Factors affecting teaching
How well teaching works depends on six factors: the teacher, the learner, support material, instructional facilities, the learning environment and the institution.
The six factors
| Factor | What matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher | Subject mastery, communication, personality, attitude, commitment, choice of method | A teacher who questions and gives feedback keeps students engaged |
| Learner | Readiness, motivation, intelligence, prior knowledge, health, home background | A hungry or anxious student learns less, however good the lecture |
| Support material | Textbooks, references, handouts, e-content, audio-visual aids | Good readings and slides make abstract ideas concrete |
| Instructional facilities | Classrooms, labs, library, ICT, seating, lighting, ventilation | A lab with working equipment allows real experiments |
| Learning environment | Physical setting plus social and emotional climate | Students ask more when mistakes are not mocked |
| Institution | Leadership, policies, class size, timetable, culture, resources | Large classes and rigid timetables limit discussion |
Classroom climate (Lewin, Lippitt and White)
From Kurt Lewin's studies of leadership styles. NET treats the democratic climate as the most effective.
Teacher-related factors NET likes
- Mastery of the subject and of teaching methods.
- Clear, audible speech and skilful questioning.
- Positive attitude: fairness, patience, empathy, enthusiasm.
- Classroom and time management.
- Expectations: high teacher expectations tend to raise performance (Pygmalion or Rosenthal effect).
- Commitment to continuing professional development.
NET mostly asks this as situation-based items ('the best way to improve learning here is…') and statement sets that sort factors into teacher-, learner- or institution-related.
Typical MCQ: “Class size and timetable are factors related to which category?” The institution. Institutional policy and resources decide class size, timetable and facilities.
Typical MCQ: “What is the Pygmalion (Rosenthal) effect in the classroom?” Students tend to perform up to the teacher's expectations, so high expectations improve results.
T-L-S-I-E-I: 'Teachers Like Students In Every Institution': Teacher, Learner, Support material, Instructional facilities, Environment, Institution.