Children are not inspired to learn in a classroom where the teacher is cranky, limiting lessons to verbal rendition of textbook material, or where the ultimate focus is on preparing students for college rather than for life. Teachers make their teaching memorable by inspiring students to want to acquire knowledge. Effective teachers infuse their lessons with creativity, taking advantage of study aids such as pictures, computers and practical demonstrations, to make lessons interesting. They challenge students' minds with innovative assignments that require students to apply what they have learned, thus creating a lasting impression of the lesson in their minds.
An effective teacher is not one who intimidates students to listen to her. Instead, effective teachers realize that involving students helps create a positive environment conducive to learning. As such, these teachers provide students the freedom to participate in every aspect of learning. Together, they develop lesson plans and incorporate instruction modes that students feel comfortable with. Such involvement enables students to think for themselves, analyze their learning styles and communicate without fear what and how they want to learn.
Children respect teachers who know their job and set clear objectives for the class. Effective teachers have good organizing skills, and they use them to make the most of their time with students. They develop lesson plans focusing on the main points of the lesson. Effective teachers plan long-term so they do not find themselves staggering to complete the syllabus at the end of school year.
Effective teachers are sensitive to student natures and learning styles. They accept that some students are slow learners, and they are willing to wait for students to learn at a pace comfortable to them. They do not expect students to master their lessons overnight, and they know that students make mistakes. But instead of criticizing students, they find ways to encourage them and develop their self-confidence. Recognizing students' efforts and achievements and praising them in front of the class is one of the things effective teachers do to boost self-esteem and academic performance of students.