Qualities All Our Least Favorite Teachers Share
In all your years of schooling, you've likely encountered a couple of teachers you disliked along the way. We're pretty sure we can name several of the reasons why too. Don't worry, there are a lot of others out there that probably agree with you. Here are 20 frustrating things that teachers often do that students hate.
1. Giving Surprise Tests
If there's one thing all students hate, it's having a teacher who gives unnecessary pop quizzes on a daily basis. What's the point? Whether it's performance anxiety or unpreparedness, there are a number of reasons that can affect a student's test score. They should be given notice in advance so they have time to study and perform to the best of their abilities.
2. Assigning Way Too Much Homework
We're not saying teachers shouldn't give homework, but what we are saying is that it's important to understand balance. Giving an excessive amount of homework only causes burn out and may make students develop negative feelings toward the subject.
3. Favoritism
It's a teacher's job to display unbiased behavior to all of their students. It's not right to pick a favourite and give them preferential treatment just because they learn faster or do better in the subject. All it does is create a negative environment where other students feel like the teacher is being unfair.
4. Confusing Grading
To all the teachers out there - create a grading rubric and stick to it. Grading students in an inconsistent or unfair manner just gives them whiplash. How are they supposed to do well in the class if you can't decide on how you want to mark them?
5. Not Listening to Students
Yes, as the teacher, you do have control over the classroom. That being said, it doesn't mean that you should ignore what your students have to say. Teachers who dominate and refuse to listen to feedback are generally disliked by students. No one wants to interact with someone who thinks they're always right.
6. Punishing the Whole Class for One Student’s Behavior
If one student chooses to be problematic, punish the individual, not the whole classroom. Having the entire classroom suffer through the consequences together only creates resentment. You don't want everyone hating on the student who caused it to begin with. You want to create a space of positivity, not negativity.
7. Monotonous Teaching Methods
Don't get offended if your students don't like the subject you're teaching. It's only natural that some subjects are boring to most students. If that's the case, it's your job as the teacher to make them feel engaged. Switch up your teaching methods, get them involved, use interesting examples, and so on. Relying on the same old boring teaching method when teaching an already boring subject will only make your students less interested.
8. Not Providing Clear Instructions
Students absolutely hate it when teachers fail to give clear instructions on what to do. Especially if it's for an important assignment or project. How are you supposed to succeed and do well when you don't even understand what's expected of you? Teachers, always do your best to give easy to understand instructions. Your students will definitely appreciate you more.
9. Overly Strict
What does a strict teacher look like? One that doesn't let you eat in class, one that points out every little sound you make, and one that follows very rigid schedules. The stricter you are as a teacher, the harder it is for your students to feel comfortable and shine. No one wants to risk getting yelled at for saying something wrong.
10. No Enthusiasm
Tying in with having a monotonous teaching style, students find it incredibly unsatisfying being taught by an uninspired, unenthusiastic teacher. If they're bored of the subject, how are you supposed to find it interesting? This just leaves students feeling unmotivated and wishing for the bell to ring faster.
11. Talking Too Fast
If you're a teacher, please do all your students a favor and slow down when instructing. There's nothing more frustrating than a teacher who speaks way too quickly - so much so that it's impossible to note down everything they're saying. It's even worse if there's no physical or electronic copy to refer back to.
12. Interrupting Students
Teachers should always be giving their students a chance to speak and ask their questions. During this time, don't interrupt them! Let them finish their thoughts so that it creates a healthy classroom environment where students feel like they can comfortably learn.
13. Slow To Return Assignments
We understand that teachers have a life of their own too, but there should be a time limit to how long it takes to return assignments. Students need to review their mistakes and study from past homework to improve. It can also be incredibly frustrating not knowing how well you did on a project you worked really hard on.
14. Using Overly Complex Explanations
When walking into a new classroom for the first time, it's important that teachers remember the students likely know nothing or very little about the subject. Using overly complex language or difficult to understand examples only confuses the students. There's no need to show off your knowledge - you should be doing everything you can to help them understand, not make things harder.
15. Ignoring Diverse Learning Styles
As you probably know yourself, everyone learns a little bit differently. That's why when teaching students, it's absolutely crucial that teachers take this to heart. Not everyone can learn as quickly as others, and some require more help. Students really appreciate teachers who take the time to incorporate as many different methods as possible so that everyone gets a chance to excel.
16. Using Outdated Course Materials
Come on now, it's 2024 already. So why are some teachers still using textbooks from before the 2000s? Students hate having to use outdated course material that feels irrelevant or rigid. People want to know about the latest information going on in the world, and teachers should try to match this interest to make their lessons more engaging.
17. Inflexibility with Deadlines
Look, life happens. Sometimes people face serious emergencies or complications that are unavoidable. For students, it can tack on a lot of extra stress, especially if they're faced with oncoming tests or homework. We understand that coursework is important, but don't you think showing a bit of kindness is important too? Teachers who show zero sympathy and understanding in these situations are often disliked by most students.
18. Being Unapproachable
Regardless of your appearance, what matters most is how you carry yourself. You can have a mean-looking face, but if your students know you mean well, it still makes you approachable. Teachers who cut themselves off from students create a tense environment that makes it uncomfortable for them to ask questions. Creating a positive bond between teacher and student in the classroom is a lot more important than you might think.
19. Lack of Classroom Management
Classrooms should always feel safe, contained, and comfortable. Teachers who just don't care and let anything happen create the most unproductive learning environments possible. How are students expected to learn when there's so much chaos going around?
20. Overloading Information
Last but not least, a major pet peeve that many students have is when their teacher tries to load way too much information into one session. It's already difficult enough learning one new concept, but five? That's way too much! It's a better idea to give students time to process and understand the lessons before moving on too quickly.
