* High expectations: They set challenging goals and assignments, pushing students beyond their perceived limits. This isn't necessarily about making the material impossibly difficult, but about expecting students to engage deeply and master the concepts.
* Strict grading: They grade rigorously, holding students accountable for errors and demanding precision and thoroughness. This can lead to lower grades overall, but is often aimed at improving student understanding and performance.
* Demanding classroom behavior: They enforce strict rules and expectations for classroom conduct, demanding attentiveness, participation, and respect.
* Uncompromising on deadlines and rules: They may not offer many extensions or exceptions to rules, emphasizing the importance of meeting expectations consistently.
* Direct and frank feedback: They provide honest, sometimes critical, feedback on student work, even if it's difficult to hear. This is often done with the goal of improving student performance.
It's important to note that a "tough teacher" isn't necessarily a *bad* teacher. While some students might find them intimidating or frustrating, many find that the high standards and challenging environment help them learn and grow significantly. The effectiveness of a "tough teacher" depends on their teaching methods, their ability to provide support and guidance, and the individual student's learning style and personality. A tough teacher who lacks empathy or fairness might be considered a bad teacher, while a tough teacher who is supportive and ultimately helps their students succeed can be considered very effective.