When 10-year-old Hina steps into Mrs Ahmed’s classroom, she feels like she’s entering another world. “She explains things so clearly,” Hina says, her eyes lighting up. “She uses discussion and exploration to make everything understandable.” Like Hina, thousands of students across Pakistan hold similar views on what makes a great teacher — clear explanations, engaged learning, and a supportive approach.
AKU Institute for Educational Development surveyed over 600 students across Pakistan to understand what they value most in their teachers. The results shed light on the qualities students believe make a teacher effective.
How to gauge an effective teacher?
Students consider effective teachers to have two key attributes: the ability to explain complex concepts clearly and engagingly; and a supportive, empathetic nature. They appreciate teachers who create an interactive, inclusive environment where questions are encouraged. One student noted, “My teacher doesn’t just stick to the book; she uses real-life examples and engages us in discussions.”
Beyond academics, students value social-emotional support. Teachers who listen, show empathy and maintain a non-judgmental classroom help students feel comfortable and engaged. “I feel safe asking questions because my teacher never makes me feel bad,” shared another student. This shows how important it is for teachers to build an inclusive atmosphere where all students can thrive.
Advice from students: How teachers can improve
Students suggested a two-pronged approach for teachers to be effective. First, enhancement of humanistic qualities such as being respectful, supportive and fair. Second, students underscored the importance of teachers staying abreast of current knowledge and employing diverse teaching methods along with use of real-world examples to make lessons more relevant.
Bridging academic and emotional needs
The findings of this research illuminate the dual expectations students have for their teachers: they seek educators who are both academically proficient and emotionally supportive. While effective teaching strategies are crucial for students’ conceptual clarity, their emotional and psychological well-being is equally vital in defining a teacher’s effectiveness.
Aisha Naz Ansari
Karachi
