to ask her.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?I would go with them step by step and if they don't understand, work with them.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else? My easiest subject is Science. It's easy becasue it's a combination of me being smart and the teacher. She goes step-by-step and doesn't shout at me. And when sees that someone is lost or confused, she actually goes to student when the student is too shy to ask. I like teachers like that.

 

[CastawayJ]

1 I'm not formal like they are
2 My spelling is my worst trait

I do great in school other than my spelling, but I used to hate it. In public school the teachers did not care about the students. They let students slowly ostracize each other. In my area fight are common, even in middle school. The classes were not interactive, and there were too many students for the teachers to handle. Thats probably not the teachers fault.

My new school has teachers that take the time to know the students, come to them during free time if they are struggling, and get the students to work with each other somehow. If the teacher tries to make it a friendly enviorment, it seams to work.

My school gives us free time unless we schedule it for something else, we have an Art day. The school I am in now seams more efficient.

 

[acesupercoolme]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
Actually KNOWS what they're talking about, is fun, yet diciplinary, deals with slackers and people who disturb the class.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
Overly strict,

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
Yes, if someone's struggling, they should try their hardest to bring their marks back up, which includes getting extra help.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
I was terrible at history, I couldn't remember anything, so I'd figure out a way to remember it, and teach that to others.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
Gym/health and physics. I didn't think they were easy, but they were much easier than any other subject. I think it's because they were the two subjects that I enjoyed the most, and I always looked forward to them.

 

[Tinkerbell424]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
When the teacher cares about what they are teaching and enjoy teaching and the kids. I have had teachers who would just teach to teach and get through lessons and I hated going to their class.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
When they rush through a lesson in one day. I can see if it's an easy lesson, but if it's a hard lesson for your students take more time on it and do not rush. My math teacher this year taught our class a lesson in the last 5 minutes of class. She expected us to do the homework, and didnt touch on the subject the next day.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
I'm more comfortable going to a friend thats in the class with me. I dont go to the teacher because I am a bit intimidated and feel stupid asking.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
Math. There's fun in numbers! Instead of doing pure notes and mental examples, I would try to relate the problem to something in real life or something that the students can relate to that could make it easier to do. Also, helpful hints and tips for doing the problems helps me learn a lot and remember!

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
All of my classes are easy for me except for math. My other classes do not rush like my math class does. Plus in my other subjects we usually will talk about what we are learning as we learn it, the teacher also always goes over everything. They are not babying us, but they do not want us to be lost either.

Hope this sort of helped. Good luck.

 

[jbcheerchick93]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
well right now that would be Mr. Ritti. he teaches my algerbra two class. and i dont know what it is but he makes it fun. hes actually really hard on us, but he knows what we can do so thats what he expects. also, he really tries to help us. when we ran into trouble with fractions and dxecimals in the quadratic equations he pinpointed the problema dn took extra time to reteach it. even though he had to eliminate other things out of the schedule, i always like going to this class.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
when a teacher tries to act young and like they understand, its annoying. and when they act like its such a chore to teach and for us to learn. i actually had a teacher say that they know they hated the subject too but we're in school so we have to learn. it just makes everyone in a bad mood.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
yes.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
i would take it one step at a time, and try to explain why things are the way they are. some teachers neglect to tell you why you have to learn something or why it works that way. and it makes me more frustrated.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
i think its easy because i understand it, and my teacher explains it in a way that makes us want to learn it. especially because when teachers are younger and excited about what they are teaching it makes you want to learn and pay attention even more

-jesse

 

[OneTreeHill]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching? A teacher who can teach while still having fun. Make it interesting for us. When a teacher actually cares about the students.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught? When it is just notes. Sometimes thats the best way to learn, but I hate having all notes and no explaination.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not? I am completely comfortable asking.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject? Well, that's french, so I have no idea.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else? I think it's just the subject in general. If I enjoy the material, or the subject matter, I understand it and enjoy learning about it.

 

[HSMndLKfan92]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
Any of my favorite teachers over the years have been able to connect with the class and know what they're talking about. They need to sufficiently answer questions the students have to make sure the students understand the concept.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
With my experiance, teachers who can't connect with the class make the subject a lot more difficult to learn.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
I'm perfectly fine with asking teachers for help. In my school, every teacher makes it clear that they're willing to help. (If they actually can is a different story.)

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
Science classes. I go to a career academy that's focused on the sciences. The way my teachers already teach it is spot-on. They use lots of visuals, present lessons in power points that are printed out for us, and we do a lot of labs.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
Fitness and health. They're both laid back classes. The teachers know that these classes aren't the most serious in my school. In health, we've already gone over the topics for years, and in fitness, we're graded on completion, not ability.

 

[goofysk8]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching? For me, I think that they encourage you in a good,proper way.If you get a bad test score,they write great try or good strategies on the top of a paper.The teacher's deffinatly have to have a good,
bubbly personallity to actually make a good class.That's in my perspective.
Also,caring for all the students & respecting them really helps make a class
interesting.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught? They still have room to improve,and also make the class enjoyable.They actually don't have that many qualities
in my opinion.If they cannot connect & enjoy their class,they have no reason
why they are teaching because the kids are the future and they should enjoy
atleast something to encourage them.Teachers should love kids and enjoy
teaching them,emproving their skills,and watch them succeed.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? Yeah, I'm normally comfortable asking a teacher for additional help.Unless the teacher is not that friendly,they almost
scare you off.You're afriad that they won't understand you.If a teacher is
really nice and encouraging,it makes the students more comfortable to
talk with them.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject? I don't really have a difficult subject,but i would try to focus and
understand the true meaning on how to solve something.Telling and showing
someone how to do something also helps you by learning mabye different
ways and tac-tics from other students who might not have the same problem
as you do.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? All Math & Algebra.
I get straight A's on my report cards,but i don't know if it comes naturally or
just a different teacher atmosphere.I guess i could consider myself smart,but i also think math is just a natural easy thing that processes though my mind.
I also think it has a big deal with my teacher.He is the coolest teacher i have
ever had in my life.He makes the subject fun by games like "hoop-shoot," normally played the day before a test or an exam,which you shoot after you get 3 correct math questions right when you on
a team that splits half the class up.Also he includes personal stories & let's us
somewhat have fun to a certain degree.students are called up as examples like proportions or also like a fraction.We also laugh alot by funny comments
made by both the teacher and students.I'm only in the 8th grade,and I'm in the advanced algebra I class,so i'm not with the normal 8th grade.I have
to say,I have some pretty fun teachers that really know how to make a subject fun to learn

I'm only an 8th grader,so i don't know if my answers will fit in correctly.
But,i just tried to help,i hope this might work
- Shelby

 

[::Snow_White::]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching? Motivational ones. They have to let us have fun, but teach at the same time. Not just do notes, and then take a test. In all honesty, I don't pay attention to what I'm learning at all if we're taking notes. They have to know exactly what they are doing and teaching and understand they are here to teach. We have a new teacher who is just flat out bad at teaching. Since he knows all this stuff he expects us to get it quickly and we don't. The assignments have to be interesting enough that we actually pay attention to what we do.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
Like I stated above, they have to know how to teach what they know. It can't just be like walk into the classroom and say some things about Shakespeare and expect us to remember. Or a teacher who expects us to get it as fast as they maybe did. One that's too strict, or doesn't act like they want to be there or like us.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
I usually ask a friend first, but yes if I still cannot get the answer I go to the teacher. If you're friendly and fun, that shouldn't be a problem. But if the teacher is very strict and just seems down, students might be reluctant to approach that teacher. I'd also say maybe walk around the classroom once or twice and if you see someone looking like they are having a hard time, ask them if they are getting it. I know some kids at my school don't ask because they think it's "uncool" to get help from a teacher. So maybe interacting with them at their desk might help them if they are reluctant about it.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject? This is the class where the teacher expects us to just "get it" really quickly. Chemistry. A lot of us don't understand the words they used and he just doesn't explain it well. I would go through it slower.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
English is really easy for me. I think it's a combination. I love that class and I'm good at reading, but the fact our classroom atmosphere is just a really light and happy. The teacher is alright at teaching, it's just the joking around that makes it easier.

 

[pigletgirl]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
The biggest thing I can think of is when they have a passion to teach whatever the subject/class is. They have a better way of getting students to participate in the discussions and/or activites. I had a history teacher who fit this discription and he really got me into history. They have alot of energy, and the CARE about the students and seeing them be successful.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
When they seem bored, and disinterested in the subject they are presenting. They are always the class in high school where you ditch because it is so incredibly boring! Also, a teacher who just lectures and gives homework. No other activities. Makes for a blah teacher.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
Yes. I'm now in college, but back in highschool I got help whenever I got confused with something. Usually it only takes 10 minutes or so to clear things up. Totally worth it. A great habit to get in to.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
My least favorite class that I can vividly remember was Spanish. The teacher was super hard on us and all we did was worksheets, notecards and lectures. I would have done a play, or did activities where we could use the spanish we did learn more than just for a petty test. Games, activites, ect.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
My best subject is math. Always has been. Numbers come easy for me. I think math was really enjoyable for me because I understood it well and when a challenge was presented to me, I took it with stride because I had alot of confidence in myself. I have had some not so great math teachers, and I know other students struggled in those classes, so the instructor influence can make a big difference.

HTH!

 

[ringaswan]

Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer our questions!!

Much of what you've said has reinforced our own beliefs about what makes the difference between an effective teacher and an ineffective teacher.

Nicole is a mentor for new teachers and will be using some of your comments to help the new teachers along when they feel as if they are struggling. (fyi, Nicole teaches high school math and physics, Jenn teaches 2nd grade.)

 

[imabrat]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
Someone who KNOWS inside and out what they're talking about. I learn best in a hands-on setting, so a teacher that can move around, talk in different voices to emphasize their point, and use students to help relay the point is what I like. Interactive experiences are the key for me.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
Someone who speaks in a monotone voice and has no excitement at all. Someone who gives lectures and worksheets. Someone who doesn't make it an interactive experience.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
Certain teachers, yes and no. My three teachers, absolutely. They're female and more hands on and welcome us to ask questions. My other teacher doesn't talk, is male, and just hands us work and tells us to do it. I'm not comfortable with that.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
I would be more interactive. Learning math isn't a one way thing, I need someone to help me through the steps, not just hand me a paper and say do it.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?

I'm naturally bright and the subject interests me. My teacher is the best. She tells us what we're doing weeks before to make sure we're prepared, and she makes sure each and everyone of us grasps the concept.

 

[Sparx]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
when they love it, i'll learn it.
What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
if its obvious they're bored or disinterested.
If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
of course.
Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
math is hard for me. i always have to create alternative ways to solve problems. i would teach my math.
Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
art is my favorite subject. i think my own passion makes it enjoyable, but teh passion of my teacher also helps. i couldn't do it without her encouragement.

 

[imabrat]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
when they love it, i'll learn it.
What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
if its obvious they're bored or disinterested.
If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
of course.
Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
math is hard for me. i always have to create alternative ways to solve problems. i would teach my math.
Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
art is my favorite subject. i think my own passion makes it enjoyable, but teh passion of my teacher also helps. i couldn't do it without her encouragement.

I have to echo that statement. Math has never made sense to me. I always find alternate ways to solve the problem and get the right answer. But, if I don't do the way it says to do it in the book, the teacher gets mad. An understanding teacher comesin very handy here.

 

[chisnpeke]

I've been out of high school since 2007 and I'm in college now. I'm going to refer back to high school if that's ok.

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
I had a wonderful english teacher the first semester of my senior year. He was SO enthusiastic about the class. He loved it. It really showed how much he loved the material he was talking about.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?
Stern. Doesn't even seem to want to have any personal relationship with the students. Also, if the teacher doesn't even seem to care about what they are doing or teaching.

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
If the teacher is easy to talk to and I like that teacher I have little problem. My math teacher senior year would teach then go sit on her computer and surf the internet. If I had a question I'd always feel like I was interrupting her.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
That would be math. I think I would go about different methods while I teached. Try different activities to give each student a chance to learn the way they do best. One day teach it on the board, another day have a more hands on approach.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
Well, generally my best subject has always been history and social studies. I had a great American history teacher sophomore year. She asked questions and I knew the answer. I loved going to her class. She was another teacher who was passionate about what she taught. My first semester senior year I had a teacher who didn't seem that enthused about what he was teaching...no one wanted to really discuss the subject that he was talking about and the class would seem to go off topic. My second semester however, the teacher was great (I had previously had her for a street law class, learning the way a court passes things, general laws, etc). She would ask questions to the class and I enjoy answering questions.

Generally, I like when the teacher asks questions to the class instead of just spewing out the information for everyone to write down. I like a teacher that engages a class in the learning process, not just tells it to you.

 

[chisnpeke]

I have to echo that statement. Math has never made sense to me. I always find alternate ways to solve the problem and get the right answer. But, if I don't do the way it says to do it in the book, the teacher gets mad. An understanding teacher comesin very handy here.

I know. If you get the right answer what does it matter how you do it. I think a lot of it might have to do with standardized testing and how it is done on tests, but I would think it wouldn't matter once you were past that.

 

[DramaQueen]

I'm currently in University, but I'm going to answer the questions based on my high school expirience

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?
Obviously, if they love what they are teaching it will become more interesting for everyone. I had a teacher who taught creative writing and she got SO excited about reading students work and getting really deep & political work out of all of us. It really inspired us all to dig deep and work hard to write a great paper.
And my favourite teacher was my french teacher in grades 9&10, she made class SO much fun and made learning so easy, every verb tense we learned we would do a skit in that tense, it was just a really fun & easy way to learn french. And you could tell she was having fun too, which made me look forward to going to that class.
My drama teachers were amazing too, in grades 11&12 he really pushed to get great art & great performances out of everyone--not everyone enjoyed that, but i LOVED it. He really pushed us to use our emotions, which everyone was obviously not comfortable with, but you could tell how excited he got over a great performance. So it made me love theatre even more!

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?
It depends on the teacher really, the only teacher I can think of who I was never comfortable asking questions was my grade 10 math teacher. She was just an unpleasant lady. You could tell she didn't like kids, or math, or teaching, and asking her for extra help was extremely pointless because she would just do it for you and expect you to do it rght the next time.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?
Math was my most difficult subject, one thing that helped me was a bunch of acronyms that my grade 10 teacher taught us. I can remember things like that alot easier than formulas. She taught us easy ways to remember formulas & stuff like that so it wasn't too hard to remember. So as difficult as it might be to make math interactive, I would try my best to do that.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?
My easiest subjects were also my favourites, Drama, French & Creative Writing. I think I found them easy because they were things that I loved doing, and I didn't mind staying hours after school to practice a scene, or conjugating verbs or spending hours trying to write an essay on the topic of my choice. And the teachers were all amazing as well, they loved what they did as much as I loved it, so it just made it easy to want to do the work and go to class. Working for high marks in a class that I love is not a difficult task.
The teachers passion for the subject helps out alot in motivating students though I have noticed.

 

[MrsSparrow..]

What are the qualities of a teacher who "inspires" you to learn about the subject they are teaching?

When they seem to be genuinely interested in their subject. Like they get passionate about it. They don't just read from a textbook and set you essays.

What are the qualities of a teacher who just seems to make it difficult to learn the subject that's being taught?

My worst teacher was one for Chemistry. He never seemed to plan anything. He would get into conversations with students about nothing to do with Science, then go crazy when the other half of the class began talking. He never took homework seriously either, he set you it, but he would forget to collect it, or just let you get away with forgetting it. You need some sort of discipline..

If you're having difficulty with a subject, are you comfortable with asking your teacher for additional help? And if not, why not?

I'd like to say I do, but I don't. And I do not no anyone that does this. I will ask in class, but never after lessons, not because I am lazy or don't care etc. It is that many teachers say they are available, but just leave after class and you can never find them after. I find that the best time to ask is in revision sessions, less students and therefore you can ask more questions.

Think of your most difficult subject ... how would you go about teaching that subject to others so they would achieve a greater understanding of that subject?

Personally, it is anything to do with Science. I think you need to get the combination of practical experiments and copying right. Too much of one, and the information never sets in.

Think of your 'easiest' subject ... why do you think it's 'easiest'? Is it because of the way the teacher presents the subject matter, is it because you're just 'smart', or is it any combination of those two? Or is it something else?

My easiest subject is Religious Education, but mainly because I have been to Catholic schools all my life and we only learn from a Christian POV, so the information is common knowledge to me, then the rest of RE is just a combination of common sense and english skills. Secondly, would be my computer-based class, because I am very confident with computers. I find that the more confident and comfortable I am with a subject, the easier it is. With science, it appears so confusing and out of my comfort zone, that I kind of switch off. Nothing really goes in.

I also find French quite easy now, mainly because we notice how much effort our teacher puts in and it makes us want to work hard. Therefore, you eventually get good at it.

Hope this helped in a way