INTRODUCTION
Teaching is not a simple linear process, it is a process that is sculptured by multiple internal and external
influences. An educator may play various roles but the effectiveness of teaching depends on the ability of
the educator to balance between various individual traits, competency, knowledge in the field and
awareness of the student talent and competency. All of these facts provide teachers the required to
prepare themselves for possible pitfalls while facilitating discipleship and increases student engagement
and success. The report states three teaching influencing factors; Teacher’s personality, Subject knowledge
and the learner’s differences.
(1) Teacher’s Personality
A teacher's personality refers to the behaviors and emotional characteristics that influence their
interaction with students and the overall learning environment.
Emotional Stability and Self-Regulation:
It is well known that the mood affects the teaching style and the classroom itself. By being calm under
pressure, teachers are more able to navigate conflict and conflict situations, ensuring that the classroom
continues to run smoothly. On the flip side, a teacher who has emotional regulation issues would likely run
short of patience when things are not going the way they had planned hence, harming the spirit of the
students For example, during exams, students may feel anxious, and a calm teacher helps them focus. On
the other hand, a teacher who loses composure under stress might escalate conflicts, creating a negative
atmosphere.
Empathy and Patience:
Teachers who possess empathy are more sensitive to the feelings of the students. They help the students
to come over their worries and concerns in a safe environment by developing trust. Patience is important
especially when dealing with students who find the work difficult or who have trouble with their behavior.
For example; a teacher working with a student with autism. By showing patience and understanding, the
teacher can develop personalized strategies to keep the student engaged. Without such empathy, the
student might feel isolated, leading to poor academic outcomes.
Enthusiasm and Passion:
A teacher's passion for their subject is contagious. Enthusiastic teachers inspire students to engage with the
content more deeply. For example; teachers who share real-world examples or personal experiences
related to their subject often capture student interest better than a purely textbook-based approach.
Communication Style:
Communication plays an important role in assuring that students understand instructions clearly. A teacher
with verbal competency can simplify advanced concepts to be understood by their students while other
forms of communication like body language and facial expressions help to keep the student engaged. For
example; a math teacher struggling to explain abstract concepts might use storytelling to relate
mathematical principles to real-life situations, such as, teaching percentages through examples of discounts
during shopping engages students more effectively.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Teachers need to adjust their teaching strategies based on student feedback. If a lesson is not resonating
with students, a flexible teacher might switch to a more interactive approach to regain engagement. For
Example; during the COVID-19 pandemic, many teachers had to shift from traditional classrooms to online
platforms. Those who adapted quickly by incorporating interactive tools like quizzes and videos were able
to maintain student interest better than those who relied solely on lectures.
Discipline and Classroom Management:
Teachers with strong personalities often maintain a balance between friendliness and authority.
Establishing clear rules while being approachable ensures that students respect the teacher without feeling
intimidated. For Example; A teacher in a noisy classroom might establish rules through positive
reinforcement rewarding students for good behavior instead of punishing disruptions, Such as offering
extra playtime to well-behaved students encourages better behavior throughout the class.
(2) Teacher’s Subject Knowledge
It refers to a teacher’s deep understanding of the concepts, theories, facts, and skills related to the
subject they teach. It includes both content knowledge and the ability to convey that knowledge
effectively, helping students grasp complex ideas and apply them in practical contexts
Depth of Knowledge:
Teachers with a deep knowledge of their subject can showcase ideas clearly and avoid complex teaching.
For example; a science teacher who understands both theory and real-life applications can avoid the gaps
between textbook knowledge and practical scenarios.
• Application of Advanced Teaching Methods:
Teachers with expertise in their field can apply advanced teaching techniques such as problem based
learning, inquiry based methods and case study. These methods are more effective as they engage the
students actively in the process of learning. For example; a physics teacher conducting experiments in class
conducts as inquiry based learning, where students explore concepts hands on rather than relying solely on
textbooks. This approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Confidence in Handling Student Questions:
Being an expert in the subject enables teachers to comfortably answer spontaneous questions creating an
encouraging atmosphere towards learning. When students perceive that their instructor is knowledgeable
and approachable, they are more likely to participate fully. For example; when students ask about complex
topics like quantum mechanics, the teacher can break it down into simpler concepts, maintaining curiosity
and engagement.
Lesson Modification for Diverse Learners:
If an activity involves presenting lessons to unfamiliar students, it is essential to consider individual
students’ differences. More experienced teachers can incorporate easier concepts for the beginners while
also offering more advanced content to the high achievers making in turn learning inclusive. For example;
In an English class, students might read texts of varying difficulty based on their abilities.
• Continuous Professional Development:
It is very important for the teachers to keep up with the changes that occur in their field. Continuous
learning in the form of workshops and seminars or even research enables teachers to keep up their
relevance and effectiveness in the profession.
(3) Learner Differences
Learner differences refer to the diverse characteristics, abilities, and preferences that students
bring to the learning process. These differences can include variations in learning styles, prior
knowledge, cultural backgrounds, motivation levels, language proficiency, and emotional or social
needs.
Learning Styles:
Every student has a preferred learning style, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Effective teaching
involves various or equal instructional methods in an effort to meet the needs of varied students’ cultures.
For example; using diagrams benefits visual learners, while hands-on activities engage kinesthetic learners.
Prior Knowledge and Background:
The knowledge base of the students in the classroom is not the same as that of their classmates. The
teacher must recognize such deviations and adjust their lessons accordingly. For example; A math teacher
might redo the basic concepts before introducing more advanced topics to ensure all students are on the
same level.
Socio-Cultural and Economic Diversity:
Students with perspectives shaped by different cultural and economic contexts enrich the classroom
experience. Teachers need to be mindful of these differences to avoid biases and ensure inclusivity.
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• Managing Learning Disabilities:
It is the responsibility of the teachers to assess and recognize students with learning disabilities and help
them accordingly. This may include using certain technologies or adjusting tasks according to the disability
level of the student. For example; A teacher may give assignments complemented by audio texts for a
dyslexic student and allow the student more time in submission of the assignment. Such provisions allow
the learner to accomplish the tasks given without any feeling of unfairness.
Motivation and Behavior:
The level of motivation as exhibited by students differs from one individual to the other, as some students
are self-motivated in advance and wanting to learn while the others need a push to do so. Teachers are
required to come up with strategies such as goal setting, rewards and feedback to be able to motivate
students. For example, a teacher gives the students home assignments for reading books and writing
summaries after which they are rewarded points. A certain number of points is set and the students who
achieve it by the end of the term get a gift.
Class Size and Individual Attention:
The process of addressing the needs of individual students can be particularly difficult in a large classroom.
In order to make sure that no student is left behind, it is necessary for the teachers to incorporate some
group work into the learning process and promote its use.
Conclusion
In the context of teaching, the personal traits, knowledge of a subject and variation in learners,
determines how effective the teaching will be. Teachers with a positive character and creativity
included helps in the development of a positive learning environment while having a high level of
subject mastery guarantees that the lessons are not only correct but also interesting. This
understanding and appreciation of differences leads to inclusion where they help every student
perform to their best. Managing these components is a challenge that requires ongoing
professional growth as well as dedication. Teachers in the contemporary education environment
should be adaptable, compassionate, and insightful in order to cope with the shifting requirements
of their learners.
THANK YOU.
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References
https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/asd1/cresource/q2/p06/
Google scholar
Personal Experience
