ERIC Number: EJ1174005
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0896-5811
EISSN: N/A
On Great Teachers
Murphy, Tonia Hap
Journal of Legal Studies Education, v32 n1 p223-227 Win 2015
In this article, the author lists key elements of greatness in a professor, and offers comments based on her experiences with great professors she has known. The first virtue mentioned is "he or she leaves students with valuable lessons they will remember throughout their careers." The "great" professor fosters broader lessons as well. Because students learn from both what is said and what is left unsaid, there is a message in what the faculty address, and what they do not. The second element of greatness Murphy observes in a professor is "toughness." The "tough teacher" is one with "strict discipline and unyielding demands," one who is demanding "not because he thinks students will never learn but because he is so absolutely certain that they will." The tough teacher in the college classroom sets clear expectations and high standards. He or she prepares students for the workplace by modeling professionalism--starting class on time, dressing appropriately, and treating students respectfully. The tough teacher is mindful that students putting forth their best effort may still find the material difficult. The final virtue Murphy admires in a great teacher is one that cares deeply about his or her subject matter. Murphy concludes by saying that legal studies professors are fortunate to teach a subject that draws on literature, history, government, and a host of other disciplines, that intersects with current (and past) debates of great importance, and that inspires real interest in many students.
Descriptors: College Faculty, Teacher Competencies, Teacher Characteristics, Professional Identity, Caring, Teacher Attitudes, Legal Education (Professions)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A