Determining the characteristics of effective teaching has been a problem for more than 50 years. Studies attempting to rate characteristics or to devise a fair evaluation method abound, but one necessary perspective must not be overlooked: that of the student. An effective teacher transmits knowledge with a blend of intensity and empathy that enthuses the learner; these qualities can be measured and should be criteria of teaching effectiveness. Other tangible and intangible behavioral qualities can be measured in the areas of technical skills, cognitive and affective qualities, and teaching techniques. These qualities can be rated on a scale measuring the degree of transmission, so that an accurate assessment of the teacher's impact can be gained. The use of this method by faculty, administration, and students would be less threatening to teachers than the sole use of student test scores. It seems likely that teachers who scored well in this evaluation method would have enthusiastic students who would score well on tests. Student evaluations of teacher performance can be a potent and valuable tool in teaching teachers to be students again. (FG)