characteristics of good learner essay

Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student

Students are often asked to write an essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student

Introduction.

A successful student isn’t just someone who gets good grades. They also show certain qualities that make them stand out. These traits help them excel not only in academics but also in life.

Self-Discipline

A successful student has self-discipline. They manage their time well, prioritize tasks, and avoid procrastination. This helps them complete assignments on time and study regularly, leading to better grades.

Curiosity is another key trait. Successful students have a thirst for knowledge. They ask questions, seek answers, and are always eager to learn new things. This helps them understand and remember lessons better.

Determination

Determination is critical. Successful students don’t give up easily. They face challenges head-on and work hard to overcome them. This determination helps them achieve their academic goals.

Respectfulness

In conclusion, a successful student has self-discipline, curiosity, determination, and respectfulness. These qualities help them excel in school and prepare them for future success.

250 Words Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student

Being a successful student is not just about getting high grades. One of the most important qualities is hard work. A student who works hard knows that learning takes time and effort. They do not give up easily and are always ready to put in the extra time to understand their lessons.

Time Management

Another key quality is time management. A successful student knows how to plan their day. They make sure they have enough time for studying, doing homework, and rest. They understand that every minute counts and use their time wisely.

Curiosity is also a significant quality. A curious student is always eager to learn new things. They ask questions and try to find answers. They are not afraid of making mistakes because they know that mistakes are part of learning.

Respect is another important quality. A successful student respects their teachers, classmates, and themselves. They listen to others and value their opinions. They treat everyone with kindness and fairness.

Responsibility

In conclusion, being a successful student is about more than just getting good grades. It involves working hard, managing time, being curious, showing respect, and taking responsibility. These qualities not only help in school but also in life.

500 Words Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student

A successful student is not defined only by their grades, but also by their habits, skills, and attitude towards learning. There are several qualities that contribute to a student’s success. Let’s explore these qualities in detail.

Hard Work and Diligence

Curiosity and love for learning.

Successful students have a deep love for learning. They are always curious and eager to know more. This quality drives them to explore new topics, ask questions, and seek answers. Their thirst for knowledge helps them to excel in their studies and beyond.

Good time management is another crucial quality. Successful students know how to balance their time between studies, hobbies, rest, and other activities. They plan their day well, ensuring they have enough time for each task. They understand that time is precious and make the most of it.

Responsibility and Discipline

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. Successful students understand that failure is a part of the learning process. They do not get disheartened by poor grades or difficult subjects. Instead, they learn from their mistakes, pick themselves up, and try again.

Good Communication Skills

Good communication skills are vital for a successful student. They need to express their ideas clearly, both in writing and speaking. This helps them to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions with teachers and classmates.

In conclusion, being a successful student is about more than just getting good grades. It’s about having a positive attitude towards learning, working hard, managing time well, being responsible and disciplined, being resilient, and having good communication skills. These qualities not only help students succeed in school but also prepare them for success in life. Remember, success is not an overnight achievement, but a result of consistent efforts and the right attitude.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Teaching the 6 Qualities of a Good Learner

One of the biggest mistakes we can make as teachers is making assumptions about what our students know and/or don’t know.

Sometimes we dumb things down for a group of students who could complete the task at a higher level, or we assume that a text is too hard for a student only to hear from their parents that they are reading that same text aloud to their siblings every night.

We also often assume that students have certain soft skills. That they understand what ‘being good’ looks like or what being ‘respectful’ sounds like. Unfortunately, not all kids are aware of these qualities and skills we take for granted.

Often, our students are not trying to be bad students; they just have no idea what a good student is.

Teaching the qualities of a good learner

I realized that my students didn’t really know what a good learner looked like, so I finally decided to start explicitly teaching it. In fact, the 6 qualities of good learners took on a special role in my classroom.

The six key qualities I focused on in my lessons …

Positive Attitude
Citizenship
Responsibility
Cooperation
Perseverance

Teaching kids about the qualities of good students and learners was at times like teaching a foreign language. Students were not familiar with the term perseverance, but they knew what ‘trying again’ was or they had heard people talk about ‘not giving up.’

The term citizenship often stumped them completely, and it was hard to get them to understand that cooperation was now about an end product, rather it was about the process a group worked through to arrive at a product/decision.

After teaching on these topics for a few years, I started to identify that good instruction on these qualities included a few key components.

First, explicit instruction.

Students needed explicit instruction on each quality. We didn’t just brainstorm a list of qualities and move on. I spent time really discussing each quality on the list with my students.

Reading about the qualities and diving into what it means to possess each quality was key for my students, and once they could ‘talk the talk,’ they were able to start ‘walking the walk.’

Second, we assessed.

I felt it was important for students to really consider where they stood on each quality. We know that it is great to be a ‘10’ in all of these qualities, but if you didn’t notice…perfection is not one of the qualities of a good learner. Having a good work ethic is.

Once we honestly assessed where we were on each quality, we knew which qualities were strengths and which needed more attention and growth.

Lastly, we spent time reflecting.

After explicitly teaching about each quality and asking students to honestly assess themselves on each quality, I gave them time to reflect. They spent time thinking deeply about which areas they needed to put more focus and created action steps to work on improving that quality. I’m sure it’s no surprise that every student had something they needed to work on.

Constructing a positive culture of learning

Explicitly teaching, assessing, and reflecting on the qualities of a good learner put the whole class on an even playing field. We knew what our goals were, and we were making plans to accomplish them. The common vocabulary that my class could now share and use to discuss our strengths and weaknesses helped us build a positive culture and community where we all knew what was expected of us.

The Tab Book

I have since developed an entire resource based around the qualities of a good learner. My Qualities of a Student Tab Book provides all three of the pieces of instruction that I believe to be most valuable for students as they learn about the qualities of a good learner: explicit instruction, assessment, and reflection.

Students are given reading passages focused on each quality, a scale to assess themselves, and space to reflect on their overall evaluation.

If you are looking for a way to help your students be more successful learners, the Qualities of a Student Tab Book may be just what you need to get the conversation started!

Thank you for this post. Just hearing the words “Students needed explicit instruction on each quality” is a game changer. We do tend to forget that teaching these concepts is important. I have copied this post (with your credits) so that I can keep this reminder close by.

Virtual Info Session

FAQs & Resource Links

Curriculum Samples

Curriculum Links
Accreditation
School Partnerships

2024 Conference Schedule

Elementary (preK-4)
Middle School (5-8)
High School
Our Faculty & Staff

"We would never have gotten through schooling during the pandemic without Oak Meadow! My children were not receiving anything close to this kind of an education in their public school. Doing this at home with my kids has brought our entire family closer in a way that I could not have ever imagined. Homeschooling has changed our lives and our family for the better!"

- Oak Meadow Parent

12 Characteristics of Successful Learners

Successful learning may happen organically, but it does not happen accidentally. One might be surrounded with rich educational resources, but without key capabilities, those learning opportunities will go untapped.

What makes a successful learner?

Successful learners…

…are leaders in their own learning.
…engage with the world around them.
…question everything.
…think for themselves.
…are driven by their interests.
…push through challenges.
…are determined to succeed.
…have inner motivation and self discipline.
…exercise their minds and their bodies.
…cultivate good habits.
…know how and when to ask for help.
…are willing to take risks, fail, and learn from their mistakes.

What other characteristics can you add to this list? How did you encourage successful learning today?

Keep reading…

12 Ways to Support Student Independence and Autonomy in Learning
Tips for Teaching Gifted Students
The Freedom to be Flexible

Crafts & Curriculum Activities
Getting Started
Guest Author
Homeschooling
Homeschooling Rhythms
Language Arts
Oak Meadow Curriculum
Transitions In Homeschooling
Uncategorized

Ask a Question

Purchase curriculum, faqs & resources, oak meadow catalog, college counseling webinars.

What Makes A Good Student? 10 Characteristics of Successful Learners

Krystal DeVille

October 7, 2023

There’s no denying that every parent hopes for the success of their children. However, most parents or guardians are unsure of how to nurture and guide their child into a successful student.

Successful learners in classrooms usually exhibit similar characteristics, regardless of their cultural background, age, or gender. By identifying the traits of a good student (as discussed below), parents can help their kids develop those characteristics that will reap the greatest benefit.

Whether they are a homeschooled student or working among fellow students in public school, these are great traits to encourage.

Table of Contents

1. Eagerness to Learn

A good student thrives in school due to their eagerness to gain knowledge. Most of it stems from parents and other people in the child’s life that have offered a wealth of interesting things to discover.

By exposing a child to a boatload of environments at a young age, they quickly learn the world is their oyster.

Make the world an intriguing place that your child will want to explore. However, parents that work this concept too hard face the risk of their child losing motivation and burning out on the learning process before school starts.

As much as learning is important, kids need to have lots of free time alone and with their peers to play and create, not just study.

Please take a look at my full guide to the best STEM subscription boxes for kids.

2. Culture of Reading

According to the U.S. Department of Education , the most crucial thing to ensure their children’s academic success in school is to cultivate a reading culture. The love of reading starts when your child is still an infant.

While a baby won’t grasp the story at this tender age, they’ll quickly become accustomed to the act of cuddling together and hearing the voice of their parent reading aloud every day.

As your child grows, keep a plethora of reading materials throughout the home, allowing them to read regularly. This will develop a positive attitude towards reading, a skill they can take with them from elementary school into higher education.

For some of the best books for young kids, check out my Best STEM Picture Books list to Inspire Future Inventors, Scientists & Engineers.

3. Willingness to Put in the Required Effort

A good student is willing to put in the effort needed to excel at school and beyond. Parents can instill this value at a fairly young age, by showing their children the reward that can come with doing a great job.

When a child learns to be proud of their work, they’ll also learn to follow through with their tasks even when they encounter a challenge. This will get your child well on their way to becoming a great student.

4. Respectful to Everyone

It’s not all about academic skills! Parents should also teach their children to respect everyone and their property. A good student doesn’t take others’ belongings without their permission and treats them with utmost care.

Similarly, a child must learn to respect their peers and adults in charge by first respecting their parents. Respect and obedience are essential values to instill in your child from the onset. After all, they’ll be called to these values every day in the classroom, from grade school to college.

Make sure to check out my article, STEM vs. STEAM : Making Room for the Arts.

5. Solid Emotional and Social Skills

School is one of the environments where a good student benefits from being nice to others. Kids need to exhibit emotional and social skills even in the absence of their parents.

These skills can be nurtured before school starts through social activities under the watchful eye of caregivers of parents. Furthermore, students need to learn how to express their feelings appropriately to others. This is an important factor even outside of school that will help them throughout their life.

6. Self-Motivated

Good learners understand the joy that stems from the completion of a task independently. As a result, they can tackle challenging assignments in the classroom without extra help.

Parents can use simple chores around the house to provide the groundwork their children require. By doing so, they make their kids feel like contributing members of the family and develop the discipline needed to get their tasks done.

Age-appropriate chores teach a child the necessity of pitching in and giving them the satisfaction that comes from knowing they handled the task all on their own.

7. Persistent and Consistent

Learning occurs consistently and slowly, case in point the process of learning how to read. Steps were involved, from holding a book the right side up and differentiating between phonetics and letters to fluency and years of practice.

Although learning to read isn’t an uphill task for neurotypical kids, they must develop building blocks and practice frequently. It’s the willingness to practice with discipline that sets an excellent student apart from the pack.

Consistency is becoming less common in adolescent children with some of the most affected areas being languages, math, and music. In each field, there must be a mastery of some fundamental skills which only comes with practice.

8. Responsibility

When children head off to the classroom, their possessions, behavior, and homework, become their responsibility. It can become overwhelming for a child who hasn’t had responsibility before.

To avoid this predicament, instill responsibility at home by ensuring your child picks up their toys after a play session, washing their hands, and having a bath without your help.

Although a young child shouldn’t be bogged down with a myriad of responsibilities and chores, a few tasks help them become independent at school as well.

9. Partners with Teachers

A child’s relationship with their teacher is crucial to their success at school. A good student recognizes that their teachers are their allies, not enemies.

However, parents usually view this relationship as being entirely in the hands of the teachers. That isn’t the case. Great learners contribute to the creation of this strong relationship. They view their teachers as invaluable resources with whom they need to partner.

Such students are easy to notice as they participate in class, ask questions to understand a topic better, seek the assistance of their teachers when need be. This can lead to better academic achievement in the long run.

10. Accustomed to Routine

School revolves around routines.

A great learner who is accustomed to a schedule usually thrives in those early days.

Although your child’s daily schedule doesn’t have to be too rigid, carving out certain times for baths, eating, going to bed, and playing will give them a sense of structure to help them transition well into the school setting.

They’ll know how to adhere to the classroom rules, whether it’s waiting in line to buy a snack or raising their hand before they speak.

By having structure and rules in the home, a child learns the security that stems from adhering to those guidelines and the value of boundaries.

The Bottom Line

Successful learners exhibit a multitude of similar traits. However, these characteristics don’t always come as naturally as you think. When parents and teachers nurture these traits from the onset, children revel in productive and successful years throughout their school experience and beyond.

Thank you for reading and please take a look at my article on the 7 best computer build kits for kids.

most recent

Activities and Games , Toy Gift Guides

Best stem subscription boxes for kids: hands-on reviews.

My son with a ramp to make a simple machine projects.

Engineering

6 projects for learning about simple machines.

Amplify Your Outdoor Living Space with Garden Décor

35 Must-Know Stats & Facts About Natural Latex Mattresses

Easy Gardening Shortcuts for Beginners

Why Buying a New Couch is Harder Than You Think

Cat Years to Human Years: Decoding the Aging Process of Your Furry Friend

STEM Education Guide

[email protected] STEM Education Guide 9125 SVL BOX Victorville, CA 92395

Your Compass for STEM Discovery

Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

How to Be a Lifelong Learner

People around the world are hungry to learn. Instructor Barbara Oakley discovered this when her online course “ Learning How to Learn ”—filmed in her basement in front of a green screen—attracted more than 1.5 million students.

Part of the goal of her course—and her new book, Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential —is to debunk some of the myths that get in the way of learning, like the belief that we’re bad at math or too old to change careers. These are just artificial obstacles, she argues.

“People can often do more, change more, and learn more—often far more—than they’ve ever dreamed possible. Our potential is hidden in plain sight all around us,” Oakley writes.

She should know: Throughout her early schooling, she flunked math and science classes and resisted family pressure to pursue a science degree. Today? She’s a professor of engineering at Oakland University, after many different jobs in between.

Her book aims to help readers discover their hidden potential, by offering them both the tools and the inspiration to transform themselves through learning.

The benefits of lifelong learning

Besides being fun, Oakley explains, continued learning can serve us well in the workforce. Many professionals today are engaging in a practice called “second-skilling”: gaining a second area of expertise, whether it’s related to their work (like a marketer learning programming) or completely different (a fundraiser training to be a yoga instructor).

When we lose our job, or work just starts to feel unsatisfying, having other skills can give us more choice and flexibility. We can quit our job and find a new one, of course, but we can also choose to move horizontally within the same organization, taking on different responsibilities.

Mindshift tells the story of one Dutch university employee who enriched her career thanks to her passion for online video gaming. Though she didn’t necessarily think of that as a “second skill,” it ended up benefitting her (and her employer) greatly: She became community manager of the university’s online courses, devising strategies to keep digital interactions civil just as she had done in the gaming world. This goes to show, Oakley writes, that we can never tell where our expertise will lead us or where it will come in handy.

Keeping our brains active and engaged in new areas also has cognitive benefits down the line. According to one study , people who knit, sew, quilt, do plumbing or carpentry, play games, use computers, or read have greater cognitive abilities as they age. Other research found that the more education you have , or the more cognitively stimulating activity you engage in , the lower your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Learning could even extend your life. People who read books for more than 3.5 hours a week are 23 percent less likely to die over a 12-year period—a good reason to keep cracking books after college!

Learn how to learn

Whether you’re inspired to learn woodworking or web development, Mindshift offers many tips that can make your learning more efficient and enjoyable.

Focus (and don’t focus). In order to absorb information, our brains need periods of intense focus followed by periods of mind-wandering , or “diffuse attention,” Oakley explains. So, learners will actually retain more if they incorporate time for rest and relaxation to allow this processing to happen. Perhaps that’s why aficionados love the Pomodoro technique , which recommends 25-minute bursts of work followed by five-minute breaks.

We should also experiment with different levels of background noise to achieve optimal focus, Oakley advises. Quiet promotes deeper focus, while minor distractions or background noise—like what you’d find at a cafe—may encourage more diffuse attention and creative insight . (While your favorite music could help you get in the zone, music that’s loud, lyrical , or displeasing might be a distraction.)

Practice efficiently. Neuroscience research is now exploring what learning looks like in the brain—and it’s bad news for those of us who loved to cram in college. Apparently the brain can only build so many neurons each night , so regular, repeated practice is crucial.

Oakley recommends learning in “chunks”—bite-sized bits of information or skills, such as a passage in a song, one karate move, or the code for a particular technical command. Practicing these regularly allows them to become second nature, freeing up space in our conscious mind and working memory so we can continue building new knowledge. (If this doesn’t happen, you may have to select a smaller chunk.)

It also helps to practice in a variety of ways, at a variety of times. To understand information more deeply, Oakley recommends actively engaging with it by teaching ourselves aloud or creating mindmaps —web-like drawings connecting different concepts and ideas. We can also try practicing in our downtime (in line at Starbucks or in the car commuting, for example), and quickly reviewing the day’s lessons before going to sleep.

Exercise. One of the most surprising—and easiest—ways to supercharge our learning is to exercise. Physical activity can actually help us grow new brain cells and neurotransmitters ; it’s also been shown to improve our long-term memory and reverse age-related declines in brain function. In fact, walking for just 11 minutes a day is enough to reap some benefits.

While clearly informed by neuroscience, Mindshift focuses more on telling stories than explaining research—which makes it a fast read. After hearing so many tales of curiosity and transformation, you yourself may be inspired to pick up that random hobby you’ve fantasized about, or take one of many college-level courses now available online for free (like our very own Science of Happiness course ). Me? The one I signed up for starts next week.

About the Author

Kira M. Newman

Kira M. Newman is the managing editor of Greater Good . Her work has been published in outlets including the Washington Post , Mindful magazine, Social Media Monthly , and Tech.co, and she is the co-editor of The Gratitude Project . Follow her on Twitter!

You May Also Enjoy

The Happiness of Pursuit: A Review of Curious?

Six Surprising Benefits of Curiosity

The Dark Side of Believing in Natural Talent

Learning might buffer brain against addiction.

Wired to Wonder

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Leverage Beyond /

22 Qualities of a Good Student

Updated on
Jan 9, 2024

What you teach children today will reflect in their tomorrow! It is necessary to tell kids some basic qualities and attributes, to ensure they behave good in society. Great lessons are not learnt in a day, hence you have to start inculcating good qualities in kids at an early age. Here are 22 must learn qualities of a good student that can take you to great places!

This Blog Includes:

Self-discipline, being motivated, being goal-driven, having perseverance, being punctual, being courteous, having a sense of respect, being responsible, being honest, being resourceful, competitive, being friendly, having patience, pursuing hard work, attentiveness, having balance, being optimistic, participating in extracurricular activities, a good listener, excellent organizer, simplicity of mind, why qualities of a good student are essential in life.

The first thing that a student should have is self-discipline. Students understands the importance of their education when they are disciplined. It helps them to set their priorities right and hence differentiate between important and non-important activities. These students don’t need a push from their teachers or parents, they themselves set their goal.

Self-motivation is an important aspect of a student. It motivates the student to progress ahead. This makes them determined and hence they don’t give up easily. They grow in life and learn new things. They are always looking forward to growing their skills.

One of the most significant qualities of a good student is that he is goal-driven . Having both short- and long-term goals will assist you in achieving your objectives. Depending on your school’s grading system, short-term goals could include completing each semester with a minimum of a 90, 1.75, or A- for an overall grade. Finishing a course or, at the very least, graduating on time are examples of long-term goals.

Importance of Choosing a Subject as Per Your Career Goals

Perseverance is synonymous with dedication. You will not quit up and accept incompetence, no matter how complex your subjects/courses are. Instead, you will always put in sufficient effort, if not more, to produce excellent output or performance.

A good student never misses class. Yes, timeliness is challenging to maintain, but if you are serious about getting the most out of your education, you will make an effort to get at school early. This will prevent you from making a terrible first impression as well as skipping early quizzes and other events.

Respecting your professors , school personnel, and fellow students demonstrates that you are more than a good student—it demonstrates that you are a decent person. As a result, make it a habit to greet or at the very least smile at folks you pass in the hallways.

Good pupils will always show a high level of respect for the nation’s, society’s, and school’s laws, as well as societal norms. Students who thrive without effort always choose the country’s aspirations over their own. When the duty of their country demands them, they are even willing to put academic pursuits aside.

Apart from following the law, good students have high regard for their teachers and fellow students, allowing them to concentrate solely on their studies rather than on issues stemming from disrespect.

One of the qualities of a good student, as well as a good performer, is responsibility. They never blame their mistakes or flaws on excuses; instead, they accept full responsibility for their acts and accept the consequences of their actions. Good students also take responsibility for developing their character while in school so that they can graduate with successful capabilities.

Hard Work vs Smart Work: What’s Better?

Cheaters do not make good students, so leave your cheating friends goodbye. Exams are assessments of your knowledge. It doesn’t matter if you don’t receive perfect grades as long as you get to evaluate how much you learned from each course. ExamCollection helps to pursue entry level examination for students.

Being resourceful involves finding solutions when there seems to be none. If you have a project but don’t have the funds to complete it, you can recycle materials that can be used to complete it. It is definitely one of the qualities of a good student.

This does not imply that you should regard your peers as competitors. Instead, being competitive implies you don’t back out of any of your classes’ hard tasks. If your teacher assigns a tough Math problem, for example, you try to solve it yourself rather than waiting for your peers to figure it out.

An excellent student is also an excellent socializer. The only thing stopping you from establishing friends with your classmates is your perception of them as potential dangers to your aim of becoming the best in class or your belief that you are not good enough to be friends with them.

Insecurity manifests itself in both of these ways. One of the qualities of a good student is that he maintains cordial relations with his peers and never envies them for their success.

Unless you are a genius , you may find it difficult to master your studies or certain talents at times. Rather than being frustrated, you must remain patient with your progress, no matter how difficult it may be. What matters is that you continue to learn and try new things.

Good students can put them all into their studies by researching widely online and through numerous recommended texts to obtain a broader understanding of various topics and see a topic from a different perspective, rather than depending just on the coursework outline provided by their lecturers. All of this can only be accomplished through hard work , as effective study takes hours.

Hard Work is the Key to Success…Or Is It Not?

One of the qualities of a good student is being attentive to what is being taught in the classroom. They concentrate intensely on what the teacher is attempting to convey during lectures, which helps a lot because they don’t have to try to understand a subject on their own after class since they didn’t pay attention during the lecture. This makes it very simple to understand subjects.

A good student is capable of being well-rounded. That is to say; you should remember that you have other responsibilities in life, such as being a child, a sibling, or a friend. Make sure you can still assist with housework, spend time with your family, and meet up with friends on occasion. Balance is important. Furthermore, they utilize assignment help resources wisely, using them to maintain a balance between study and private life, and view them as supplementary tools to enhance their understanding rather than relying on them as the primary source of assistance.

You can’t expect a school year to be without difficulties. Maintaining a happy attitude is the most effective strategy to triumph while avoiding undue stress. Never give up, no matter how difficult things become. Other qualities of a good student are diligence and determination, which go hand in hand with optimism.

Another virtue is diligence, which is similar to having a positive attitude. Students who keep a planner, start early, fight distractions, and work hard all the time are attributes of effective students who can overcome academic problems.

Students should not hesitate to participate in extracurricular activities, whether athletics, arts or any other type because these activities are aimed at increasing a student’s overall capacity. As a result, an excellent student is actively involved in extracurricular activities in order to develop all aspects of his or her personality. Good students, on the other hand, do not put their academics aside when participating in these activities.

Also Read: Types of Co Curricular Activities

A good listener is one of the most important attributes of a good student. In the classroom, he’ll be a good listener. He should pay attention to what his parents and teachers say and act on their instructions. This characteristic is also required for a student to be a good listener in order to understand what is being taught in class. As a result, he must strengthen and improve his listening skills.

Teachers will tell you that a class full of well-behaved pupils who follow procedures and rules has a better chance of demonstrating their full learning potential. In addition, students who behave well are far more likely to learn better than their peers who have had disciplinary actions taken against them.

No one wants to work with bad-mannered students who constantly create trouble, but teachers will go to great lengths for pupils who show respect, courtesy and follow the rules.

Being an excellent organizer is one of the qualities of a good student that distinguishes an exceptional student from an average student. Students who plan their time and day always perform better than those who do not. Organizing their study time, evaluation time, and other activities are all beneficial to a good student. The excellence of this organization extends beyond school-related activities.

Also Read: 10 Organizational Skills Every Student Must Have

Because of how complicated their minds are, kids frequently fail to grasp the topics being taught to them. This is not the case, however, for good students. A good learner keeps their thoughts simple, allowing tough subjects to be broken down and solved quickly.

This is critical because, while it is common for students to have complicated academic pursuits, good students consistently outperform the standard.

A good student will succeed in life more often.
They become good citizens.
A good student contributes better to a world.
Good students become a proper asset to the society.
Good Students make informed decisions and are always learning along the way.
They possess a receptive mindset.

Team Leverage Edu

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Mental Health
Relationships
Popular Posts

Select Page

The A – Z of Being a Successful Learner

Posted by Linda Stade | Nov 30, 2022 | Learning |

A successful learner knows that these 26 traits, practices, and skills are important. The good news is they can all be taught! (Includes PDF)

Being a successful learner does not mean receiving an A on every assignment or always achieving wonderful test results. Although, that would be nice. It means being engaged in learning and developing life-long skills so that learning continues forever.

A good learner is one who understands that they are responsible for their own learning. A good teacher helps, but the best teacher in the world can’t help a student who doesn’t work in partnership with them. So, what are a student’s responsibilities in that partnership?

They are all here in the A – Z of becoming a successful learner. What is great about this list is that they are all skills and traits that can be learnt.

A – Adaptable

School is a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. Each hour of the school day, you are likely to have a new teacher and a new learning space or classroom. Successful students acknowledge the need to change gears quickly and adapt to different teachers’ styles and varying expectations.

Effective learning requires bravery i n taking learning risks. If you don’t risk being wrong or looking silly every now and again, you stay safe in what you already know; however, that isn’t growing or learning.

C – Creative

Creativity is not just for Art and Drama and the razzle-dazzle subjects. Good learners are creative in their problem solving and in their thinking.

D – Determined

Not all learning comes easily. There will be obstacles and there will be frustration. Successful learning is built on determination.

E – Engaged and invested

When you care about what you are learning it becomes much less a chore and more enjoyable. Successful learning comes to those who are engaged with the content of their lessons, their teachers and their classmates. They are also invested in their learning. It matters to them!

F – Failure friendly

Failure is one of the greatest tools in the learning process. Unfortunately, too many people are simply overwhelmed by the feeling of failure rather than being able to stand back and look at the lessons it can teach us. Having the tenacity to stare down failure is an extraordinary skill.

G – Growth mindset

A growth mindset is a deeply held belief that a person can learn anything given enough time and effort. A student with a growth mindset believes that just because they haven’t mastered a skill YET, doesn’t mean they never will.

H – Healthy mind and body

Eat well, exercise and make sure you have enough sleep. By looking after the basics, you give yourself the best possible chance for successful learning.

A good learner knows keeping healthy is important

I – Internal locus of control

An internal locus of control is the understanding that you are responsible for your own success, and this includes your learning success. Someone with this view of the world takes responsibility for their own learning and achieves for their own self-fulfillment rather than external rewards.

J – Judgements are carefully considered

It is a superpower to reserve judgement until evidence and evaluation are considered critically. Take your time. Consider all the research or evidence. Think carefully. Our first reactions and ideas are seldom the most useful, insightful, or powerful.

K – Keen focus

It may feel good to message with a friend while doing your homework, or to have the tv on in the background. However, it does negatively impact your learning. Always try to work in an environment that is free from distractions and maintain keen focus for blocks of time of up to 45 minutes. Then give yourself a short break.

L – Link learning to life

When you link learning to real life it becomes more relevant and thus more engaging. There is nothing worse that learning purely for a test. When you can see that your learning will matter in the future, it matters in the present.

M – Mentors

Mentors are people who guide, challenge and give us advice. They can be a teacher, a sibling, a parent, a friend, or any trusted person. Generally, a mentor is older than you and has learnt from their experience. They share those lessons and understandings with you.

N – Navigate learning obstacles

There will always be obstacles to learning. How you navigate those obstacles is what counts. You can employ, teachers, mentors, past learning experiences, and your own internal strength and qualities, such as persistence and resilience.

O – Organisation

It is easier to be engaged and learning in class when you have the right books or resources. It’s also easier to keep up when you are doing the required work at home.

P – Practise

Nobody becomes skilled at a sport or a craft or a musical instrument without practising. Learning at school is the same. Every new skill you learn requires repetition before your brain makes it a part of your natural repertoire. If you want to be good at writing essays… write essays!

Q – Questions

The only thing better than a well-considered answer is a well-considered question. When we ask thoughtful questions instead of just absorbing facts, we move into higher order thinking and learning. That’s where growth happens.

R – Reflection

Reflect on your work and your work processes. When we reflect, we can see areas for improvement and measure our growth in the learning journey. When we don’t reflect, we keep on repeating the same mistakes. “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got”. That’s some wise advice from Henry Ford.

S – Set achievable goals

Goal setting focuses your attention on certain behaviours and information and away from distractions. Research tells us that incremental goals are far more effective than large goals. So, break your goals down into achievable steps. As you achieve each step acknowledge your progress. You will achieve goals one step at a time.

T – Teachers as partners

Successful learners see their teachers as their partners in education. A positive relationship between student and teacher is one of the most powerful factors in effective learning. You don’t have to be great mates with your teachers, but you do need a mutually respectful and productive relationship.

A good learner knows that these 26 traits, practices, and skills are important.

U – Use experiences

Learning is a building process. We add new knowledge and skills on top of old knowledge and skills. When confronted with a challenge, think about what worked well in the past and what didn’t. What do other people do that seems to work? Have you done something similar in the past that might help in this new situation?

V – Value education

If you are to achieve success in education, you need to value education. In life, we very rarely persist or strive in an endeavour if we don’t think it is valuable. Education itself may not feel important to you but think about where it can take you and what it can help you achieve. That’s valuable!

W – Work with others

Collaboration is one of the skills most highly valued by employers. In teams we can grow ideas more quickly and with the benefit of diverse experiences and skills. At school, it is possible to harness this people-power with study buddies and in study groups.

X – eXperiment

Sometimes learning is about trial and error. We often get into the habit of playing it safe just because we got satisfactory results in the past. School is the ideal place to take risks and experiment with learning. The stakes are not high, and you have teachers and family to support and guide you.

Y – You’re responsible for your learning

As you become older you can become more responsible for your own learning and learning behaviours. In secondary school you need a workable routine for getting yourself ready for a day at school and then a timetable for homework and study at home.

Z – Zone of flow

There is a space beyond our comfort zone and just before fear where we thrive in our learning. If you push yourself and become used to the discomfort of ‘not knowing’, you will build a beautiful brain.

Successful Learner Poster

Download a free copy of my A – Z of Successful Learning poster.

You will also receive my fortnightly(-ish) articles direct to your inbox

Download Poster

This article was initially written for Lourdes Hill College ‘s blog, Inspiring Girls.

About The Author

Linda stade.

Linda Stade has worked in various teaching and management roles in education for thirty years. She has worked in government and private schools, country and city, single-sex and co-ed. Currently, she is a writer, speaker, and consultant in Western Australia.

10 top attributes of an effective teacher

October 18, 2019

Award-Winning Principal Shares 10 Qualities of a Good School

February 2, 2020

Help… My Middle Schooler Is A Great Reader!

December 8, 2017

What Makes The Biggest Difference In Your Child’s Education?

June 18, 2021

Linda Stade is an educator, writer, speaker, and consultant in Western Australia. She works with parents and teachers to help grow happy, healthy kids who thrive on learning.

[email protected]

Pin It on Pinterest

Campus Life
...a student.
...a veteran.
...an alum.
...a parent.
...faculty or staff.
Class Schedule
Crisis Resources
People Finder
Change Password

UTC RAVE Alert

Seven principles for good teaching, what are the seven principles.

How can undergraduate education be improved? In 1987, Arthur W. Chickering and Zelda F. Gamson answered this question when they wrote "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education." They defined what good education means at the undergraduate level. The seven principles are based upon research on good teaching and learning in the college setting.

These principles have been intended as a guideline for faculty members, students, and administrators to follow to improve teaching and learning. Research for over 50 years on practical experience of students and teachers supports these principles. When all principles are practiced, there are six other forces in education that surface: activity, expectations, cooperation, interaction, diversity, and responsibility. Good practices work for professional programs as well as the liberal arts. They also work for a variety of students: Hispanic, Asian, young, old, rich, poor.

Teachers and students have the most responsibility for improving undergraduate education. However, improvements will need to be made by college and university leaders, and state and federal officials. It is a joint venture among all that is possible. When this does occur, faculty and administrators think of themselves as educators that have a a shared goal. Resources become available for students, faculty, and administrators to work together.

The goal of the seven principles is to prepare the student to deal with the real world.

Principle 1: Encourage contact between students and faculty.

Building rapport with students is very important. The contact between students and teachers are vital to the students' success. One of the main reasons students leave school is the feeling of isolation that they experience. The concern shown will help students get through difficult times and keep working. Faculty have many avenues to follow to open up the lines of communication.

For the regular classroom:

Invite students to visit outside of class.
Know your students by name.
Help students with problems in their extracurricular activities.
Personalize feedback on student assignments.
Attend student events.
Advise students regarding academic courses and career opportunities.
Seek out students you feel are having a problem with the course or are frequently absent.
Encourage students to present their views and participate in class discussions.
Have regular office hours.
Help students to work with other faculty. Let them know of options, research, etc. of other faculty.
Share personal experiences and values.
Use the one-minute paper at the end of class to get feedback on what the student is learning and how well they are learning it.
Talk to students on a personal level and learn about their educational and career goals.

For distance and online courses:

Try computer conferencing.
Use list serves.
Clearly communicate your email response policy.
Encourage e-mail correspondence and discussion forum use, especially beneficial for those that are shy or are from different cultures because it allows them a different avenue of communication that might be more comfortable.
"Chat time" online with faculty (at various times, scheduled weekly).
Use pictures of faculty/students.
Visit the distance sites, if possible.
Have an on-site support person.
Maintain eye contact with camera and local students.
Arrange for group work at a distance site.

Principle in action:

A York College (PA) professor has incorporated an invitation in the syllabus to encourage contact during office hours: "You are encouraged to stop in during office hours to talk about any problems or suggestions you may have concerning the course; about careers (especially graduate school or the benefits of majoring or minoring in (Insert your course here); or just about things in general. If you want to talk to me and find the schedule hours to be inconvenient, feel free to schedule an appointment."
Faculty at St. Norbert College, Wisconsin, use electronic mail discussion groups. Many instructors find that the students are more willing to participate in a written discussion than to speak up in class. The instructor monitors the discussions and participates along with the students, adding personal perspectives and ideas to those of the students.
The Residential College of Winona State University has implemented a "living-and-learn" environment to encourage student and faculty interaction. It is located 12 blocks from the main campus and houses 400 students in large, mostly single rooms. Academic activities at the Residential College include freshman seminars, sophomore common reading seminars, and an in-resident program with notable scholars or artists participating with students in a variety of experiences. Residential College faculty are located there and hold office hours. The interaction between students and faculty are enhanced because of the increased interaction.

Technology, like e-mail, computer conferencing, and the World Wide Web/Internet, now gives more opportunities for students and faculty to converse. It is efficient, convenient, and protected. It allows more privacy so that students are able to discuss more openly without fear that other students are going to hear. E-mail also gives student more time to think about what they want to say. With these new alternatives to face-to-face communication, interaction from more students should increase within the classroom.

Building awareness and diversity into student life: Pomona College. (1991). Liberal Education, 77 (1), 38-40.
First year experience creates a community of learners: Augsburg College. (1989). Liberal Education, 75 (5), 28-29.
Furlong, D. (1994). Using electronic mail to improve instruction. The Teaching Professor, 8 (6), 7.
O'Neill, K.L. and Todd-Mancillas, W.R. (1992). An investigation into the types of turning points affecting relational change in student-faculty interactions. Innovative Higher Education, 16, (4), 227-290.
Wilson, R.C., Gaff, J.G., Dienst, L.W., and Bavry, J.L. (1975). College Professors and Their Impact on Students. New York, NY: John Wiley.

Back

Principle 2: Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students.

When students are encouraged to work as a team, more learning takes place. Characteristics of good learning are collaborative and social, not competitive and isolated. Working together improves thinking and understanding.

Use cooperative learning groups
Have students participate in activities that encourage them to get to know one another.
Encourage students to join at least one organization on campus.
Assign group projects and presentations
Utilize peer tutoring.
Encourage students to participate in groups when preparing for exams and working on assignments.
Distribute performance criteria to students is that each person's grade is independent of those achieved by others.
Encourage students from different races and cultures to share their viewpoints on topics shared in class.
Use chat sites and discussion forums for student-to-student communication.
Set up teams to interact through e-mail or phone bridges with enough people at each site.
Encourage students to respond to their peers' work by posting it on the internet.
Have a question and answer time online.
Use teleconferencing for idea sharing.
Encourage online discussion groups that require interaction.
Work on group projects through phone and e-mail.
Team-teach courses.
Include an "ice-breaker" activity to allow students to share their interest and to learn about others.
Students in communication courses at Miami University develop a group "code of conduct" to help facilitate cooperative learning. A sample code is given out as a model. The sample code includes: respect each other, criticize ideas instead of people, listen actively, seek to understand before being understood, contribute to group discussion, keep an open mind, share responsibility, and attend all meetings. Students are encouraged to customize the code to address other shared concerns the group may have. Students refer to the code after each class or group session to assess their performance and identify areas for improvement.
At Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical College, students are tested both individually and collaboratively. Students are given a test date but are not told in which fashion they will be tested. Group tests are highly structured and a unanimous decision must be reached for the answer. The collaborative testing method helps students experience a sensitivity for diversity and others' point of view; develop and refine skills in persuasion, listening, and reading; and share responsibility and accountability. This method also reduces test anxiety among students.
In a first-year composition class at University of Minnesota students videotape themselves discussing apprehensions before taking the course, their feelings when they received their papers back, and what they learned from the class. Next quarter, the video is shown to new students in the course to show that the feelings they are experiencing are shared by others and helps motivate them to succeed.

Cooperative learning has several benefits. Students care more about their learning because of the interdependent nature of the process. Retention is higher because there is a social and intellectual aspect on the content material. Students also find the method more enjoyable because there is no competition placed upon them. Cooperation, not competition, is more effective in promoting student learning.

Cassini, C. (1994). Collaborative testing, grading. The Teaching Professor, 8 (4), 5.
Grading student projects: A project in itself. (1994). Adapted from For Your Consideration, 3 (3), by The Teaching Professor, 8 (2), 3-4.
Johnson, D.W. and Johnson, R.T. (1985). Cooperative Learning: Warm Ups, Grouping Strategies and Group Activities. Edina, MN: Interaction Book Co.
McKinney, K. and Graham-Buxton, M. (1993). The use of collaborative learning groups in the large class: Is it possible? Teaching Sociology, 21, 403-408.
Prescott, S. (1992). Cooperation and motivation. Cooperative Learning and College Teaching, 3 (1).
*Special note: The National Center on Post secondary Teaching, Learning, and Assessment has developed a source book on collaborative learning. Contact: NCTLA, Penn State University, 403 S. Allen St. Suite 104, University Park, PA 16801.

Back

Principle 3: Encourage active learning.

Learning is an active process. Students are not able to learn much by only sitting in classes listening to teachers, memorizing pre-packaged assignments, and churning out answers. They must be able to talk about what they are learning, write about it, relate it to past experiences, and apply it to their daily lives. Students need to make learning a part of themselves.

Ask students to relate what they are learning to something in real life.
Use journaling.
Give students concrete, real-life situations to analyze.
Encourage students to suggest new reading, projects, or course activities.
Ask students to present their work to the class.
Use of simulation software to run "what-if" scenarios allows students to manipulate variables and circumstances.
Practice role modeling and use web-based case studies to practice new thinking skills.
Encourage students to challenge your ideas, the ideas of other students, or those ideas presented in readings or other course materials in a respectful matter.
Set up problem solving activities in small groups and have each group discuss their solutions with the class.
Allow flexibility in choosing material so that it is more meaningful to the learner (e.g. students choose their own topic, project format, etc.).
Have an interactive web page.
Debate on-line.
Present students work for other students to review.
Talk about what students are learning by creating a learning group through e-mail, telephone, chat room, or conferencing.
Use e-mail for group problem solving.
At Iowa State University, history students interview prominent historical individuals during a press conference. After the press conferences, students work in groups identifying the main ideas and creating headlines and news articles that highlight those ideas.
Structured journal writing is a major part of several classes at Lesley College. Each journal entry has two parts: the first paragraph emphasizes points for recall and retention; the second part emphasizes application of the content to the student's life experience and observation.
An education professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has created a hypothetical school system, complete with administration, teachers, pupils, and families. The goal is to help the students learn the legal aspects of special education. During the semester, the students take on all roles as they participate in legal cases involving students with disabilities. Students gain an understanding of the law as it applies to special education and students with disabilities, and they develop a human understanding of the human side of the cases.

Promoting active learning in higher education is a struggle because of the learning background that many students come to classes with. This is due to the fact that the norm in our nation's secondary schools has been to promote passive learning. A large amount of information needs to be covered with not enough time, so teachers resort to lecture in order to economize their time to cover as much material as possible. Students progress from topic to topic with no real understanding of the content and how it relates to their life. Effective learning is active learning. The concept of active learning has been applied to curriculum design, internship programs, community service, laboratory science instruction, musical and speech performance, seminar classes, undergraduate research, peer teaching, and computer-assisted learning. The common thread between all these events is to stimulate students to think about how they as well as what they are learning and to take more responsibility for their own education.

Gabennesch, H. (1992). Creating quality class discussion. The Teaching Professor, 6 (9), 5.
Hands on experience in course's focus: Temple University. (1989). Liberal Education, 75 (4), 33-34.
Harrison-Pepper, S. (1991). Dramas of persuasion: Utilizing performance in the classroom. Journal of Excellence in College Teaching, 2.
Interdisciplinary approach to technology. (1998). Liberal Education, 74, (2), 23-24.
Nalcolmson, P. and Myers, R. (1993). Debates: Techniques for improving student thinking. The Teaching Professor, 7 (3) 6.

Principle 4: Give prompt feedback.

By knowing what you know and do not know gives a focus to learning. In order for students to benefit from courses, they need appropriate feedback on their performance. When starting out, students need help in evaluating their current knowledge and capabilities. Within the classroom, students need frequent opportunities to perform and receive suggestions for improvement. Throughout their time in college and especially at the end of their college career, students need chances to reflect on what they have learned, what they still need to know, and how to assess themselves.

Follow-up presentations with a five minute period for students to write down what they have learned in class.
Provide informative comments that show the students' errors and give suggestions on how they can improve.
Discuss the results of class assignments and exams with the class and individual students.
Vary assessment techniques (tests, papers, journaling, quizzes).
Offer on-line testing, software simulations, and web-based programs that provide instantaneous feedback.
Have question and answer sessions.
Use audio and/or video recordings to assess performances.
Return grades for assignments, projects, and tests within one week.
E-mail gives instant feedback instead of waiting for the next lesson.
Use on-line testing, software simulations, and web-based programs that provide instantaneous feedback.
Monitor bulletin boards regularly and give specific information feedback to students.
Use pre-class and post-class assessments.
Schedule a chat group where you, the instructor are present. Use it as a question and answer session when appropriate.
Send acknowledgment e-mails when you receive a students work.
Post answer keys after receiving assignment from all students.
Use of hyperlinks within text to provide feedback to questions raised within the text.
At the University of Scranton, a management professor, used computer scored multiple choice tests and quizzes which allowed the professor to have the tests graded during the break that followed the test or quiz. The students immediately received their results and were able to discuss the exam in detail. Students were able to understand the material better through the class discussion that occurred after the test.
Hollins College students taking the Critical Thinking course submit two copies of their papers. The second paper is critiqued by another student.
Faculty at Winona State University in the Communication Studies Department have to evaluate as many as 30 speeches a day. They developed a system of codes for the most common comments on speeches. These codes were programmed into a computer program and instructors were able to listen to the speech and type in the codes for the appropriate comments. This gave extra time to make specific comments on the individual speech and also gave students complete and prompt feedback on the entire speech.

The importance of feedback is so obvious that it is often taken for granted during the teaching and learning process. It is a simple yet powerful tool to aid in the learning process. Feedback is any means to inform a learner of their accomplishments and areas needing improvement. There are several different forms that feedback can take. They are oral, written, computer displayed, and from any of the interactions that occur in group learning. What is important is that the learner is informed and can associate the feedback with a specific response.

Brinko, K.T. (1993). The practice of giving feedback to improve teaching. Journal of Higher Education, 64 (5), 574-593.
Dohrer, G. (1991). Do teachers comments on students' papers help? College Teaching, 39 (2), 48-54.
Enhancing instructor-class communication. (1994). The Teaching Professor, 8 (3), 3-4.
More on student self-assessment. (1992). The Teaching Professor, 6 (10), 7.
Svinicki, M.D. Four R's of effective evaluation. (1993). Reprinted from The Center for Teaching Effectiveness Newsletter at the University of Texas as Austin, in The Teaching Professor, 7 (9), 3-4.

Principle 5: Emphasize time on task.

Learning needs time and energy. Efficient time-management skills are critical for students. By allowing realistic amounts of time, effective learning for students and effective teaching for faculty are able to occur. The way the institution defines time expectations for students, faculty, administrators, and other staff, can create the basis for high performance from everyone.

Expect students to complete their assignments promptly.
Clearly communicate to your students the minimum amount of time they should spend preparing for class and working on assignments.
Help students set challenging goals for their own learning.
Have realistic expectations (don't expect 10 papers in 10 weeks).
Encourage students to prepare in advance for oral presentations.
Explain to your students the consequences of non-attendance.
Meet with students who fall behind to discuss their study habits, schedules, and other commitments.
Be careful that time on task is real learning, not busy work.
Do not use technology for technology's sake. It must be relevant and useful to the topic.
Have progressive deadlines for projects and assignments.
Teach time management.
Discussion topics from class posted in a discussion group on the web .
Understand that there will be problems with the distance and technology along the way.
Identify key concepts and how those will be taught. Given the amount of time, decide what realistically can be covered.
Each distance class should involve some kind of achievement expectation that is laid out at the beginning of the course. Assign some content for out of class time.
Give up the illusion of doing it all as you might in a regular classroom.
Vary the types of interaction. In creating an interactive environment, it can be overwhelming to the students and teacher if the types of interaction required are too time consuming.
Consider both in and out of class time.
Make sure you know what your goals are and that the learners understand them as well.
Have regular discussions that require participation.
At Fort Lewis College in Colorado they have an "Innovative Month". Students are offered a series of five week summer domestic and foreign travel experiences that help them relate what they learned in the classroom to real life. The groups are limited to eight to fifteen students pre faculty member. Examples of Innovative programs include, "Management in Action", "Native American Schools", and "Music and Theater in England".
At Lower Columbia College, the Integrative Studies Program is a block of 15 to 18 credit hours, organized around a theme. Students enroll in "traditional" courses, ut must enroll in the full block. This lets the faculty reorganize the day from the traditional fifty minute classes to include whatever schedule of lectures, seminars, conferences, and discussion groups needed to achieve learning objectives for that week.
Wake Forest University teaches time management and study skills in their Learning Assistance Program and in the Learning to Learn class. Through a counseling/teaching model in the Learning Assistance Program, students are individually encouraged to learn and develop strategies to improve their academic performance. In the Learning to Learn Course, first and second year students study learning theory with emphasis on demonstrating how good time management and appropriate study skills positively affect outcome.

An easy assumption to make would be that students would be more successful if they spent more time studying. It makes sense but it over simplifies the principle of time on task. Student achievement is not simply a matter of the amount of time spent working on a task. Even though learning and development require time, it is an error to disregard how much time is available and how well the time is spent. Time on task is more complicated than one might assume.

Britton, B.K., and Tesser, A. (1991). Effects of time management practices on college grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 83 (3), 405-410.
Earth-sea-sky course combines art, science: Mississippi State University. (1988). Liberal Education, 74 (2), 29-30.
Geiger, K. (1994). Rethinking school time: New, Better, and different...as well as more. The Washington Post, June 12, 1994. p. C3.
Ludewig, L.M. (1992). The ten commandments for effective study skills. The Teaching Professor, 5 (10), 3.
Terenzini, P.T., and Pascarella, E.T. (1994). Living with myths: Undergraduate education in America. Change, pp. 28-32.

Principle 6: Communicate high expectations.

Expect more and you will get it. The poorly prepared, those unwilling to exert themselves, and the bright and motivated all need high expectations. Expecting students to perform well becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy when teachers and institutions hold high standards and make extra efforts.

Give a detailed syllabus with assignments, due dates, and a grading rubric.
Encourage students to excel at the work they do.
Give students positive reinforcement for doing outstanding work.
Encourage students to work hard in class.
Tell students that everyone works at different levels and they should strive to put forth their best effort, regardless of what level it is.
Publicly acknowledge excellent student performance.
Revise courses when needed so students remain challenged.
Work individually with students who are struggling to encourage them to stay motivated.
Encourage students to do their best instead of focusing on grades.
Call attention to excellent work in bulletin board postings or class list serves.
Show examples of your expectations with previous students' work.
Publish student work.
Provide corrective feedback. State what you did and did not like.
Be a role model to students. Model the behavior and expectations that you expect from students.
Expect students to participate.
Try to make assignments interesting and relevant to create interest.
Ask students to comment on what they are doing.
Suggest extra resources that support key points.
At Bellevue University (Nebraska), students in the Introductory Psychology course are given a guide for answering essay questions on their syllabus. The suggestions are designed to provide direction to answering a broadly stated essay question. Three exams are given throughout the course. The list of suggestions as well as the essay question are included on the first two exams. On the final exam, only the essay question is given. Students are allowed to practice their writing skills until the assistance is no longer needed.
In order to understand how students at SUNY-Plattsburgh learn and develop and how the school can help them to do so, students are required to take the College Outcomes Measures Project examination of the American College Testing Program (ACT COMP) as freshmen and again at the end of their sophomore year.
Clayton State College requires students to exhibit seven different writing styles. Several levels of proficiency are present for each of the seven criteria. All students must pass writing assessments on four different occasions.

Although it is often only discussed at the instructional level, high expectations also includes the students' performance and behavior inside and outside the classroom. College and universities expect students to meet their high expectations for performance in the classroom, but also expect a personal and professional commitment to values and ethics. They include the discipline to set goals and stick with them, an awareness and appreciation of the diversity of society, and a philosophy of service to others.

An American Imperative: Higher Expectations for Higher Education. An open letter to those concerned about the American future. Report on the Wingspread group in Higher education. (1993).
Defining what students need to know: Clayton State. (1988). Liberal Education, 74 (3), 29-30.
Gabelnick, F., MacGregor, J., Matthews, R.S., and Smith, B.L. (1990). Learning communities: Creative connections among students, faculty, and disciplines. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, (4), San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Nuhfer, E.B. (1993). Bottom line disclosure and assessment. The Teaching Professor, 7 (7), 8.
Williams, J.H. (1993). Clarifying grade expectations. The Teaching Professor, 7 (7), 1

Principle 7: Respect diverse talents and ways of learning.

There are many different ways to learn and no two people learn the same way. Students bring different talents and learning styles to the classroom. Students that excel in the seminar room may be all thumbs in the lab or art studio and vice versa. Students need the opportunity to show their talents and learn in ways that work for them. Then, they can be guided into new ways of learning that are not as easy for them.

Use Web technologies to allow students to pick and choose learning experiences that fits the way they learn.
Encourage students to speak up when they do not understand.
Use diverse teaching activities and techniques to address a broad range of students.
Select readings and design activities related to the background of students.
Provide extra material or activities for students who lack essential background knowledge or skills.
Integrate new knowledge about women, minorities, and other under-represented populations into your courses.
Use learning contracts and other activities to provide students with learning alternatives for your courses.
Encourage students from different races and cultures to share their viewpoints on topic discussed in class.
Use collaborative teaching and learning techniques and pair students so they compliment each others abilities.
Give students a problem to solve that has multiple solutions. Guide them with clues and examples.
Consider field trips.
Be familiar with Howard Gardner's research on multiple intelligences.
Encourage students to express diverse points of view in discussions.
Create learning activities filled with real-life examples and diverse perspectives.
Provide Saturday lab experiences by contracting with local high schools or community colleges.
Some CD-Roms are available that offer a simulated lab.
Balance classroom activities for all styles (some books, some hands on, some visual).
Explain theory from a practical approach first then add the structural approach.

Principle in Action:

Realizing that students can interpret exam questions in different ways, students at Georgia State University in the nursing program are given the chance to modify multiple choice exam questions that they find confusing. This student input lessens test anxiety and gives the student an opportunity to demonstrate what they know.
Western Washington University's Fairhaven College has a cluster college with an interdisciplinary curriculum and an emphasis is place on student-centered approaches to teaching and learning.
At Kalamazoo College, the K Plan gives students an on and off campus study that allows them to spend a significant amount of their time in college on career-development internships, foreign study, and individualized projects.

The meaning of diversity is very clear from effective institutions. They embrace diversity and systematically foster it. This respect for diversity should play a central part in university decisions, be apparent in the services and resources available to students and resources available to students, be a feature of every academic program, and practiced in every classroom.

Hill, P.J. (1991). Multiculturalism: The crucial philosophical and organizational issues. Change, 38-47.
Jacobs, L.C., and Chase, C.I. (1992). Developing and Using Tests Effectively: A Guide for Faculty. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Kolb, D. (1981). Learning styles and disciplinary differences. In The Modern American College, edited by A.W. Chickering and Associates. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Lynch, J.M., and Bishop-Clark, C. (1993). Traditional and nontraditional student attitudes toward the mixed age classroom. Innovative Higher Education. Winter, 109-121.
National Institute of Education. (1984). Involvement in Learning: Realizing the Potential of American Higher Education. Final report of the study group on the conditions of excellence in American higher education. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education News.

The Seven Principles:

Encourage contact between students and faculty
Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students
Encourage active learning
Give prompt feedback
Emphasize time on task
Communicate high expectations
Respect diverse talents and ways of learning
Benson, David, Lu Mattson and Les Adler (1995). Prompt Feedback. In Susan Rickey Hatfield (Ed.), The Seven Principles In Action (55-66). Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc.
Brown, David G. and Curtis W. Ellison (1995). What is Active Learning?. In Susan Rickey Hatfield (Ed.), The Seven Principles In Action (39-53). Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc.
Bunda, Mary A. (1993). The Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. Instructional Exchange 4 (1-6), 1-4.
Chickering, Arthur W. (1991). Institutionalizing the Seven Principle and the Faculty and Institutional Inventories. New Directions For Teaching And Learning. Jossey Bass Inc. 47.
Chickering, Arthur W. and Ehrmann, Stephen C. (2000). Implementing the Seven Principles: Technology as Lever. [Online]. Available: http://www.hcc.hawaii.Edu/intranet/commi.../FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/7princip/htm. [2001, January 10}.
Chickering, Arthur W. and Gamson, Zelda F. (1987). Seven Principles for Good Teaching in Undergraduate Education. AAHE Bulletin 39, 3-7.
Chizmar, John F. and Walbert, Mark S. (1999) Web-Based Learning Environments. The Journal of Economic Education 30 (3), 248.
Codde, Joseph (2000). Applying the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. {Online}. Available: http://www.msu.edu/user/coddejos/seven.htm. [2001, January 10].
Cookman, Claude (1998). A Computer-Based Graphics Course and Student's Cognitive Skills. Journalism and Mass Communication. 53 (3), 37-49.
Cross, K. Patricia. 1997. The Freshman Year: Working Out the Puzzle of a College Education. Paper presented at the Sixteenth Annual Conference on The Freshman Year Experience, Columbia, SC, February 22. (Eric Document Reproduction Services No. ED 410 773)
Graham, Charles R., Cagiltay, Kursat, Craner, Joni, and Lim, Byung-Ro (2000). Using the Seven Principles to Evaluate Online Courses. Paper presented at Distance Learning 2000: Proceedings of the Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin. (Eric Document Reproduction Services No. ED 456 235)
Hatfield, Tim and Susan Rickey Hatfield (1995). Cooperative Learning Communities. In Susan Rickey Hatfield (Ed.), The Seven Principles In Action (23-38). Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc.
Lidman, Russell M., Barbara Leigh Smith, and Thomas L. Purce (1995). Good Practice Respects Diverse Talents And Ways Of Learning. In Susan Rickey Hatfield (Ed.), The Seven Principles In Action (95-106). Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc.
Millis, B. J. (1991). Fulfilling the promise of the "seven principles" through cooperative learning: An action agenda for the University classroom. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching. 2, 139-144.
Revak, Marie (2000). If Technology is the Hammer, Where's the Nail?. Cooperation and Collaboration in College Teaching 10 (1), 21-23
Scott, Robert A. and Dorothy Echols Tobe (1995). Effective Undergraduate Education Communicates High Expectations. In Susan Rickey Hatfield (Ed.), The Seven Principles In Action (79-94). Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc.
Sturnick, Judith A. and Keith J. Conners (1995). Good Practice Encourages Student-Faculty Contact. In Susan Rickey Hatfield (Ed.), The Seven Principles In Action (9-21). Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc.
Vorkink, Stuart (1995). Time On Task. In Susan Rickey Hatfield (Ed.), The Seven Principles In Action (67-78). Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc.

Walker Center for Teaching and Learning

433 Library
Dept 4354
615 McCallie Ave
423-425-4188

What makes a good learner?

As a teacher of students who were struggling to learn I had one question.

Why do some children learn more easily than others?

I knew that it had nothing to do with a child’s intelligence because some of the slow learners I worked with were very bright – just not ‘school bright’. By ‘school bright’ I mean able to learn the way schools wanted them to.

It took training, research and asked endless questions and eventually I found my answer.

Children who learn more easily than others have the skills that lead to learning. They know how to learn!

The students who were struggling to learn did not have all the skills they needed. They did not have the vital foundational skills that make learning possible.

So what are these skills? And how can we make sure children develop them?

When you look up ‘learning skills’ you get a host of different ideas and few of them relate to how children learn in school. I took all these ideas as well as those I had been taught to diagnose in class and regrouped them into a more manageable system – one based on over 35 years as a classroom teacher, my diagnostic training and experiences and the latest research into how children learn.

Here is the result!

A good learner has developed every one of the following skills and knows how to use them. It is a simple list but it is effective. I have used this knowledge and skill categorization to help hundreds of parents unlock their child’s genius and children overcome learning hurdles.

Don’t be confused by how simple they are. They are the basis of all learning and when you know what they are you can look at your child’s learning issues in a new way, a way that leads to learning.

The Porter Skills List©

These foundational learning skills come in three categories.

There are –

physical learning skills – the skills that enable student learning –they are pretty obvious when you think about it but they can get overlooked with disastrous results.
emotional learning skills – these are attitudes children need that get them ready to learn. Without the right attitude to learning children never even try to do their work
cognitive learning skills – these are the skills children need to get their work done. They are school based skills, specific to learning in class.

Let’s take a closer look

Physical skills – The ABLE to learn skills

There are four physical attributes children need. These attributes give children the physical ability they need to learn. They seem obvious but they are often overlooked and can cause learning difficulties. Fortunately, once discovered they are easy to correct. A visit to a professional or small changes in lifestyle are often all that is needed.

Children need to be able to see clearly. Any disturbance in their visual ability becomes a learning hurdle. These ‘disturbances’ may be caused by astigmatism, myopia, long sightedness or dry eyes.

Yearly checks by an optometrist are recommended.

This is a tricky issue and has been the cause of many learning issues. Lack of hearing is a ‘hidden’ disability. The child with a hearing issue may not know this is the cause of their problems.

There are two kinds of hearing loss. One is a general hearing loss that can be corrected using hearing aids. The other is intermittent hearing loss which is much more insidious. When children have colds their ears get blocked and they cannot hear well. They miss much of what is being said in class. When the cold goes away their hearing is back to normal but they may never catch up with the learning they have missed.

Yearly check-ups from a hearing specialist are advised.

There are two kinds of movement – gross movement that uses the big muscles of the body and allows a child to walk run and jump and fine movement that uses smaller muscles and allows a child to hold a pencil and do a puzzle.

These skills of movement are developmental but if their development is delayed children are often labelled as clumsy or uncoordinated and their work can be affected. Children with major movement issues – such as those in wheelchairs- – have extra limitations on their ability to learn. Children with minor movement issues may not produce work that looks good or get chosen for the class sports team!

Learning takes energy! The brain needs energy to function well. Children get energy in two ways – food and sleep.

When a child is hungry his or her brain reverts to using their ‘primal brain’, the part of the brain that works on getting basic human needs met. There is no energy left for the ‘thinking’ part of their brain.

Please make sure your child has a nutritious breakfast. Cereal and milk is fine. It may be a good idea to get the food out the night before as mornings can be rushed. Teenagers may skip breakfast because they are still sleepy (teenagers never really wake up till later in the morning. We shouldn’t be asking them to go to school before 10 a.m.). Having cereal and milk at the ready helps them avoid doing this.

Your child’s brain needs sleep. When your child is asleep his or her brain is busy. It is sorting out the events of the day and putting useless information in the garbage. Useful information gets sent to memory for use later!

How long does this process take? A minimum of eight hours. Younger children need more sleep to help regulate their brain and renew their energy.

How much seep does your child get each night? Is he or she getting enough sleep to be ready to learn the next day?

The emotional learning skills – The READY to learn skills

Children may be able to learn, they may have the physical skills they need, but re they ready to learn? Do they have the right attitudes and ways of thinking that make them open to learning? Or does their attitude to learning get in the way of their success? Here are the four attitudes children need to be ready to learn.

Good feelings about themselves and their ability to learn.

Children need to know that they can learn. They need self-confidence in their learning abilities. When a child struggles to learn or undergoes repeated failure in school their confidence in their abilities gets smaller and smaller until the think they cannot learn and don’t even try.

Without confidence in their abilities, the confidence to keep trying despite failures, children very quickly give up and stop learning. About half of my time teaching children was spent boosting their self-confidence. Until they felt good about themselves there was no point trying to teach them.

Parents know when their child starts to lose confidence in their abilities. Talk to your child about what is happening and why. Then take steps to change the situation.

Good feelings about others and sharing knowledge

Going to school is a social activity. Social activities require sharing and taking responsibility for your actions. A child who is open to sharing what he has learned and who is responsible for getting work done is much more able to benefit from classroom teaching than a child who does not have these skills.

Children often learn in groups and they certainly learn from each other. A child who is not social, who does not feel like sharing and taking responsibility for their own actions misses out on these learning opportunities.

You want your child to be sociable, to have friends, to enjoy the company of others. If your child is having difficulty with this, you need to know why.

Your child may be shy and unwilling to share with others or aggressive and unwilling to take responsibility for his or her actions.

Whatever the situation you need to help your child have a good attitude about working and learning within the classroom situation.

Good feelings about their work and what they are learning

Children have little control over what they are taught in school. Much of what they are expected to learn seems to have little or no relevance to their lives. They wonder why they have to learn all the things they are taught and why they should put effort into seemingly irrelevant topics.

Children need to know that their efforts are going to yield results. Often the result they want is a good report card or a good mark on an exam but sometimes that is not enough to make them feel happy about their work. Then learning becomes a slog and the child is unhappy and possibly resentful.

Children need to know why they have to do the work they are given. Many young students have no idea why they go to school. Make sure your child understands why school is important and that learning sometimes seemingly irrelevant facts and subjects leads to a better outcome in life.

Good feelings about the future and what they can achieve in life

No one knows what the future will look like. Children need to be optimistic. They need to know that their future could include a family, a job they love, and enough money to cover their needs. Without hope for the future there is no point in trying to get there. There is no point in doing school work because it won’t make any difference what the child does if he or she thinks the future is out of their control.

Student who are sad or depressed do not have good feelings about the future. They are too wrapped up with their own concerns to look forward.

Curiosity is a good approach to thinking about the future. A child who is curious and asks questions is imagining what the future might look like and knowing what opportunities await gives a child some sense of control and optimism.

The best way to help your child feel good about the future is to model optimism and curiosity. If your child sees you being optimistic and curious, he will want to follow your lead.

The cognitive learning skills – the PREPARED to learn skills

When a child has the physical and emotional learning skills he or she is almost prepared to learn in class. Learning is a process and children need to be able to follow the process to get to a result. In order to follow the process of learning children need the following four skills.

Attention – the ability to focus on what matters for the amount of time it matters

Children who cannot pay attention or who have a short attention span never even get to first base! Attention is a skill that needs developing and using wisely. There are several types of attention; selective, sustained, alternating, divided, and children need to be able to use them all.

One way of helping your child learn this skill is by redirecting his or her attention when you notice it straying.

Understanding – the ability to understand what they have paid attention to

Then comes the skill of understanding. Children need to use visual and aural perception skills to make sense of what they have seen.

You can help your child makes sense of what he or she sees and hears by asking him or her to describe the experience. What did you see? What did you hear? This is also a way of helping your child develop the skill of attention.

Processing – the ability to process the information and make it their own

When your child has paid attention and understood what he or she has seen and heard the next step in the learning process is to process that information. This is normally called ‘thinking’. This thinking process takes place when new information is added and compared to what a child already knows. It is a way to push knowledge forward.

For this to happen children need to have access to their memories. You can help by asking your child if they remember another situation like this and how they handled it. Asking any of the five ‘W’ questions is also a good way of promoting thinking skills.

Production – the ability to show others what they have learned

This skill is often overlooked in school. Teachers are not good at letting students know what a finished piece of work should look like. If a student does not produce work that looks good, that answer the right questions, that is well organized and easy to understand their marks will be low.

This level of production takes time and effort. Don’t expect your child to produce perfectly produced work all the time. Decide which work needs this effort and concentrate on that.

These twelve skills will lead your child to learning, will help him or her reach their full potential and succeed in school. If children are missing, or not using, one or more of these skills they will struggle to be all that they can be.

The reason your bright child underachieves may be that he or she lacks one or more of these skills and all that is required for him or her to flourish and grow is to discover which skill needs developing and provide the support that helps your child develop it!

Do you agree with this list? Do you have any skills to add? I’d love to hear from you.

The Characteristics Of A Highly Effective Learning Environment

In a highly effective learning environment, there are opportunities for students to revisit old thinking while grappling with new ideas.

What Are The Characteristics Of A Highly Effective Learning Environment?

by Terry Heick

Wherever we are, we’d all like to think our classrooms are ‘intellectually active’ places. Progressive learning (like our 21st Century Model , for example) environments. Highly effective and conducive to student-centered learning.

But what does that mean?

The reality is, there is no single answer because teaching and learning are awkward to consider as single events or individual ‘things.’ This is all a bunch of rhetoric until we put on our white coats and study it under a microscope, at which point abstractions like curiosity, authenticity, self-knowledge, and affection will be hard to pin down.

So we put together one take on the characteristics of a highly effective classroom. They can act as a kind of criteria to measure your own against–see if you notice a pattern.

10 Characteristics Of A Highly Effective Learning Environment

1. The students ask the questions—good questions

This is not a feel-good implication, but really crucial for the whole learning process to work.

The role of curiosity has been studied (and perhaps under-studied and under-appreciated), but suffice to say that if a learner enters any learning activity with little to no natural curiosity, prospects for meaningful interaction with texts, media, and specific tasks are bleak. (Interested in how to kill learner curiosity in 12 easy steps ?)

Many teachers force students to ask questions at the outset of units or lessons, often to no avail. Cliché questions that reflect little understanding of the content can discourage teachers from ‘allowing’ them. But the fact remains—if students can’t ask great questions—even as young as elementary school—something, somewhere is unplugged.

2. Questions are valued over answers

Questions are more important than answers . So it makes sense that if good questions should lead the learning, there would be value placed on these questions. And that means adding currency whenever possible—grades (questions as assessment!), credit (give them points—they love points), creative curation (writing as a kind of graffiti on large post-it pages on the classroom walls), or simply praise and honest respect. See if you don’t notice a change.

3. Ideas come from divergent sources

Ideas for lessons, reading, tests, and projects—the fiber of formal learning—should come from a variety of sources. If they all come from narrow slivers of resources, you’re at risk of being pulled way off in one direction (that may or may not be good). An alternative? Consider sources like professional and cultural mentors, the community, content experts outside of education, and even the students themselves. Huge shift in credibility.

And when these sources disagree with one another, use that as an endlessly ‘teachable moment,’ because that’s what the real world is like.

4. A variety of learning models are used

Inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, direct instruction, peer-to-peer learning, school-to-school, eLearning, Mobile learning, the flipped classroom, and on and on—the possibilities are endless. Chances are, none are incredible enough to suit every bit of content, curriculum, and learner diversity in your classroom. A characteristic of a highly effective classroom, then, is diversity here, which also has the side-effect of improving your long-term capacity as an educator.

5. Classroom learning ’empties’ into a connected community

In a highly effective learning environment, learning doesn’t need to be radically repackaged to make sense in the ‘real world,’ but starts and ends there.

As great as it sounds for learners to reflect on Shakespeare to better understand their Uncle Eddie—and they might—depending on that kind of radical transfer to happen entirely in the minds of the learners by design may not be the best idea. Plan on this kind of transfer from the beginning.

It has to leave the classroom because they do.

6. Learning is personalized by a variety of criteria

Personalized learning is likely the future, but for now, the onus for routing students is almost entirely on the shoulders of the classroom teacher. This makes personalization—and even consistent differentiation—a challenge. One response is to personalize learning—to whatever extent you plan for—by a variety of criteria—not just assessment results or reading level, but interest, readiness-for-content, and others as well.

Then, as you adjust pace, entry points, and rigor accordingly, you’ll have a better chance of having uncovered what the learners truly ‘need.’

7. Assessment is persistent, authentic, transparent, and never punitive

Assessment is just an (often ham-fisted) attempt to get at what a learner understands. The more infrequent, clinical, murky, or threatening it is, the more you’re going to separate the ‘good students’ from the ‘good thinkers.’ And the ‘clinical’ idea has less to do with the format of the test, and more to do with the tone and emotion of the classroom in general. Why are students being tested? What’s in it for them, and their future opportunities to improve?

And feedback is quick even when the ‘grading’ may not be.

8. Criteria for success is balanced and transparent.

Students should not have to guess what ‘success’ in a highly effective classroom looks like. It should also not be entirely weighted on ‘participation,’ assessment results, attitude, or other individual factors, but rather meaningfully melted into a cohesive framework that makes sense—not to you, your colleagues, or the expert book on your shelf, but the students themselves.

9. Learning habits are constantly modeled

Cognitive, meta-cognitive, and behavioral ‘good stuff’ is constantly modeled. Curiosity, persistence, flexibility, priority, creativity, collaboration, revision, and even the classic Habits of Mind are all great places to start. So often what students learn from those around them is less directly didactic, and more indirect and observational.

Monkey see, monkey do.

10. There are constant opportunities for practice

Old thinking is revisited. Old errors are reflected on. Complex ideas are re-approached from new angles. Divergent concepts are contrasted. Bloom’s taxonomy is constantly traveled up and down, from the simple to the complex in an effort to maximize a student’s opportunities to learn—and demonstrate understanding—of content.

Founder & Director of TeachThought

1-800-NAT-UNIV (628-8648)
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
Bachelor of Arts in English
Bachelor of Arts in History
Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning
Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option (CA)
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Early Childhood Education
Education Specialist
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation
Certificate in Online Teaching (COT) Program
Online Medical Coding Program
Building Our Team Through Community Policing
Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential
Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (CA Option)
Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate with Internship Option (CA)
All Teaching & Education
Associate of Science in Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Management
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Science in Data Science
Master of Public Administration
Doctor of Criminal Justice
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
Doctor of Business Administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Business
Post-Master's Certificate in Business
Graduate Certificate in Banking
Certificate in Agile Project Management
All Business & Marketing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (California)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Second Bachelor Degree (California)
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Master of Healthcare Administration
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
Doctor of Health Administration
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership
LVN to RN 30 Unit Option Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
All Healthcare & Nursing
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation
Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Trauma Studies
Post-Master's Certificate in Psychology
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Pupil Personnel Services Credential School Counseling (PPSC)
University Internship Credential Program for Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling (California Only)
All Social Sciences & Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity
All Engineering & Technology
Associate of Arts in General Education
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
Master of Arts in English
Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Foreign Credential Bridge Program
All Arts & Humanities
Graduate Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigations
Bachelor of Public Administration
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Minor in Business Law
Master of Criminal Justice Leadership
Master of Forensic Sciences
Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Doctor of Public Administration
College of Law and Public Service
All Criminal Justice & Public Service
Paralegal Specialist Certificate Corporations
Paralegal Specialist Certificate Criminal Law
Paralegal Specialist Certificate Litigation
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Juris Doctor
Associate of Science in Human Biology
Associate of Science in General Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
All Science & Math
Program Finder
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Program Admissions
Military Admissions
Early College
Credential & Certificate Programs
Transfer Information
Speak to an Advisor
How to Pay for College
Financial Aid
Scholarships
Tuition & Fees
NU offers a variety of scholarships to help students reduce their financial burden while focusing on achieving their goals. Explore Scholarships
Colleges/Schools
University Leadership
Office of the President
Academies at NU
Course Catalog
Accreditation
Workforce and Community Education
President’s Circle
Board of Trustees
NU Foundation
Military & Veterans
Coast Guard
Space Force
National Guard & Reservist
Military Spouses & Dependents
Military Resources
NU proudly serves active duty and Veteran students from all branches of the military — at home, on base, and abroad. Military Admissions
Online Degrees & Programs
Consumer Information
Student Login
Graduation Events
Student Portal
Student Bookstore
Student Resources
Dissertation Boot Camp
Show your NU pride and shop our online store for the latest and greatest NU apparel and accessories! Shop Now
Request Info
Our Programs

Qualities of a Good Teacher: The 14 Qualities That Top Our List

When you think back on your own education, there’s probably a teacher who stands out as an exceptional source of encouragement and inspiration. Maybe it was a college professor who inspired you to change your career field — or, maybe it was a kindergarten teacher whose simple acts of kindness made a positive difference in your childhood. But no matter what grade you were in or what subject you were studying, chances are your favorite teacher possessed many of the skills and characteristics that are featured on this list, which breaks down the qualities of a good teacher in detail.

Read on as we explore the top character traits and teaching skills that educators need in 2032 and beyond. We’ve also included an overview of the credentials, degrees, and qualifications that are required to become a teacher, both in California and out of state. Whether it’s a skill you need to brush up on, a credential you need to earn, or maybe even a character trait you want to work on developing, this guide offers dozens of ideas for areas where you can start improving as an educator — and start improving your resume at the same time.

Whether they’re teaching advanced calculus or how to count to 10, effective teachers share certain universal traits in common. For example, all great educators have the ability to listen actively — not only to their students, but also to their colleagues, school administrators, and students’ family members. We’ll talk more about active listening and why it matters below, along with several other traits that teachers should try to exemplify.

According to Robert Lee, Ed.D., Dean of the Sanford College of Education , “A good teacher possesses qualities such as strong communication skills, empathy, and a passion for lifelong learning. These attributes not only foster a positive and engaging classroom environment but also enhance student success and inspire a love of learning. Good teachers also possess a deep understanding of their subject matter and can take that knowledge and make it culturally relevant for students as they develop engaging lessons. Good teachers inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential while creating an inclusive learning environment where each student is seen, valued, cared for, and respected.”

While some are less tangible than others — and potentially, more challenging to cultivate — all of them are equally worthwhile for teachers to actively develop and practice. Read on as we break down more than a dozen of the most important traits for educators, including:

Active listening
Adaptability
Collaboration
Focus on growth
Lifelong learning
Preparedness

You don’t need to have a specific personality type to be an inspiring and effective teacher. However, there are some useful traits you should work on developing or strengthening if your goal is to be a more engaging and successful educator.

1. Adaptability

Adaptability is a must for teachers, who need to continuously evaluate what’s working for their students — and even more importantly, what isn’t working. Being adaptable and flexible allows you to flow between different theories of learning and modes of teaching — something we’ll discuss momentarily — without becoming immobilized by stress or indecision.

Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is feeling or experiencing — put simply, putting yourself in another person’s shoes. As a teacher, it’s vital to practice empathy instead of making assumptions — for instance, making efforts to understand and address the root issue that’s causing a student to fall behind their peers, perform more poorly than they used to, or lash out in class.

3. Patience

Patience is important both to possess and to model for your students — who, as we discussed in our post on theories of learning, may view you as a role model and emulate your behavior. Having a reserve of patience will make it easier for you to work through each student’s unique struggles and challenges, which may be difficult or slow-going to overcome.

4. Engagement

Students are perceptive from an extremely young age and can easily tell when teachers are bored by or apathetic toward their own material. If you want to generate engagement and enthusiasm in your class, it’s imperative to exemplify those traits yourself, showing your students an infectious passion for learning — and all the exciting discoveries and hobbies that it can unlock for them!

5. Active Listening

Active listening is vital if you want to effectively diagnose and help overcome students’ unique obstacles and challenges. Seek feedback, encourage honesty, provide ways for students to contact you easily, and be attentive whenever you listen, always trying to read between the lines and assess body language while you’re communicating. Learn more about how and why you should improve your active listening skills .

6. Lifelong Learning

The best educators aren’t just interested in teaching — they also have a passion for lifelong learning, which is reflected in their enthusiasm and engagement as instructors. Continued learning and professional development deliver invaluable insight, keeping professionals “sharp” and reminding teachers of the real-world challenges that their students may be facing — creating a pathway for greater empathy. Discover more about the importance of lifelong learning and how different theories of learning could help you teach — or understand — new information.

7. Free of Bias

As an educator, you’ll be responsible for teaching an extraordinarily wide range of students. To combat inequality and discrimination and ensure fairness, you need to assess your students’ needs in a way that is free from bias — something that requires you to continuously check in with your own judgments and assumptions about others.

8. Respectful Attitude

Even in classrooms of adult learners, there’s still an inherent imbalance of power that exists between students and teachers. It’s imperative for educators to be mindful of this imbalance and ensure that students feel respected and heard for the people they are and what they contribute to the classroom.

9. Creativity

Creativity goes hand in hand with adaptability — another key trait we explored on this list. Whether you teach first graders or doctoral students, you’ll need the ability to innovate, think outside the box, and find novel solutions to challenges, which will empower you to meet a wider range of students’ needs. Being creative as an educator will also help you to foster creativity in your students — an essential skill they’ll need for countless career paths.

10. Collaborative

From parent-teacher conferences and department meetings to teaching dozens or hundreds of students every day, education is an intensely collaborative field by nature, involving a constant interplay between students, teachers, administrators, and family members. If your goal is to become an educator or transition into an educational leadership position, you’ll need strong collaborative skills to ensure you can work well with others consistently.

11. Preparation

In line with being flexible and adaptable, it’s important to be prepared for a wide range of scenarios and challenges in the classroom. You can increase your overall level of preparedness as an educator by learning about your students’ strengths and challenges, and ensuring that you consider how each of your students could be affected by your lesson plans.

12. Promote a Growth Mindset

In 2006, psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the concept of “growth mindsets” vs. “fixed mindsets” in her book Mindset: The Psychology of Success. According to Dweck, individuals with a fixed mindset perceive assets like intelligence as being determined early in life, which can cause obstacles or challenges to seem insurmountable or overwhelming. In contrast to a fixed mindset, individuals who have a growth mindset believe that traits like intelligence and creativity can be developed with practice.

13. Meet Students Where They Are

Your students will come to you from different backgrounds, skill sets, and challenges — and you need to be ready to meet them, whichever point they’ve reached in their learning. That means having the ability to accommodate students who learn at different paces, using different styles and methods, within the same classroom or group. This is another area where traits like adaptability, empathy, and patience come into play for educators.

14. Cross-Discipline Teaching

Drawing on multiple subjects and disciplines shows students how businesses operate — and how problem-solving works — in the real world, grounding their learning in practical real-life scenarios.

If you don’t possess all of these traits already, don’t panic — just be mindful that there may be some areas where you could benefit from a little practice. Whether your goal is to tune up weak skills, refine strong ones, or develop new abilities, a degree or credential program provides the perfect opportunity to acquire the qualifications and experience you need to go further in your chosen career path.

Here are just a few of the teaching credentials or degrees that graduate and undergraduate students can pursue at National University. Each option combines rigorous coursework and research with an academic seminar or field experience component, where the student has the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of — and ability to apply — the subject material they’ve covered throughout the program.

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at National University is an NCATE-accredited degree program that may be completed online or on-campus. Coursework covers topics such as Early Cognition; Early Language and Literacy; Observing, Assessing, and Planning; Children with Special Needs; Designing Emergent Curriculum; and Nature, Numbers, and Technology. For additional details about the program, explore the BAECE program page or contact our admissions office to request more information.

Master of Arts in Education (MAE)

The Master of Arts in Education , or MAE, is an NCATE-accredited program with the option to conveniently complete coursework online. The MAE is designed for students who want to acquire field experience, conduct original research, and build on their undergraduate degree with a rigorous, high-level study of the historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of today’s education industry. Program coursework includes topics such as Early Childhood Education Learning and Development; Foundations of Adult Learners; Community Development in Higher Education; Media Rich Instruction; Identity, Inclusion, and Equity; and Applied Critical Thinking. To learn more about the online or on-campus MAE program at National University, get in touch with our enrollment counselors today.

Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Teaching Credential

National University offers both Single Subject and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials , along with a wide variety of additional teaching credentials to help you reach your goals. The credential you need depends on the classes or grade levels you intend to teach and in what state, along with other factors. For example, according to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), you’ll need a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential to become an elementary school teacher, whereas anyone who “want[s] to teach in high school in California must earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential.” Finally, “Individuals who want to teach special education students in California must earn an Education Specialist Instruction Credential,” per CTC guidelines.

According to the online education resource Teaching-Certificate , “Although the…California Commission on Teacher Credentialing used to require 150 hours of professional growth to renew a clear credential, clear credentials may now be renewed without verifying any professional or continuing education requirements.” However, that doesn’t mean educators should overlook opportunities for continued learning. While no longer a CTC requirement, continuing education has several benefits for teachers and school administrators, like increasing your marketability, providing you with professional networking opportunities, and creating a path to learn and practice new skills — while keeping your old ones up-to-date.

Before we look at these skills in closer detail, it’s important to point out that the CTC requirements above are specific to California, and that the continuing education or professional development requirements for educators may differ in your state. For example, the state of Nevada requires educators to complete “15 hours each calendar year of professional development or the equivalent of in-service training.” Be sure to check with the credentialing organization in your state, like California’s Commission on Teaching Credentialing, to ensure you meet the criteria for maintaining and renewing your teaching license.

As an educator, you meet a new group of students every year — and every year, there are new developments around the science and psychology of learning. In short, students’ needs change over time, like the way that social media and mobile devices have become key learning tools among Gen Z students compared to previous generations. The student population is also becoming more diverse , not only in terms of race but also disability, along with international students and online students .

The bottom line for educators? In the face of a changing industry and student population, along with the growing importance of educational technology, teachers need to develop — and maintain — a wide range of skills to keep up. So what are the essential hard and soft skills of a teacher, and what sorts of credentials and qualifications does an educator need to obtain? Here are 15 examples, including seven hard skills and eight soft skills for teachers to master.

Ability to practice varied teaching modes and methods
Administrative skills
Communication
Classroom management skills
Computer and technological skills
Educational degrees and qualifications
Emotional intelligence
Leadership skills
Knowledge of the curriculum
Problem-solving skills
Teaching certificates and credentials
Time management skills
Writing and grammar skills

8 Important Soft Skills for Teachers

Important soft skills for teachers include time management skills, leadership skills, having a strong work ethic, problem solving abilities, high emotional intelligence, and possessing the knowledge and adaptability needed to employ a variety of teaching modes and methods.

1. Communication — Verbal, nonverbal, and written communication are fundamental for any educator. Not only does clear communication enable you to learn about your students, how they learn, and what challenges or motivates them most — it also empowers you to dialogue with parents and families, share information with your colleagues and administrators more productively, and create a more inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

2. Time Management —You expect your students to complete their assignments on time — so it’s vital that you model the same skills. Effective time management, which you can read tips about here , will help you ensure that tasks like grading papers, composing quizzes, and meeting with students are completed in a timely fashion that aligns with your curriculum and lesson plan calendar.

3. Strong Work Ethic — Teachers can be expected to carry heavy workloads. It’s essential to possess a strong work ethic to help you manage the demands of the role.

4. Problem Solving — From unexpected technical issues to bullying and conflicts between students, teachers are frequently confronted with unplanned situations that need to be resolved so that learning can continue. You’ll need robust problem-solving skills to ensure that you’re prepared to address a wide range of impediments to learning.

5. Leadership — From the renowned scholar leading a master’s-level course, to the kindergarten teacher leading their class together in a singing exercise, teachers are leaders for their students. You’ll need strong leadership skills to keep your students organized, engaged, and on-task while demonstrating respectful attitudes toward their instructors and peers.

6. Variety of Teaching Methods — Teachers need the ability to employ a variety of teaching methods to meet students’ equally varied needs, ranging from teacher-directed (like lectures and worked examples) to student-directed (like collaborative and project-based learning). For example, it’s important to be familiar with traditional methods of learning vs. inquiry-based learning . You can learn more about teaching methods and how to implement them in our guide to theories of learning.

7. Variety of Teaching Modes — Educators should be familiar with — and develop teaching strategies that are adapted to — the various VARK “modalities of learning,” an acronym that refers to “Visual, Aural, Read/write, and Kinesthetic” modes of learning. You can read more about VARK modalities here .

8. Emotional Intelligence — Emotional intelligence is a broad term that describes a person’s ability to understand, analyze, and manage their own emotional responses. Emotional intelligence is critical for teachers, who need to maintain professionalism and demonstrate leadership even when placed under high-pressure, high-stress situations.

7 Important Hard Skills for Teachers

Examples of important hard skills for teachers to develop and hone include computer skills and technological competence, classroom management skills, administrative skills, writing and grammar skills, and thorough knowledge and understanding of the curriculum. Educators also need to obtain the appropriate certificates, credentials, degrees, and additional qualifications, which we’ll discuss briefly below.

1. Computer and Technology Skills — Computers and other technology play increasing roles in education, a topic we explored in our article on educational technology . Technological proficiency is vital for teachers in any subject, especially if you plan on teaching online or media-rich courses.

2. Classroom Management — Conveying information is only part of your job as an educator. You’re also responsible for managing your classroom and student behavior, particularly for educators who teach younger children. Classroom management skills are essential for maintaining an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment that supports learning for all of your students.

3. Administrative Skills — Administrative skills include skills such as strategic thinking, strong organization and time management, and the ability to lead effectively while communicating clearly. These types of skills are useful for both school administrators and educators, with several (like time management) receiving their own places on this list!

4. Writing and Grammar Skills — It isn’t just English or creative writing teachers who need a firm grasp of grammar and spelling. You’ll need strong writing skills for routine tasks like emailing parents and administrators, correcting students’ assignments, sharing demonstrations on the board, and possibly even requesting grants or other funding.

5. Certificates and Credentials — In addition to earning your degree, you’ll also need to earn certain certificates and credentials depending on factors like where and what you’d like to teach. For example, to quote the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), “Individuals who want to teach in high school in California must earn a Single Subject Teaching Credential .” For more detailed information on that subject, we recommend exploring our overview of multiple and single subject teacher education credentials available at National University.

6. Qualifications and Degrees — Most teaching positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with certain types of teaching positions or academic employers requiring a master’s or even doctoral degree. National University offers a range of accredited online and on-campus degree programs in education to help prepare you for a career in teaching or school administration, like preparing you for professional exam requirements. Learn more about the process of becoming a teacher, or explore the state’s requirements for becoming a teacher in California.

7. Curricular Knowledge — It’s essential to have extensive and in-depth knowledge of your curriculum so that you can lead meaningful discussions and help your students connect larger ideas together. For example, you’ll need to be fluent in any foreign language that you intend to teach.

These are just a few of the many examples of good teacher qualities and skills to possess — no matter what subject you teach or at what grade level. Discover more about what it takes to become an educator by applying to a credential or degree program at National University today.

woman sitting on her porch with a laptop

Teaching begins with learning. Do both at the same time by earning your teaching degree or credential from National University. Through the Sanford College of Education, we offer a wide range of teacher credentials, associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and master’s degree programs — all with regional accreditation, financial aid options for students, and the ability to complete coursework partially or 100% online.

Follow your passion while making an impact on young (or not-so-young) minds. Talk to our admissions counselors about applying to National University and enrolling in our BAECE, MAE, or other teaching credentials and degree programs.

Learn More About Our University and Scholarships

Join our email list!

First Name *
Form Email Field
Consent * I agree to the terms and conditions below. *

Recent Resources

National University’s Online Ph.D. of Business Administration in Strategic Marketing Named One of the Best in the Nation August 20, 2024
How to Become an Investment Banker July 26, 2024
What Can You Do With an Economics Degree? July 19, 2024

Your passion. Our Programs.

Choose an area of study, select a degree level.

Search the site

Modal window with site-search and helpful links

Featured Programs

Business and Management
Computer Science
Teaching and Credentials

Helpful Links

Admissions & Application Information
Online College Degrees & Programs
Student Services
Request Your Transcripts

Terms & Conditions

By submitting your information to National University as my electronic signature and submitting this form by clicking the Request Info button above, I provide my express written consent to representatives of National University and National University affiliates (including City University of Seattle) to contact me about educational opportunities. This includes the use of automated technology, such as an automatic dialing system and pre-recorded or artificial voice messages, text messages, and mail, both electronic and physical, to the phone numbers (including cellular) and e-mail address(es) I have provided. I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary.

I understand that consent is not a condition to purchase any goods, services or property, and that I may withdraw my consent at any time by sending an email to [email protected] . I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I am consenting to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws, unless stated otherwise in our privacy policy . Please review our privacy policy for more details or contact us at [email protected] .

By submitting my information, I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Accessibility Statement .

By submitting my information, I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Student Code of Conduct located in the Catalog .

National University

Chat Options

Key Learner Characteristics for Academic Success

September 2016
International Journal of Process Education 8(2):61-82

Pacific Crest

Abstract and Figures

Discover the world's research

25+ million members
160+ million publication pages
2.3+ billion citations

Matthew Watts

Auston Van Slyke
arlene king-berry

Bernard Otu

Shaukat Aziz

William L. Scheller II

Vladimir S. Ageyev

Joseph E. Zins
Mary K. Enright

Jennifer Moon
Bernardo Gargallo

Eloina García-Félix

Peter N. Winograd

Recruit researchers
Join for free
Login Email Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google Welcome back! Please log in. Email · Hint Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google No account? Sign up

Learner Characteristics

Reference work entry
pp 1743–1745
Cite this reference work entry

Hendrik Drachsler 2 &
Paul A. Kirschner 2

2620 Accesses

6 Citations

Learner model ; Learner profile

The concept of learner characteristics is used in the sciences of learning and cognition to designate a target group of learners and define those aspects of their personal, academic, social, or cognitive self that may influence how and what they learn. Learner characteristics are important for instructional designers as they allow them to design and create tailored instructions for a target group. It is expected that by taking account of the characteristics of learners, more efficient, effective, and/or motivating instructional materials can be designed and developed.

Learner characteristics can be personal, academic, social/emotional, and/or cognitive in nature. Personal characteristics often relate to demographic information such as age, gender, maturation, language, social economic status, cultural background, and specific needs of a learner group such as particular skills and disabilities for and/or impairments to learning. Academic ...

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save.

Get 10 units per month
Download Article/Chapter or eBook
1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
Cancel anytime
Available as PDF
Read on any device
Instant download
Own it forever
Available as EPUB and PDF
Durable hardcover edition
Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Cronbach, L., & Snow, R. (1977). Aptitudes and instructional methods: A handbook for research on interactions . New York: Irvington.

Google Scholar

Guilford, J. P. (1967). The nature of human intelligence . New York: McGraw-Hill.

Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. Educational Psychologist, 46 (2), 75–86.

Manouselis, N., Drachsler, H., Vuorikari, R., Hummel, H. G. K., & Koper, R. (2011). Recommender systems in technology enhanced learning. In P. B. Kantor, F. Ricci, L. Rokach, & B. Shapira (Eds.), Recommender systems handbook . Berlin: Springer.

Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2009). Learning styles: Concepts and evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9 , 105–119.

Witkin, H. (1949). The nature and importance of individual differences in perception. Journal of Personality, 18 , 145–170.

Witkin, H. (1978). Cognitive styles in personal and cultural adaptation . Worcester: Clark University Press.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies (CELSTEC), Open University of the Netherlands, PO-Box 2960, Heerlen, DL, 6401, The Netherlands

Dr. Hendrik Drachsler & Paul A. Kirschner

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hendrik Drachsler .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

Faculty of Economics and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Education, University of Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg, Germany

Norbert M. Seel

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

About this entry

Cite this entry.

Drachsler, H., Kirschner, P.A. (2012). Learner Characteristics. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_347

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_347

Publisher Name : Springer, Boston, MA

Print ISBN : 978-1-4419-1427-9

Online ISBN : 978-1-4419-1428-6

eBook Packages : Humanities, Social Sciences and Law Reference Module Humanities and Social Sciences Reference Module Education

Share this entry

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Find a journal
Track your research

EnglishPost.org

14 Essential Characteristics of a Good Language Learner

English-language learners are students who are unable to communicate fluently or learn effectively in English, who often come from non-English-speaking homes and backgrounds,

Do you have what it takes to study and learn a language successfully? What are some characteristics of a good language learner? What do teachers see in successful language learners?

Table of Contents

15 Essential Characteristics of a Good Language Learner

Take responsibility, be organized, be creative, create opportunities, find strategies, make mistakes, remember your roots, use context, guess intelligently, don’t worry about every detail, use hacks and tricks, use production techniques, learn different styles, motivation to communicate.

These are 14 essential characteristics that good language learners should have

Good language learners find their own way and take charge of their learning. They find the methods that are best for them as individual learners. They learn form others and experiment with different methods.

Good language learners organize their study of the language, and they organize information about the language they study.

Good language learners are creative. They understand that language is creative. They experiment with the language and play with grammar, words, and sounds.

Good language learners make their own opportunities for practicing the language inside and outside of the classroom.

You can do things like watching a movie in English or learning the lyrics of your favorite song.

Good language learners learn to live with uncertainty by focusing on the meaning of what they can understand, by not getting flustered, and by continuing to talk or listen without necessarily understanding every word.

Good language learners use mnemonics and other memory strategies to recall what they are learning.

Good language learners make errors work for them and not against them. You learn a second language by trial and error

Good language learners use linguistic knowledge, including knowledge of their first language, in learning a second language.

Understand that learning a language is a logical process.

Good language learners use contextual clues to aid their comprehension of the language. They maximize use of all potential contexts around the language attended to for enhancing comprehension.

Good language learners learn to make intelligent guesses.

Good language learners learn chunks of language as wholes and formalized routines to help them perform beyond their competence. For example, they may learn idioms, proverbs, or other phrases knowing what the whole phrase means without necessarily understanding each individual part.

Good language learners learn certain tricks that keep conversations going.

Good language learners learn certain production techniques that also fill in the gaps in their own competence.

Good language learners learn different styles of speech or writing to learn to vary their language according to the formality of the situation.

One of the most important characteristics of a good language learner is finding a motivation to communicate will make a huge difference in your learning efforts, as I reflect on my own experience, I can avoid thinking about how important it was for me to talk to my friends from the United States.

Manuel Campos

I am Jose Manuel, English professor and creator of EnglishPost.org, a blog whose mission is to share lessons for those who want to learn and improve their English

How to Teach Collocations in English

5 Great Strategies to Cut Teacher Talking Time

Top-Down and Bottom-up Processing in the ESL Classroom

The 10 Characteristics Of A ‘Good Language Learner’

The 10 characteristics of a ‘Good Language Learner’ | Oxford House Barcelona

Posted on 14/06/2018
Categories: Blog

Learning a second language has a lot in common with learning to play an instrument or sport. They all require frequent practice and sustained effort. Over time learners, musicians and athletes receive feedback, refine their techniques and develop positive habits.

While individual talent or aptitude can be a factor, success in learning a new skill is more often the result of other characteristics. Ambition? Creativity? Organisation? What are the characteristics of a ‘Good Language Learner’?

Keep reading to find out the answer to this and other important questions. For example, how is learning a language different from other skills? How long does a language take to learn? What can you do to speed up that process?

The 10,000 hour rule

The 10,000 hour rule was made popular by Malcolm Gladwell in his famous book, Outliers . The main idea is that it takes a total of 10,000 hours to learn a new skill. To put that into perspective, that’s the time you would spend in a full-time job over a period of 5 years!

This estimate is wrong and here’s why. The original research, carried out by Swedish psychologist Anders Ericsson , looked at expert musicians. So, really, 10,000 hours is the time it takes not to learn a skill, but to become the very best at it. For most language learners, the aim is not to be world-class .

Language learning doesn’t involve one skill, it involves many skills. Besides the ‘classic four’ ( reading , writing , listening and speaking ), skills related to phonetic memory, the ability to retain vocabulary and solve grammatical problems are also essential.

Even so, with the right approach, a learner can reach a good level in a new language surprisingly quickly. In his TED talk , Josh Kaufman sets the figure at just 20 hours!

Maximising your efforts

Twenty hours works out as 45 minutes a day for a month. OK, you’re a busy person, so how about 30 minutes? A month isn’t enough to know a language inside-out , but daily practice is a great start.

You see, a ‘Good Language Learner’ doesn’t necessarily spend a lot of time studying. As long as you spend your time focusing on what’s important, you can maximise your efforts. This brings us onto our next rule.

The 80/20 rule ! This states that “80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes”. The rule has been used to explain trends in many different fields, from economics to baseball. As for language learning, it predicts that 80% of your progress will come from 20% of your training.

The point is that some activities are more effective than others. Clearly, half-watching an English TV series on netflix (while playing on your phone) is not time well spent.

So how does a Good Language Learner spend their time?

10 characteristics of a ‘Good Language Learner’

A good language learner…, …finds their own way.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to language learning, so you need to try different activities and resources and identify what works for you.

…organises information about language

Whether you prefer using pen and paper or the latest app , it’s important to be organised and keep track of your learning.

…uses mnemonics to remember what they have learned

These are rhymes and word associations that help you to store new vocabulary and assimilate new rules. E.g. when you come across a new word, try to connect it to a song or a brand name that you know.

…makes their own opportunities to practise using language inside and outside the classroom

The activities you do in class are important for your progress, but so is what you do out of the classroom. You should always be on the lookout for opportunities to practise.

…learns to live with uncertainty

One of the frustrations of learning a second language is not understanding everything that’s being said around you. This is normal and it’s something you just have to accept. The uncertainty will push you to learn more.

…lets the context help them in comprehension

Remember, communication is not only about language. Use people’s gestures, facial expressions and other contextual information to help you follow the conversation.

…use linguistic knowledge, including knowledge of your first language

Although no two languages are the same, there are always some useful similarities. Instead of completely ignoring your first language, start thinking about what you can and cannot borrow.

…makes intelligent guesses

Until you become highly proficient in English, there will be gaps in your knowledge. It’s fine, just think about your options and have a guess! This is an important way of testing out new words and structures.

…isn’t afraid of making mistakes

Of course, some of this guessing will lead to mistakes, maybe even some embarrassment. Don’t let it get to you, learn from your mistakes and, with any luck, you won’t repeat them.

…learns communication techniques

If you can’t think of the word, try to describe it. If you don’t understand someone, ask them to speak more slowly. These are all techniques that help you keep the conversation going.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

To carry out (pv): to conduct or do something.

World-class (adj): to be among the best in the world.

To know something inside out (exp): to know all the parts of something.

To half-watch (v): to watch with half of your attention.

One-size-fits-all (adj): suitable for all circumstances.

To be on the lookout for (vp) : to be watching carefully in order to obtain something.

pv = phrasal verb

adj = adjective

exp = expression

vp = verb phrase

Study English at Oxford House Barcelona

Catch Your Child’s Imagination With These Fun English Classes

By: oxfordadmin
Posted on 06/06/2018

World Cup Vocabulary: Let’s Talk About Football!

Posted on 20/06/2018

10 Summer Idioms From Around T

Summer’s finally here so it’s time to relax and catch some rays. You can forget about studying and taking tests unti... Read More

In, On and At: Dealing with Tr

Does this situation sound familiar? You’re writing a message to a friend in English arranging to meet. As you start to... Read More

A Guide to English for Tech Pr

If you work in the tech industry, chances are you’re learning English to advance your career. After all, it’s the mo... Read More

What Is The Schwa Sound (And W

If you’ve never heard of the schwa before, you might think it’s an unusual piece of pronunciation. It’s actually t... Read More

A Guide to English Accents Aro

Countries can have extremely different English accents despite sharing the same language. Just take the word ‘water’... Read More

Passing Cambridge C2 Proficien

Many sections of the Cambridge Proficiency are multiple-choice, so Part 2 of the Reading and Use of English can seem cha... Read More

Exploring the Impact of AI in

Gone are the days of learning from phrasebooks and filling in worksheets for homework. Now students have access to a wid... Read More

Everything You Need To Know Ab

Although you learn plural nouns early on, they can be challenging. There are many rules and exceptions to remember plus ... Read More

The Importance of English For

No matter where you live, you’ve probably experienced record-breaking temperatures and severe weather. You may have se... Read More

Discovering Barcelona Through

We all know that Barcelona is a fantastic city to live in. You only need to spend the afternoon wandering around one of ... Read More

8 New Words To Improve Your Vo

The arrival of a new year presents an ideal opportunity to work on your language goals. Whether you’re preparing for a... Read More

Learning English through Chris

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! If you resisted the urge to sing that line instead of saying it, then, we... Read More

24 Christmas Phrases for Joyfu

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to get ready for the festive period than by learning some typical Chr... Read More

3 Easy Ways To Use Music To Im

Are you ready to embark on your latest journey towards mastering the English language? We all know that music is there f... Read More

Grammar Guide – Understandin

Do you sometimes feel a bit lost when deciding which tense to use? Are you a little unsure of the differences between th... Read More

Halloween Humour: Jokes, Puns

We all need a break from time to time. Sometimes we’re up to our eyeballs in projects at work, and we just need a mome... Read More

English for Business: 7 Ways L

If you’re interested in getting a promotion at work, earning a higher salary or landing your dream job, then working o... Read More

A Beginner’s Guide to Ch

Understanding the need for exams An official exam is a fantastic way to demonstrate your English. Why? Firstly,... Read More

English Tongue Twisters to Imp

One of the most fun ways to practise and improve your pronunciation is with tongue twisters. That’s because they’re ... Read More

25 years of Oxford House – O

We all know that fantastic feeling we have after completing an academic year: nine months of English classes, often twic... Read More

Guide to the Cambridge C2 Prof

Are you working towards the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam? Have you been having sleepless nights thinking about wh... Read More

9 Tips For Communicating With

When travelling to or living in an English-speaking country, getting to know the local people can greatly enhance your e... Read More

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If those pre-exam jitters have started to appear,... Read More

English Vocabulary For Getting

Are you feeling bored of the way your hair looks? Perhaps it’s time for a new you. All you need to do is make an appoi... Read More

5 Spelling Rules For Comparati

Messi or Ronaldo? Pizza or sushi? Going to the cinema or bingeing on a series at home? A beach holiday or a walking trip... Read More

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) writing exam? If so, you may be feeling a little nervous and co... Read More

Improve your English pronuncia

What are some of the trickiest words to pronounce in English? Well, we’ve compiled a useful list of ten of the most di... Read More

Using Language Reactor To Lear

If you love watching Netflix series and videos on YouTube to learn English, then you need to download the Language React... Read More

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam? Would you like to know some tips to help you feel more at... Read More

How to use ChatGPT to practise

Are you on the lookout for an extra way to practise your English? Do you wish you had an expert available at 2 a.m. that... Read More

Well done. You’ve been moving along your English language journey for some time now. You remember the days of telling ... Read More

Tips for the IELTS listening s

Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and need some help with the listening section? If so, then you’ll know that the l... Read More

7 new English words to improve

A new year is a perfect opportunity to focus on your language goals. Maybe you are working towards an official exam. Per... Read More

How to Write a C1 Advanced Ema

Did you know that there are two parts to the C1 Advanced Writing exam? Part 1 is always a mandatory . Part 2 has ... Read More

5 Interesting Christmas tradit

When you think of the word Christmas, what springs to mind? For most people, it will be words like home, family and trad... Read More

How to write a C1 Advanced Rep

Are you preparing for the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam and need a hand with writing your report/proposal for Part 2 of the... Read More

5 of the best apps to improve

Would you like to improve your English listening skills? With all the technology that we have at our fingertips nowadays... Read More

Tips for the IELTS Reading sec

Looking for some tips to get a high band score in the IELTS Academic Reading exam? If so, then you’re in the right pla... Read More

The 5 best Halloween movies to

Boo! Are you a fan of Halloween? It’s that scary time of year again when the creepy creatures come out to play, and th... Read More

How to Write a Review for Camb

Are you planning to take the Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) exam? If so, you will need to complete two pieces of writin... Read More

How To Use Relative Pronouns i

Today we’re taking a look at some English grammar that sometimes trips up language learners. In fact, we’ve just use... Read More

How To Get Top Marks: Cambridg

So you’re taking the ? If so, you’ll know that you have four sections to prepare for: speaking, reading and use of E... Read More

Travel Vocabulary To Get Your

Summer is here and we can’t wait to go on our summer holidays! If you’re thinking about travelling overseas this yea... Read More

How To Get A High Score In The

So you’re preparing for the ! From wanting to live and work abroad to going to university in an English-speaking count... Read More

10 English Idioms To Take To T

Is there anything better than cooling off in the sea on a hot summer’s day? Well, if you live in Barcelona you hav... Read More

Tips for IELTS speaking sectio

Are you preparing for the IELTS test? If so, you’ll need to do the speaking section. While many people find speaking t... Read More

How to use 6 different English

Just when you think English couldn’t get any more confusing, we introduce you to English pronouns! The reason why peop... Read More

How to get top marks: B2 First

Congratulations – you’ve made it to the B2 First Reading and Use of English Part 7! Yet, before we get too excited, ... Read More

5 Of The Best Apps For Improvi

Speaking is often thought to be the hardest skill to master when learning English. What’s more, there are hundreds of ... Read More

Do you like putting together puzzles? If so, your problem solving skills can actually help you with B2 First Reading and... Read More

8 Vocabulary Mistakes Spanish

If you ask a Spanish speaker what they find difficult about English language learning, they may mention false friends an... Read More

How To Get Top Marks: B2 First

Picture this: You’re in your B2 First exam and you’ve finished the Use of English part. You can put it behind you fo... Read More

12 Business Phrasal Verbs to K

Want to improve your English for professional reasons? You’re in the right place. When working in English, it’s comm... Read More

How to use articles (a, an, th

Knowing what articles are and when to use them in English can be difficult for language learners to pick up. Especially ... Read More

Are you preparing for ? Reading and Use of English Part 4 may not be your cup of tea – in fact most students feel quit... Read More

Passing B2 First Part 3: Readi

Are you studying for the B2 First exam? You’re in the right place! In this series of blogs we want to show you al... Read More

8 new English words you need f

New words spring up each year! They often come from popular culture, social and political issues, and innovations in tec... Read More

7 of the Best Apps for Learnin

If you find yourself commuting often and spending a lot of time on the bus, you’ll most likely turn towards playing ga... Read More

The B2 First is one of the most popular English exams for students of English. It is a recognised qualification that can... Read More

4 Different Types Of Modal Ver

What are modal verbs? They are not quite the same as regular verbs such as play, walk and swim. Modal verbs are a type o... Read More

So you’ve decided to take the ! Formerly known as FCE or the First Certificate, this is by far most popular exam. Whe... Read More

Useful Expressions For Negotia

A lot of our global business is conducted in English. So, there’s a strong chance you may have to learn how to negotia... Read More

Passing C1 Advanced Part 8: Re

If you’re wondering how to do Part 8 of the Reading and Use of English paper, you’re in the right place! After s... Read More

The Difference Between IELTS G

You’ve probably heard of . It’s the world’s leading test for study, work and migration after all. And as the world... Read More

Passing C1 Advanced Part 7: Re

Welcome to Part 7 of the Reading and Use of English paper. This task is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. One where you have ... Read More

The Benefits Of Learning Engli

Who said learning English was just for the young? You're never too old to learn something new. There are plenty of benef... Read More

So, you’re preparing to take the . You’ve been studying for each of the four sections; reading, writing, speaking an... Read More

6 Reels Accounts to Learn Engl

Are you looking for ways to learn English during the summer holidays? We’ve got you covered – Instagram Reels is a n... Read More

Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced

Well done you! You’ve made it to Part 6 of the Reading and Use of English exam. Not long to go now – just three mor... Read More

8 Resources To Help Beginner E

Learning a new language is hard, but fun. If you are learning English but need some help, our monthly course is what y... Read More

5 Famous Speeches To Help you

Everyone likes listening to inspiring speeches. Gifted speakers have a way of making people want to listen and take acti... Read More

How To Write A B2 First Formal

Dear reader… We sincerely hope you enjoyed our previous blog posts about the Writing section of the B2 First. As promi... Read More

4 Conditionals In English And

Conditionals? Is that something you use after shampooing your hair? Not quite. You may have heard your English teacher t... Read More

After racing through the first four parts of the Cambridge English Reading and Use of English paper, you’ve managed t... Read More

7 Of The Best Apps For Learnin

There are roughly 170,000 words in use in the English language. Thankfully, most native English speakers only have a voc... Read More

How to write a B2 First inform

You're probably very familiar with sending emails (and sometimes letters) in your first language. But how about in Engli... Read More

How can I teach my kids Englis

Keep kids’ minds sharp over the Easter holidays with some entertaining, educational activities in English. There are l... Read More

How Roxana went from Beginner

Roxana Milanes is twenty five and from Cuba. She began English classes back in May 2019 at Oxford House, and since then ... Read More

4 Future Tenses In English And

“Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” - Doc Brown, Back to the future. Just like the and... Read More

10 Business Idioms For The Wor

Business idioms are used throughout the workplace. In meetings, conversations and even whilst making at the coffee mac... Read More

5 Tips For Reading The News In

We spend hours consuming the news. With one click of a button we have access to thousands of news stories all on our pho... Read More

How To Write a Report: Cambrid

Imagine the scene. It’s exam day. You’re nearly at the end of your . You’ve just finished writing Part 1 - , and n... Read More

8 English Words You Need For 2

Back in December 2019, we sat down and attempted to make a list of . No one could have predicted the year that was about... Read More

5 Christmas Movies On Netflix

Christmas movies are one of the best things about the holiday season. They’re fun, they get you in the mood for the ho... Read More

MigraCode: An Inspiring New Pa

Oxford House are extremely proud to announce our partnership with MigraCode - a Barcelona-based charity which trains ref... Read More

The Ultimate Guide To Video Co

The age of telecommunication is well and truly here. Most of our business meetings now take place via video conferencing... Read More

6 Pronunciation Mistakes Spani

One of the biggest challenges for Spanish speakers when learning English is pronunciation. Often it’s a struggle to pr... Read More

6 Ways You Can Learn English w

“Alexa, what exactly are you?” Alexa is a virtual AI assistant owned by Amazon. She is voice-activated - like Sir... Read More

Passing Cambridge C1 Advanced:

Okay, take a deep breath. We’re about to enter the danger zone of the Cambridge exam - Reading and Use of English Par... Read More

What’s new at Oxford House f

Welcome to the new school year! It’s great to have you back. We’d like to remind you that , and classes are all st... Read More

European Languages Day: Where

The 26th of September is . It’s a day to celebrate Europe’s rich linguistic diversity and show the importance of lan... Read More

Back To School: 9 Tips For Lan

It’s the start of a new academic term and new courses are about to begin. This is the perfect opportunity to set your ... Read More

How to Maximise Your Online Co

If there’s one good thing to come out of this year, it’s that learning a language has never been so easy or accessib... Read More

How To Learn English With TikT

Are you bored of Facebook? Tired of Instagram? Don’t feel part of the Twitter generation? Perhaps what you’re lookin... Read More

A Brief Guide To Different Bri

It’s a fact! The UK is obsessed with the way people talk. And with , it’s no surprise why. That’s right, accents a... Read More

Study English This Summer At O

Summer is here! And more than ever, we’re in need of a bit of sunshine. But with travel restrictions still in place, m... Read More

5 Reasons To Learn English Out

As Barcelona and the rest of Spain enters the ‘new normality’, it’s time to plan ahead for the summer. Kids and te... Read More

5 Free Online Resources For Ca

Are you preparing for a Cambridge English qualification? Have you devoured all of your past papers and need some extra e... Read More

6 Different Uses Of The Word �

The word ‘get’ is one of the most common and versatile verbs in English. It can be used in lots of different ways, a... Read More

What Are The 4 Present Tenses

There are three main verb tenses in English - , the present and the future - which each have various forms and uses. Tod... Read More

5 Of The Best Netflix Series T

On average, Netflix subscribers spend streaming their favourite content. With so many binge-worthy series out there, it... Read More

Continue Studying Online At Ox

Due to the ongoing emergency lockdown measures imposed by the Spanish Government . We don’t know when we will be a... Read More

Five Ways To celebrate Sant Jo

The feast of Sant Jordi is one of Barcelona’s most popular and enduring celebrations. Sant Jordi is the patron saint o... Read More

What’s It Like To Study Onli

Educational institutions all over the world have shut their doors. From nurseries to universities, business schools to l... Read More

6 Benefits of Learning English

Whatever your new year’s resolution was this year, it probably didn’t involve staying at home all day. For many of u... Read More

9 Tips For Studying A Language

With the recent outbreak of Covid-19, many of us may have to gather our books and study from home. Schools are clos... Read More

10 Ways To Learn English At Ho

Being stuck inside can make you feel like you’re going crazy. But why not use this time to your advantage, and work on... Read More

Important Information –

Dear students, Due to the recent emergency measures from the Government concerning COVID-19, Oxford House premises wi... Read More

7 Books You Should Read To Imp

Reading is one of the best ways to practice English. It’s fun, relaxing and helps you improve your comprehension skill... Read More

Your Guide To Moving To The US

So that’s it! It’s decided, you’re moving to the USA. It’s time to hike the soaring mountains, listen to country... Read More

How to write a C1 Advanced Ess

The is an excellent qualification to aim for if you’re thinking of studying or working abroad. It’s recognised by u... Read More

Small Talk For Business Englis

Like it or not, small talk is an important part of business. Whether it’s in a lift, at a conference, in a meeting roo... Read More

English Vocabulary For Going O

It’s time for that famous celebration of love and romance - Valentine’s Day! It is inspired by the sad story of Sain... Read More

IELTS: Writing Part 2 –

When it comes to exams, preparation is the key to success - and the IELTS Writing Paper Part 2 is no exception! It is wo... Read More

5 Unmissable Events at Oxford

At Oxford House, we know learning a language extends beyond the classroom. It’s important to practise your skills in m... Read More

Am I ready for the C1 Advanced

Congratulations! You’ve passed your Cambridge B2 First exam. It was a hard road but you did it. Now what’s next? Som... Read More

Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle. When you see its lush green landscape and breathtaking views, it’s easy to see w... Read More

How SMART Goals Can Help You I

New year, new you. As one year ends and another begins, many of us like to set ourselves goals in order to make our live... Read More

15 New English Words You Need

Each year new words enter the English language. Some are added to dictionaries like . Others are old words that are give... Read More

Our Year In Review: Top 10 Blo

2019 went by in a flash - and what a year it’s been! We’re just as excited to be looking back on the past 12 months ... Read More

Telephone Interviews In Englis

Telephone interviews in English can seem scary. Employers often use them to filter-out candidates before the face-to-fa... Read More

How to Write a Great Article i

Writing in your only language can be a challenge, but writing in another language can be a complete nightmare ! Where do... Read More

A Black Friday Guide to Shoppi

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. Traditionally, it signals the start of the Christmas shopping period. Expect... Read More

Passing C1 Advanced: Part 3 Re

SUGGESTED TOPICS
The Magazine
Newsletters
Managing Yourself
Managing Teams
Work-life Balance
The Big Idea
Data & Visuals
Reading Lists
Case Selections
HBR Learning
Topic Feeds
Account Settings
Email Preferences

Good Leaders Are Good Learners

Lauren A. Keating,
Peter A. Heslin,
Susan (Sue) Ashford

Set goals, experiment, and reflect.

When it comes to learning how to lead, experience has better rewards than leadership academies– if leaders are conscientious about how and what they are learning. Leaders can learn from their experiences by diligently working through each of the following three phases of the experiential learning cycle: setting learning goals, experimenting, and reflecting on experiments.

Although organizations spend more than $24 billion annually on leadership development, many leaders who have attended leadership programs struggle to implement what they’ve learned. It’s not because the programs are bad but because leadership is best learned from experience .

Lauren A. Keating is a doctoral student at UNSW Sydney Business School, Australia. Her research focuses on the role of mindsets in a range of career and leadership development issues.
Peter A. Heslin is Associate Professor of Management at the UNSW Sydney Business School, Australia. Peter lives his passion for discovering and sharing useful ideas in the realms of employee engagement, leadership development, career success, and Agile software development.
Susan (Sue) Ashford is the Michael and Susan Jandernoa Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Sue is an award-winning scholar whose passion is using her teaching and research work to help people to be maximally effective in their work lives, with an emphasis on self-leadership, proactivity, change from below, and leadership and its development.

Partner Center

Characteristics of an Effective Teacher Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Reference list.

Following the current technological advancement in technology and modernization, the demand for education has been revealed to rise sharply among the various age groups in contemporary society. On this basis, therefore, the quality of teachers entrusted with the task of teaching the current technologically oriented society should be credited to a big extent. As it has been revealed, many teachers fail to affect many educational programs among the learners as a result of poor training grounds for them thus making them lack various crucial characteristics that teachers should have. This paper presents a critical overview of characteristics that the current teachers should have to be effective in their teaching (Dube & Sibusiso, 1997).

Perhaps, an effective teacher should be able to motivate and encourage his/her learners as well as counsel them in various aspects. As a matter of fact, learners ought to be motivated and encouraged so as to develop morale in the curriculum. More so, an effective teacher should be able to impart subject contents well so that, the learners may be in a position to understand the concepts intended well. In this respect, therefore, teachers ought to prepare for any lesson they have to teach so that, they can deliver the best content to the learners (Highet, 1979).

Certainly, an effective teacher should be able to use pertinent graphics and teaching aids in their teaching process. By so doing, the teacher would be enhancing the understanding of the subject matter more deeply; thus making it retain for long in learners’ minds. It should also be noted that an effective teacher should accept advice from other people which enables him/her to improve in one aspect or another. It is of crucial significance to note that, teachers should uphold a favorable learning environment for his/her learners. By so doing the teacher would be enhancing better and efficient learning among the learners (Highet, 1979).

Further, an effective teacher should be ‘learner centered’ in which all the activities involved in the teaching session should be meant to benefit the learner. In this respect, therefore, the teacher should be able to communicate effectively with his/her learners so as to ensure coherence and harmony throughout his/her teaching session. More specifically, the teacher should develop positive relationships with his/her learners; which would motivate and encourage his/her learners to enhance more learning (Highet, 1979).

It is important to note that, an effect should be able to treat his/her learners equally regarding them with a sense of respect. By treating all the learners equally, the teacher would be encouraging the instilling of social norms among his/her learners which would further enhance better classroom learning. Employing practical information among the learners would be necessary for an effective teacher. It is thus important that a classroom teacher should employ practical knowledge among his/her learners which would further prepare them for their future careers. Generalized, a classroom teacher should be well organized and capable of maintaining and instilling discipline among his/her learners (Dube & Sibusiso, 1997).

As it has been revealed, classroom teachers should acquire various useful characteristics which would enhance efficiency in their teaching. By acquiring these characteristics, a teacher ensures his efficiency and effectiveness in producing positively oriented graduates into the society to engage in various production activities. It thus leaves no doubt that; teachers ought to incorporate their humanitarianism with professionalism, so as to be effective in their teachings; which would further enhance better learning among the learners.

Dube, M. & Sibusiso M. (1997). Characteristics of an Effective Teacher. In Adult Education and Development Vol. 48(2) pg 13-29.

Highet, G. (1979). The Art of Teaching . London: Methuen & Co. Ltd.

Self-Management for Enhancing Teaching and Learning
Effective Teachers' Skills and Qualities
Ophthalmic Drops & Ointments and Age Considerations
Classroom Reorganization for Enhancing Learning
How to Motivate and Reward Teachers
Role, Responsibilities and Boundaries of a Teacher in Terms of Teaching Cycle
Team Collaboration Between Teachers in Schools
Why I Enjoyed a Particular Teacher
Three Basic Ethical Considerations in Educational Practice
Why Professionalism Is Important for Teachers
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, December 31). Characteristics of an Effective Teacher. https://ivypanda.com/essays/characteristics-of-an-effective-teacher/

"Characteristics of an Effective Teacher." IvyPanda , 31 Dec. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/characteristics-of-an-effective-teacher/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Characteristics of an Effective Teacher'. 31 December.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Characteristics of an Effective Teacher." December 31, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/characteristics-of-an-effective-teacher/.

1. IvyPanda . "Characteristics of an Effective Teacher." December 31, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/characteristics-of-an-effective-teacher/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Characteristics of an Effective Teacher." December 31, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/characteristics-of-an-effective-teacher/.

Home — Essay Samples — Business — Leadership — The Qualities Of A Good Leader

The Qualities of a Good Leader

Categories: Leadership

About this sample

Words: 462 |

Published: Mar 13, 2024

Words: 462 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Effective communication, strong decision-making skills, inspiration and motivation, adaptability.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Karlyna PhD

Verified writer

Expert in: Business

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

4 pages / 1915 words

2 pages / 1039 words

3 pages / 1222 words

1 pages / 502 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Leadership

When we think of a marching band, our thoughts may naturally turn to the musicians and their instruments, but often overlooked is the vital role of the drum major. The drum major, typically positioned at the front of the band, [...]

The concept of leadership is multifaceted, encompassing various theories and models that aim to understand the dynamics of effective leadership. The 5 Levels of Leadership Essay explores one such model, highlighting the five [...]

Foundations of Army Leadership: This essay delves into the core principles and values that serve as the bedrock of leadership within the military context. Leadership is not only crucial for success in the military but also has [...]

Have you ever wondered why do you want to be a leader? The aspiration to lead is a complex and multifaceted one, often rooted in personal values, experiences, and aspirations. The pursuit of leadership roles is a prevalent [...]

Induction into the National Honor Society validates academic goals that I have worked extremely hard towards thus far. Membership would not only help maintain my academic performance, but assist me in accomplishing further goals [...]

To be a successful future front-runner or influencer it can’t be easily achieved by accident, rather it is by track records of dedication, resolute and accomplishments over a certain period of time embodied with the intention [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

IMAGES

Essay 14
12 Characteristics of Successful Learners
Adult Learner Characteristics and Learning Factors
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LANGUAGE LEARNER
Profile of a Learner Essay Example
If we are learning in a classroom or with online tutors, we should add

COMMENTS

100 Words Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student
This creates a positive learning environment. Conclusion. In conclusion, a successful student has self-discipline, curiosity, determination, and respectfulness. These qualities help them excel in school and prepare them for future success. 250 Words Essay on Qualities Of A Successful Student Hard Work
Teaching the 6 Qualities of a Good Learner
Citizenship. Responsibility. Cooperation. Work Ethic. Perseverance. Teaching kids about the qualities of good students and learners was at times like teaching a foreign language. Students were not familiar with the term perseverance, but they knew what 'trying again' was or they had heard people talk about 'not giving up.'.
10 Characteristics of a Good Student
7. A good student is able to connect learning to life. A successful student is able to see their studies in the context of the wider world. If a child has read, observed and discussed the world, issues and ideas on a regular basis, they will be able to place their learning in context.
12 Characteristics of Successful Learners
12 Characteristics of Successful Learners. Successful learning may happen organically, but it does not happen accidentally. One might be surrounded with rich educational resources, but without key capabilities, those learning opportunities will go untapped. ... cultivate good habits. …know how and when to ask for help. …are willing to take ...
What Makes A Good Student? 10 Characteristics of Successful Learners
6. Self-Motivated. Good learners understand the joy that stems from the completion of a task independently. As a result, they can tackle challenging assignments in the classroom without extra help. Parents can use simple chores around the house to provide the groundwork their children require.
How to Be a Lifelong Learner
Exercise. One of the most surprising—and easiest—ways to supercharge our learning is to exercise. Physical activity can actually help us grow new brain cells and neurotransmitters; it's also been shown to improve our long-term memory and reverse age-related declines in brain function. In fact, walking for just 11 minutes a day is enough ...
22 Qualities of a Good Student
Some of the qualities of a good learner are mentioned below:-. They work well independently as well as in groups. The have the ability of critical thinking and asking questions to deepen their understanding. To enhance their learning, they take responsible risks. They accept, reflect and learn from their mistakes.
A
A - Z of Being a Successful Learner. Learning. A successful learner knows that these 26 traits, practices, and skills are important. The good news is they can all be taught! (Includes PDF) Being a successful learner does not mean receiving an A on every assignment or always achieving wonderful test results. Although, that would be nice.
Seven Principles for Good Teaching
Principle 2: Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students. When students are encouraged to work as a team, more learning takes place. Characteristics of good learning are collaborative and social, not competitive and isolated. Working together improves thinking and understanding.
PDF Chapter 1: The learner attributes in teaching and learning
needs to engage and challenge the learner's thinking so that they are made to think hard. Every learner brings knowledge, understanding and learning habits to the learning process. These need to be recognised and positively challenged for learning to occur. The concept of the proximal zone of development, introduced by Vygotsky (1978), is
What makes a good learner?
emotional learning skills - these are attitudes children need that get them ready to learn. Without the right attitude to learning children never even try to do their work. cognitive learning skills - these are the skills children need to get their work done. They are school based skills, specific to learning in class.
10 Characteristics Of A Highly Effective Learning Environment
9. Learning habits are constantly modeled. Cognitive, meta-cognitive, and behavioral 'good stuff' is constantly modeled. Curiosity, persistence, flexibility, priority, creativity, collaboration, revision, and even the classic Habits of Mind are all great places to start.
Qualities of a Good Teacher: The 14 Qualities That Top Our List
8 Important Soft Skills for Teachers. Important soft skills for teachers include time management skills, leadership skills, having a strong work ethic, problem solving abilities, high emotional intelligence, and possessing the knowledge and adaptability needed to employ a variety of teaching modes and methods. 1.
Key Learner Characteristics for Academic Success
program. The characteristics that make up the PQCL ar e organized into seven performance categories: (1) growth. mindset, (2) academic mindset, (3) learning processes, (4) learning strategies, (5 ...
Full article: Good teachers are always learning
The two criteria 'willingness to learn and motivation to teach' resonate with the notion of 'growth mindset' (Dweck 2006 ): a 'can-do' approach that promotes learning. The teacher with a growth mindset questions, keeps trying, draws on strategies she or he has learned, and uses mistakes as leverage for new learning.
Seven Characteristics Of A Good Learner Analysis
The first characteristic, good learners are curious, is one that I relate with. Weimer describes this characteristic as a person who wonders about a variety of subjects beyond their scope and loves the discovery aspect of learning and this curiosity being highly addictive. (Weimer) I absolutely love to gain new knowledge of anything and everything.
Ten Characteristics of a Good Language Learner
Practice makes perfect, and it's the same for learning languages. The more you practice, the more fluent you will become in a second language. 3. Uninhibited. The good language learner is uninhibited. He or she is not afraid to speak and initiate a conversation with a teacher or a stranger. Consequently, the learner will have more opportunities ...
Learner Characteristics
The concept of learner characteristics is used in the sciences of learning and cognition to designate a target group of learners and define those aspects of their personal, academic, social, or cognitive self that may influence how and what they learn. Learner characteristics are important for instructional designers as they allow them to design and create tailored instructions for a target group.
14 Essential Characteristics of a Good Language Learner
Good language learners find their own way and take charge of their learning. They find the methods that are best for them as individual learners. They learn form others and experiment with different methods. Be Organized. Good language learners organize their study of the language, and they organize information about the language they study. Be ...
The 10 Characteristics Of A 'Good Language Learner'
The 10 Characteristics Of A 'Good Language Learner'. Learning a second language has a lot in common with learning to play an instrument or sport. They all require frequent practice and sustained effort. Over time learners, musicians and athletes receive feedback, refine their techniques and develop positive habits.
Good Leaders Are Good Learners
Good Leaders Are Good Learners. by. Lauren A. Keating, Peter A. Heslin, and. Susan (Sue) Ashford. August 10, 2017. Summary. When it comes to learning how to lead, experience has better rewards ...
Characteristics of an Effective Teacher
Main body. Perhaps, an effective teacher should be able to motivate and encourage his/her learners as well as counsel them in various aspects. As a matter of fact, learners ought to be motivated and encouraged so as to develop morale in the curriculum. More so, an effective teacher should be able to impart subject contents well so that, the ...
The Qualities Of A Good Leader: [Essay Example], 462 words
Another important quality of a good leader is integrity. A leader should be honest, ethical, and consistent in their actions. They should be able to gain the trust and respect of their team members, and lead by example. Research has shown that leaders who demonstrate integrity are more likely to have loyal and dedicated followers (Simons, 2002).