Teachers Perspective on Quality of Teaching in Schools

Abstract

Research across the globe consistently demonstrates that teachers are important factors in determining the learning and achievement level of students. Hence, improving the quality of teaching and its process may be one of the effective means of raising pupil achievement levels. By quality in teaching, we mean possessing competencies to teach effectively. However, making teaching most effective is not just a one-dimensional term as it depends upon a number of ways in which other resources work in combination. Hence, it becomes important to discuss those dimensions which affect the quality and competencies in teaching. Improvement in these dimensions can help in enhancing the expertise and motivation of teachers towards achieving the common goals of quality secondary education and better learning outcomes in schools. Therefore, in this regard an attempt has been made to examine the teachers’ perspectives on various issues which are limiting their competencies and teaching abilities, thus restricting them in adopting efficient teaching practices and methods. This chapter thus provides better understanding on existing teaching environments and practices in schools, working conditions, problems faced by teachers in achieving their professional goals, and perceptions on various issues by elaborating on the important factors at school level, student level, and teachers self-evaluation. The chapter is further divided into six sections; the first section provides details on facilities available in schools and their working conditions; second section elucidates on the characteristics of teaching practices and aptitude; the third section discusses the extent of teacher–student interactions; fourth section discusses various factors affecting teaching abilities; the fifth section deals with perceptions of teachers; while the last section summarizes the major findings of the chapter.