Learners’ Beliefs of an Effective Teacher: A Case of Iranian Context

Abstract

The influence that teachers have on learners’ achievements is unquestionable. Learners’ beliefs and perspectives are also considered as a determining factor in their academic achievements. Sixty students from the University of Tehran’s Center for Extra Curricular Activities participated in this study. The participants’ perception of their teachers in different aspects, such as Personality of the teacher, Proficiency of the teacher, Teaching skills, was investigated. The findings revealed that teaching skills were viewed, by learners, as the most influential characteristic of a teacher. Proficiency and personality of a teacher were ranked second and third accordingly. The results of the study had certain implications for teachers and teacher educators.