Characteristics of a Good Language Teacher

Vocabulary flashcards outlining the four major categories and core characteristics of an effective language teacher based on H. Douglas Brown's framework.

Technical Knowledge (H. Douglas Brown)

A domain of teacher characteristics encompassing an understanding of English linguistic systems (phonology, grammar, and discourse), fluent English competence, foreign language learning experience, comprehension of the link between language and culture, and ongoing professional reading and conference attendance.

Pedagogical Skills (H. Douglas Brown)

The instructional abilities of a teacher, including having an informed teaching approach, designing and executing lesson plans, monitoring and making mid-lesson alterations, providing optimal feedback, managing the classroom, and creatively adapting or creating materials.

Interpersonal Skills (H. Douglas Brown)

Relational capabilities including cross-cultural awareness, showing enthusiasm and rapport, valuing student opinions, exercising patience with lower-ability learners, challenging high-ability learners, and collaborating candidly with colleagues.

Personal Qualities (H. Douglas Brown)

Individual professional traits such as being organized and conscientious, remaining flexible when things go awry, maintaining an inquisitive mind toward new teaching methods, setting short- and long-term goals, and upholding high ethical and moral standards.

Linguistic Systems

The structural elements of English—specifically phonology, grammar, and discourse—that a language teacher must thoroughly understand under technical knowledge.

Mid-Lesson Alterations

Instructional adjustments made by a teacher in real time as they monitor a lesson unfolding, classified as a pedagogical skill.

Material Adaptation and Creation

Pedagogical skills that involve creatively modifying existing textbook materials and audio, visual, and mechanical aids, or innovatively designing brand-new materials when needed.

Cross-Cultural Sensitivity

An interpersonal skill defined by being conscious of cross-cultural differences and remaining sensitive to the cultural traditions of students.

Colleague Collaboration

An interpersonal competency involving harmonious and candid cooperation with fellow teachers, along with actively seeking opportunities to share thoughts, ideas, and techniques.

Professional Growth

The ongoing development of an educator supported by setting short-term and long-term goals, reading professional literature regularly, and attending conferences and workshops.