Exploring attributes of effective teachers – student perspectives from an Indian medical school

Abstract

Introduction: Attributes of an effective teacher is a passionate area of research for medical educators. Teaching at Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC), Manipal University, India, is assessed periodically as a part of the institution's program evaluation process. The present study was undertaken to determine the highly rated attributes of a medical teacher, as felt by three batches (preclinical, para-clinical and clinical batch) of medical students at MMMC. Methods: A questionnaire focusing on twelve attributes of effective teaching was developed and administered to three batches of students. Students were requested to select the five most important attributes from the questionnaire and rank them accordingly as 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th. The responses were analyzed using cross tabulation and percentages of the grades provided by the participants were reported for each of the batch. Results: The ability of a teacher to motivate and inspire students was rated to be the best attribute of an effective teacher. Students also felt that defining objectives and clarifying concepts was an important quality that medical teachers should possess. The importance of being an effective communicator was also emphasized. Discussion: The present study underpins the need for a healthy teacher-student relationship in medical schools. Communication with international students in an Indian scenario may be a challenging task, keeping in mind the diverse cultural background of students. Probing qualities that students identify with an effective teacher may help us respond to these challenges.

Saudi dental students’ opinions on the qualities and attributes of an effective dental teacher

“…Similarly, Ciraj et al found that motivation, defining objectives, communication, and showing respect to students were the major factors that students want to see in their teachers. 21 …”

Attributes expected of a medical teacher by Malaysian medical students from a private medical school

“…Awareness of the expectations of students may help teachers to modify their approach to students and make teaching more effective. Ciraj et al, (2013)found the "ability to motivate" as the most desired attribute selected by students whereas in this study, only the late clinical students included this as one of the top ten attributes. Teachers in the study by Singh et al (2013) selected "knowledge of the subject" as the top desired attribute.…”

Investigating Essential Competences of Romanian Teachers: A Preliminary Study

“…On this take we could make clear evaluation grids to encourage some behaviours and discourage other actions, to obtain best result and create better organisational culture. Teachers' knowledge, skills, and beliefs (Coles et al, 2015;Rubie-Davies et al, 2011), characteristics (Wayne et al, 2003Teven, 2009;Kukla-Acevedo, 2007;Danişman et al, 2018), qualities (Nghia, 2015), efficacy (Klassen et al, 2010;Dibapile, 2012), competencies (Chan, 2001;Shidiq et al, 2022), attributes (Ciraj et al, 2013), cognitive abilities (Bardach & Klassen, 2020) and conceptions (Barnes et al, 2017) all influence pupils' result and performance, teachers' wellbeing (Konu & Viitanen, 2010), class management, career development, and lifelong learning perception for both teachers and pupils.…”