According to a survey conducted by McDermott and Rothenberg, teachers who were funny were remembered by their students as enjoyable and as possessing the ability to make learning fun. Students particularly took note of teachers who didn't take themselves too seriously. They enjoy when teachers have the ability to laugh at themselves or mistakes they make. A sense of humor is especially useful in maintaining the attention of students.
Teachers who possess the ability to present information in a variety of ways are very successful in the classroom. In addition, teachers who are able to assign creative homework assignments are generally better received. Creativity is important in ensuring that class time or homework assignments don't become monotonous and thus lose their effectiveness.
According to a study conducted by Irvine, caring teachers were defined as those who held high expectations for their students and challenged them to achieve, without losing sight of the needs to be sensitive and flexible. An ambitious teacher who does not take into account the situation of a student when creating goals will be viewed negatively. Yet, having expectations for your students communicates to them that you believe in them. Although an ambitious teacher may not be viewed positively initially, eventually students will value being pushed to succeed by teachers.
Students will make mistakes, some intentionally and others unintentionally. When you are working with young people, this is par for the course. Teachers who possess the ability to forgive mistakes and move on will be loved by their students. Most students have had the experience of a teacher who seemed to be against them. Largely, this feeling is produced by their perception that they were never forgiven for mistakes they made. Being a teacher who forgives will also increase the likelihood that students will be more invested in the education you offer.