Module 2: The Teacher and Teacher Personality

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on teacher personality traits, types of professional knowledge, core instructional skills, and professional ethics from Module 2.

Teacher Personality

The set of stable, enduring psychological traits, attitudes, and emotional patterns that influence a teacher’s pedagogical decisions, instructional choices, relationships with learners, and overall classroom climate (Okeke et al., 2016).

Emotional Stability

A Big Five personality trait characterized in the classroom by patience, resilience, composure, and emotional control during high-stress situations, which helps maintain a calm, predictable classroom atmosphere.

Openness to Experience

A Big Five personality trait characterized in the classroom by intellectual curiosity, creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to try new teaching methods or technologies.

Conscientiousness

A Big Five personality trait characterized in the classroom by organisation, dependability, thorough preparation, punctuality, and attention to detail.

Agreeableness

A Big Five personality trait characterized in the classroom by empathy, approachability, warmth, cooperativeness, and genuine care for student well-being.

Extroversion vs. Introversion

A Big Five personality trait dimension where extroversion brings enthusiasm and dynamic group engagement, while introversion brings active listening, thoughtful reflection, and strong one-on-one connections.

Content Knowledge (CK)

Deep, accurate understanding of the subject matter, concepts, and theories being taught.

Pedagogy Knowledge (PK)

Mastery of teaching methods, instructional strategies, lesson design, and classroom management techniques.

Knowledge of Learner Development

Understanding child/adolescent development, cognitive growth stages, and how individual learners absorb information.

Cultural Awareness & Diversity

Understanding how students' social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds influence learning.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Recognizing and managing one’s own emotions while responding empathetically to learners' emotional needs.

Instructional & Differentiated Skills

Tailoring lessons to accommodate various learning needs, speeds, and abilities.

Assessment Literacy

Designing valid, fair assessments and using assessment data to guide future instruction.

Classroom Leadership & Communication

Setting clear expectations, maintaining order constructively, and communicating ideas clearly.

Collaboration

Working effectively with colleagues, parents, and community stakeholders.

SAFE Framework

An ethical framework (Okeke et al., p. 89) used to evaluate appropriate versus inappropriate teacher behavior, consisting of Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Ethics.

Safety (SAFE Framework)

The requirement for teachers to ensure a physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe environment for all learners.

Accountability (SAFE Framework)

The principle that teachers are responsible for their professional actions, transparent grading, and upholding curriculum standards.

Fairness (SAFE Framework)

The requirement that teachers must treat all learners equitably, eliminating bias and favoritism.

Ethics (SAFE Framework)

The requirement that teachers must adhere to a strict professional code of conduct, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.