In my final year of high school, I had an English teacher whom I remember (some 18 years later) in highly unfavourable terms. I will never forget her treatment of us, her students, whose opinions of her ranged from mild dislike from the most passive student to varied degrees of hatred from the majority of the class. This sorry soul, however, has served a valuable purpose in my life. She will always remind me of someone I never want to be nor should ever develop into. This article is the first of a series dedicated to the memories of the great teachers that I have had in my life, all of whom have been the opposite to the one woman who remains in my mind in the most horrible of terms.

Teaching can be likened to driving. The way one learns to drive is by driving. Similarly, one learns to teach by teaching. Mistakes will be made, but this is one way of improving teaching - by making mistakes, identifying them, learning from them, then correcting them and improving.

While not every teacher can expect to be the perfect educator, there are many ways to improve one's teaching skills, and in so doing enable one to find teaching easier, less stressful and possibly even more enjoyable. Contrary to common perceptions, teaching is really not an easy job. Unlike other professions, teaching is hardly ever limited to teaching alone. A teacher has to play various roles, ranging from educating, managing classes and situations, entertaining students so as to keep them interested, counselling, making decisions that sometimes have nothing to do with the teacher's life, playing surrogate parent/ guardian, disciplining, arbitrating and sometimes even playing the role of a marriage counsellor to parents whose troubled relationships have negative effects on their kids' performance at school. It is not surprising that many teachers feel frustrated and unappreciated.

Guidance on methods to improve teaching can help teachers in both their teaching skills and classroom management and allow them to perform better as teachers. Job satisfaction means happier teachers, which translates to a more relaxed learning environment.

It is not the duty or the job of a teacher to befriend his or her students. Befriending ones students could be potentially dangerous, as friends hardly enjoy taking orders from their friends. Neither do they like being told what to do. It is however, essential that the teacher does his best to ensure that students are comfortable enough with him to feel empowered in the classroom. Empowerment in this context refers to a level of comfort where the student can understand the teacher, can communicate with the teacher easily and feel no fear or shame at having to ask the teacher questions.

Good treatment of one's students goes a long way. If a teacher treats his students with respect, they are more likely to do the same and pay more attention to him. Why would students respect someone whom they feel has no respect for them? Moreover, respect is not something that can be demanded. It is something that has to be earned. A teacher who takes pride in his work is one who can sit back at the end of the day knowing full well that he gave his all.

It is imperative that the teacher be empathetic to the needs of his students. This will create a better understanding between them and students will feel more secure knowing that they have a teacher who identifies with them and has their interests at heart. A teacher who does not connect with his students stands little chance of making full progress with them.

One of the roles that a successful teacher has to play is that of a leader as well as a follower. This might sound ironic, but there are numerous occasions when a student can, due to ability or experience, lead the class. It is at this point that the teacher should become a student and accept that he is in fact learning from his student. Should the teacher acknowledge his student's contribution, he will come across as being humble and as someone who accepts the opinions of those who are supposed to be learning from him.

While it is good idea to watch other teachers teach, a teacher should always remain authentic and stick to what works for him. There is nothing worse than being a poor clone of someone else.

Ultimately good teaching boils down to having the knowledge of the subject that is being taught, the willingness to share it, the interest to learn more and most importantly, caring for ones students. A good attitude coupled with good intentions can only make for successful teaching.

Salz Saleha Khan is an EFL teacher who has a strong interest in new developments in EFL teaching. She also feels strongly about good teaching skills and is committed to sharing what she has learned.

Author: Saleha Khan