The Effective Teacher Critique - Essay Example

Harry Wong emphasizes the importance of creating a good first impression and therefore stresses even the minor aspects of the first day, starting from the dress to the delivery of a lecture. According to Harry Wong, it is the teacher’s attitude that determines the level and quality of response received from the students. He states that ‘Students tend to learn as little or as much as their teachers expect’. Provided that the teacher has an encouraging and positive attitude, the students too will portray their best. It is therefore important, not to expect too little or too much from them. However, at the same time, it is in the first class that she can create a proper class environment, laying down certain expectations that will be expected of them. He states that the three most essential things that must be laid down clearly and established in the first week are discipline, procedure and routine, and these must not only show in his attitude but also in her lecture and in her style of conducting the class.

 Harry Wong also stresses the necessity of the teacher familiarizing with the students from the very beginning; addressing them by their names and encouraging them to be more open with their ideas rather than to remain shy and hesitant. It is only with the proper attitude of the teacher that the student will be encouraged to open up.

Moreover, to ensure maximum student output, the teacher must design her lesson in a manner that will demand the maximum response from the student rather than increased input from the teacher. Multiple activities should be carried out in class that will give the teacher an overall impression of what the student understands from his/her lectures. Moreover, tests should also be frequently taken to ensure higher achievement.

One of the most important guidelines laid down by Harry Wong is that the teacher must exercise self-enhancing behaviour rather than self-defeating one. Instead of approaching the work environment and the students with a negative perception, a teacher must face it with an open and positive perspective. The teacher must make himself/herself a part of the team and learn to work together, rather than separating himself/herself from colleagues. In connection with this, Harry Wong also states that a teacher must learn to accept his/her mistakes. He states that only with an open mind and a willingness to learn in the process of teaching can the teacher ensure effective learning.