What Students Really Think: Teacher Habits That Help and Hurt
As a Grade 10 student, let me say this straight: teachers are like Wi-Fi routers. If the connection is strong, learning flows smoothly. But when the signal drops, even the best subject feels like watching paint dry. This article provide
Principals, managers, and education ministries may review teachers, but let’s be honest — students spend hours daily with them. We know what habits push us away and what traits make us genuinely respect and admire our teachers.
Key Takeaways
- Bad habits (like favoritism, ignoring voices, fear-based teaching) weaken the student–teacher bond.
- Great traits (fairness, humor, patience, encouragement) make classrooms more inspiring.
- Students silently evaluate teachers every day — not just by how much they know, but by how they make us feel.
Table of Contents
8 Habits That Distance Teachers From Students
So let us skim through Teacher Habits That Help and Hurt. First: 8 Habits That Distance Teachers From Students
1. Talking Like a Robot
Some teachers sound like they swallowed the textbook whole. No pauses, no excitement, just… monotone. Students mentally check out faster than a Wi-Fi signal in a thunderstorm.
Impact: Kills curiosity, makes even interesting subjects boring.
2. Playing Favorites
That one “teacher’s pet” who always gets the biggest smile, the extra mark, and the easiest questions? Yeah, the rest of us notice. It doesn’t motivate us — it just feels unfair.
Impact: Divides the class and lowers trust.
3. Overusing Fear
“If you don’t study, you’ll fail in life” is about as outdated as floppy disks. Fear might push us for a test or two, but it doesn’t build respect or passion for learning.
Impact: Creates anxiety, reduces self-confidence, kills creativity.
4. Ignoring Student Voices
Sometimes students raise hands, only to be dismissed with, “You should know this already.” If we knew, we wouldn’t be asking. Ignoring questions is like shutting the classroom door on curiosity.
Impact: Students stop asking questions, learning gaps grow.
5. Overloading With Tests
Quizzes are fine. But a test every other day? That’s just a sign of running out of lesson ideas. Assessments should help learning, not turn school into a stress factory.
Impact: Burnout, memorization without understanding, resentment toward the subject.
6. Homework Without Purpose
Copying the same page three times isn’t “practice.” It’s punishment. Homework should challenge thinking, not handwriting stamina.
Impact: Students start hating homework and the subject.
If you are a teacher reading this article, check this interesting one: Quick Quiz What’s Your Teaching Personality Type? Beautiful Insights! | AllGoodSchools
7. Lack of Preparation
We notice when teachers “wing it.” And worse is when they pretend to know everything but don’t. Students respect honesty: a teacher who says, “Let me find out and get back to you,” earns far more trust than one faking it.
Impact: Weakens credibility, lowers respect.
8. Disrespecting Students Publicly
Correcting mistakes is fine. But some teachers scold or embarrass students in front of everyone. That’s like using a loudspeaker when a whisper would do.
Impact: Humiliates students, reduces confidence, and strains the teacher–student bond.
8 Personality Traits Students Love in Teachers
So let us skim through the remaining 8 Teacher Habits That Help and Hurt.
1- Humor (Used Wisely)
A joke about “algebra being x’s personal drama” suddenly makes math less scary. Teachers who use humor smartly can turn even dull lessons into fun sessions.
2- Fairness
We admire teachers who treat every student equally. Fairness builds trust, and trust motivates effort. check this 50 Effective Reasons I Am A Good Teacher | AllGoodSchools
3- Patience
Some students need one explanation, some need five, and others are still stuck at “what chapter are we on?” Patient teachers don’t snap — they adapt.
UNESCO emphasizes this in its Inclusive Education guidelines.
4- Approachability
Teachers who smile, listen, and genuinely care about how we’re doing — beyond grades — become mentors, not just authorities.
For practical tips, check our Education section.
5- Encouragement
A simple “I believe in you” can work better than ten lectures on failure. Encouragement fuels confidence and helps us take risks in learning.
6- Passion That Spreads
When teachers genuinely love their subject, it shows. Their energy is contagious, and suddenly even history dates or physics formulas feel alive.
7- Adaptability
Teachers who experiment with new teaching methods — videos, group work, or even AI tools — feel refreshing. We notice when someone puts in effort to keep learning modern. Process Of Hiring A Great Teacher With 10 Critical Skills | AllGoodSchools
8- Respect for Students
Respect is a two-way street. When teachers value our opinions, avoid sarcasm, and treat us like individuals, students automatically give that respect back.
The Bigger Picture
Teachers aren’t just there to finish the syllabus; they shape how we think about learning and life. Bad habits like favoritism, fear-based teaching, or public shaming chip away at trust. Great traits like fairness, humor, patience, and encouragement build it back stronger.
Yes, managers and principals review teachers, but the silent review from students is what really defines a teacher’s legacy. Because long after we forget exam formulas, we remember how a teacher made us feel — respected, inspired, or ignored.
The best teachers are not perfect; they are evolving. They listen not only to policy guidelines but also to the heartbeat of their classroom. The Best Teachers are the Ones That Change Their Mind – ComposeCreate.com
And those teachers? They’re unforgettable.
