Secondary school students’ perspectives on characteristics of good and effective teachers in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish secondary school students' perspectives on the characteristics of good and effective teachers in Meru County, Kenya. Teachers are the cornerstone of schools, playing a critical role in raising educational standards. There is, therefore, a need to understand the specific attributes that students deem important for effective teaching. This paper aimed to fill this gap by investigating the points of view of secondary school students on the qualities of good and effective teachers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilising questionnaires and focus group discussions to gather data from 127 form 3 and 4 students in a public secondary school in Meru County. The quantitative analysis involved percentages, while qualitative data was analysed narratively. The study findings revealed a consensus among students regarding the qualities they value in teachers, including knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm, approachability, and the ability to create a supportive learning environment. The study concluded that effective teaching is not solely determined by subject content knowledge but also by a range of interpersonal skills and instructional practices. Teachers who are friendly and approachable are highly rated by their students. Understanding students' perspectives on effective teaching characteristics is crucial for aligning instructional practices with their needs and preferences. The study recommended that teacher professional development programs should focus not only on improving content knowledge and instructional strategies but also on the development of interpersonal skills, classroom management techniques, and strategies for fostering positive teacher-student relationships.