What Students Want: A Study of Desirable Teacher Characteristics as Perceived by Their Students

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate student preferences and characteristics exhibited by their lecturers. A comparison of these opinions was also conducted based on students’ sex, age and academic achievement. The results of this study will provide a guide for universities to assist lecturers to improve the quality of their teaching. A sample group of 84 students studying in a Faculty of Information Technology and Communication at a Thai university were selected using simple random sampling techniques. The research used questionnaire and interview techniques which were designed to determine participants’ attitudes using a five point Likert scale with an overall reliability value of 0.938. Descriptive statistical analysis included percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings indicate that students prefer lecturers who are approachable, treat them with respect, are obviously well prepared, communicate well and exhibit a teaching style that students find easy to understand. Interestingly, student preferences were influenced by sex and age, but there was no statistical significance related to student academic achievement. This research clearly indicates that lecturers who are approachable, have good communication skills, and are well prepared are more valued by students. Students are more likely to attend lectures and engage with these lecturers and therefore be more successful at university.



Author Information
Yuwanuch Gulatee, Nakhonphanom University and Edith Cowan University, Thailand

Paper Information
Conference: ACE2016
Stream: Education and Technology: Teaching, Learning, Technology & Education Support

This paper is part of the ACE2016 Conference Proceedings (View)
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Posted by James Alexander Gordon