HIDDEN CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHERS

Abstract

This article explores faculty viewpoints, values, and behavior regarding faculty student interaction in and outside of the classroom. The research is qualitative in nature, consisting of systematic observations of five effective community college faculty members interacting with students in the classroom, supplemented with open‐ended interviews of faculty. The results of the study validate earlier research on effective college teaching and suggest additional “hidden characteristics” that help to explain why some professors are particularly effective. These characteristics are significant in that they have not been previously reported. Attention is shifted away from just looking at a teacher's command of the subject, organizational skills, and rapport with students. Characteristics such as charisma and altruism also come into consideration, bringing forth the concept of teacher as messiah. For these faculty, teaching is more than an occupation; it's a dedication to leave the world a better place, an opport...