Our interviews and surveys of SPSU students from various majors presented us with an insight into what they think are the teaching characteristics that help them learn better-- is it the teachers’ enthusiasm and presentation? Is it their knowledge of content? We asked them what teaching characteristics help them learn best and to rate it on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important to them. On the top is a graphical representation of the students’ rating and below are more student comments:

Chris Muscato, Management: “I think preparedness of the teacher is very important. Some teachers are very good at it. Some are not. For example, it is very helpful when teachers give the students a rubric of how they will assess the students. Some teachers do this well, whereas others don’t.”

Jeff, Construction: “Teachers need to know the subject, but presentation of the content is equally important. If presentation is bad you won’t learn anything.”

Michael Griffin, Quality Assurance: “The teacher’s energy, enthusiasm are surely the driving force behind all student learning.”

Anthony Laborde, EET: “Surely, a teacher’s enthusiasm can make a big difference. I am taking a music appreciation class and the teacher’s enthusiasm and sense of humor are such that I am always at the edge of my seat and feel highly motivated. In contrast, I’m taking another class, where the professor shows absolutely no enthusiasm and it isn’t motivating to learn in that class.”

Chriscot, Management: “You shouldn’t be in college if you are not enthusiastic yourself. Teachers’ enthusiasm is important for core classes. But soon you need to be motivated yourself. If the teachers are keeping their office hours, staying after classes to clarify doubts, are available to the students, then they are doing a good job.”