Abstract:
This research paper investigates the characteristics of good teachers according to the
perception of grade eight students in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts. 100 grade eight
students from various villages of this district were selected using random sampling method
for this study. This study was carried out using qualitative and quantitative research methods
at the centers of Special Intensive English Language Teaching (SIELT) prorgamme for three
months. Through questionnaire, interviews, and discussions, the qualitative validity of this
study was proved while the marks obtained by the students in term examinations in the
particular teachers’ subject were analyzed qualitatively. The study revealed that ability to
explain lessons clearly, teaching subjects humorously, expressing love, gentleness and
kindness, pleasant personality, encouraging students, and being flexible are the chief
characteristics of good teachers and the students hate the teachers those who scold them
frequently while implementing strict rules and regulation in the class. According to the
survey, ability to explain lessons clearly is the most important characteristic of a good
teacher. Also majority of the students feel that teachers should be humorous and they should
express their love and gentleness in and outside the class instead of expressing harshness
when interacting with them. It is noted that, even though some teachers are strict in the
class, the students love them as they can explain lessons clearly. Thus, this study
recommends certain qualities that should be developed by the teachers in order to provide
child centered education as Educational philosopher John Dewey pointed out in his
Utilitarianism theory.
