The key factor to the teaching-learning process is the teacher.

Attempts to describe what is the

true meaning of a good teacher have been in constant argument. But there are traits raised to
determine a good teacher. They grouped into (1) professional and (2) personal traits. Professional
qualities of a good teacher include proficiency in the field of teaching, mastery of the student,
mastery in the teaching principles, techniques and skills used in teaching, understanding the
different branches of knowledge, and love of the teaching profession. Personal traits on the other
hands include the teachers personality, interests, attitudes, beliefs, and relationship with pupils
and the community. The tough job of teaching requires perseverance and an open mind and
heart. A future teacher, therefore, must undergo pre-service education to train him in the
intricacies of the field as well as for the proper behavior demanded by his profession. A good
teacher puts into mind the main elements involving learning. In doing so, he must learn to (1)
unfreeze the students, (2) diagnose the students problem, (3) set the goal of the lesson, (4)
introduce new behavior (5) and refreeze the learning. In order to execute these steps, a teacher
must know the procedures in instructing. The methods include: (1) making use of the learning
principles, (2) utilizing self activity, (3) considering learners differences (4) stimulating
thinking, (5) and providing room for development. A lesson plan is one of the most essential
tools for teaching. It is the blueprint of the entire lesson for the whole semester or year. The most
common contents of a lesson plan are the objectives of the topic, the subject matter to be
discussed, materials to be used, the procedure of discussion, the method of evaluation, and the
assignment. A teacher generally uses 2 types of teaching methods. These 2 types are the
traditional and the improved instructional practices. A traditional method of teaching, which
includes the chalk and blackboard, are still sporadically used today.
The traditional method of teaching counts lecture, laboratory, and demonstration methods as its
kinds. Nevertheless, there are arousing needs in school that cannot be attended by the traditional
way of teaching and can only be attained through improved instructional practices. Examples of
this form of teaching include integrative technique, which aims to develop the entire personality
of the student; the discovery approach, where the learner is encouraged to learning by exploring,
and other modern techniques like role playing, workshops, seminars, and fieldtrips. The use of
multi-sensory or audio-visual aids has been indispensable since the advent of modern
technology. These aids have greatly improved the learning process while lessening the time spent
for lectures and discussion. Computers are projectors are the commonest of the audio visual aids.
Good classroom management is also essential for an effective teaching. As a second parent, a
teacher must provide a conducive, home-like atmosphere to students. Good ventilation, lighting
and cleanliness help to attract and motivate a student to learn. A teacher must instill discipline
and responsibility towards the child. Evaluation is also a one valuable tool for instruction.
Evaluation assesses a students achievements for the day and helps the teacher plan out effective
strategies to be used to enhance learning. Nevertheless, a successful teaching does not at all
depend on the hands of the teacher. Rest also lies on the learners and support of the school. But
whatever result may be, it is the learner that is affected the most since they are the once that is in
the bottom line in the learning process.

Source: http://www.shvoong.com/social-sciences/education/1635955-principles-methods-
effective-teaching/#ixzz31ZiE1IDA