Australia celebrates World Teachers Day this Oct 26, but any day is a good one to praise a former (or current) teacher for good teaching. Teachers rarely hear that their efforts have made a lasting impact. I remember best the teachers who saw promise in me, who opened new vistas for me, or who set good models for me. For instance, a new teacher, Mr. Quick, taught my primary school class about car engines — he even took us out to look at an engine. His enthusiasm for teaching was contagious. A high school English teacher, Mr. Dubin, praised my creative writing. That was about a year after he had been severely beaten by a shockingly aggressive student at the school. Gentle Mr. Dubin took boxing lessons after his beating so he could defend himself, but he kept on teaching like a champ. At my university, a public speaking professor made me give one more speech than I thought was required by the syllabus. Because I was anxious about public speaking, I felt angry about that. That anger replaced my anxiety (I refused to care much about how well I did), and I have never felt anxious about public speaking since then. He did the right thing for me! I could go on about law and clinical psychology instructors who set good models in their patient, professional manner, but I won’t. These good men and women showed me many things, including how to teach effectively. I have used the lessons in the classroom and with my own children. I thanked one years later. Maybe it is time to thank another…
Did some teacher have a lasting positive effect on you? Which teacher? What was the effect? Did you ever say thanks? Reinforcement in the form of praise can be powerful.
John Malouff, PhD, JD
Assoc Prof of Psychology
Hi John,
I often reflect on teachers who have had a great influence on my life. Two lectures when an undergraduate are always there. Alberto Albani (Italian, of course) gave a two hour lecture on the influences of history on the marine geology of Venice. From Alberto I learned truly holistic thinking. Mike Archer asked us to describe a whole ecosystem after being give one fossilised tooth; then showed us how use deductive reasoning. And then there was the physics lecturer who walked in with a piece of chalk, gave the whole lecture and then entertained us as well: by stunts like unleahiing a CO2 cylinder’s contents all over the front three rows of earnest students – I’ll always remember the relationship between pressure, volume and state changes. The guy was Head of School, but just as enthusiastic about teaching first year students for a few classes. I am always excited by teachers who can teach first year students with enthusiasm, which brings to mind an American psychologist with a passion for education, sharing and challenging students. Thanks John for your contribution to PSYC101 and PSYC102. Always refreshing to listen to you.
Hi Michael. Thanks for including me in your list! Good teachers show enthusiasm for teaching and enthusiasm for learning. The teacher thereby stirs interest in the student, whose positive response reinforces the efforts of the teacher. The positive interactions can become self-sustaining, like a nuclear chain reaction!
Hi Dr Malouff
I had a high school maths teacher who was such a brilliant mathematician and taught maths with such ease and simplicity that I was able to understand every formula etc without any trouble. I was so surprised that I was able to achieve top marks and even won a maths award because of her. I thanked her so much for her help her ability to teach so successfully. I now find mathematics very easy and do not find it difficult at all and actually enjoy it. I reflect sometimes about my liking for numbers and I can honestly say it was because of her. So bring on more stats!
By the way I agree with Michael, I enjoy your lectures greatly and will be taking Psyc 314 next year and I cant wait.
Hi CM. Teachers provide important models, especially with regard to what is worth learning.