Factors Affecting Teachers’ Performance

By: Prof. Haider K. Bairmani, PhD.

The performance of teachers is one of the most critical factors in education. Teaching performance involves the conduct of instruction, which includes activities such as asking questions, offering explanations, giving directions, showing approval, and other instructional actions carried out by a teacher in the classroom (Rao, 2001, p.64).

Edis (1995, p.24) describes teaching performance as the professional act of instruction. Anderson (1991, p.19) notes that a teacher’s effectiveness varies depending on their goals and the students they teach. Teachers, like their students, bring different levels of knowledge, skills, aptitude, attitudes, and values to the classroom, as well as varying levels of teaching experience.

1-Teacher’s Attitude

Attitude is a mental and physical state of readiness. Klein (2006, p.111) defines attitude as “an idea charged with emotion which predisposes a class of actions to a particular class of social situation.” This state of readiness is crucial in shaping the teacher’s approach in the classroom.

2-Teacher’s Personality

According to Challahan (1987, p.317), personality is the dynamic organization of traits and characteristic behavior patterns unique to each individual. A teacher’s personality is essential in fostering a positive classroom environment where students feel comfortable and motivated to learn. A teacher with a desirable teaching personality is one who can create and maintain such an atmosphere.

3-Teacher’s Mastery of Subject Matter

A teacher’s education is grounded in a foundation of general education, which includes mastery of the subject matter, along with an understanding of its interconnections and professional skills. General education contributes to the teacher’s overall development, while specialization provides in-depth knowledge of the subjects they teach. This, combined with professional training, results in a teacher’s ability to acquire new skills for effective performance (Nayak and Rao, 2002, p.119).

4- Techniques and Methods of Teaching

A teacher’s performance is significantly influenced by the teaching methods they employ. Teachers may choose from various teaching methods, such as teacher-centered, learner-centered, interactive, active learning, and problem-solving approaches. The chosen approach affects the teacher’s effectiveness and the overall classroom experience. Good teachers possess deep knowledge in their subject area and are adept at communicating background information, enriching content, and motivating students. Furthermore, they take care to prepare students for learning experiences and demonstrations, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and engagement in their presentations (Deiro, 1996, p.98).