When I was in primary school, I had the math teacher, who used to say that the main goal of the teacher is to teach us how to think. I remember that I liked him very much. Even now, when I grew older, I frequently remind his words. He was a man fully dedicated to his job. He put much effort to make us interested in mathematics. He wanted us to think by ourselves. The lessons with him were different than any others. We used to discuss many subjects connected to math. He was open to our comments and new ideas of solving mathematical problems. We were able to learn much more than usual students. I think that these lessons gave me much more than only knowledge of maths.
When I think about the ideal teacher, the first thing that comes to my mind is that he should make his students think by their own. At school we sometimes are taught how to memorize as much as possible or how to use some techniques to improve our memory. In my opinion, we rather ought to be able to understand some phenomena, than simply remember them. It is important to learn how to analyze some data and how to draw conclusions from what we read. We have to get to know, how to use the knowledge in practice. Education should make us understand the world we live in. It ought to be helpful in making us successful people.
Another important thing is that a good teacher has to be dedicated to his job. He needs to be really interested in what he teaches. Only then the students may learn effectively. The ideal teacher makes his own plans for each lesson. No student gets bored with these lessons, because they are really interesting. Everyone takes part in discussions. I think that it is good to visit laboratories and museums during the lessons. Then students may learn about certain things not only from textbooks. They would have a chance to deepen their theoretical knowledge.
To be a perfect teacher it is not enough to have wide theoretical knowledge. Such teacher has to be a nice person. He needs to realize, what are students' problems and worries. He takes responsibility for his students. He realizes that every one is different and is able to treat young people with respect. He has the ability to discover student's talents and to help in developing them.
Summing up, in my opinion a perfect teacher is the one, who can make his student develop the skills and the potential of his mind. He teaches, how to be a reasonable person. His students are challenged to discuss several issues and to defend their own way of thinking. The teacher should also understand that not everyone has good conditions to learn. There are many students, whose families do not support their education. Family's attitude has great influence on the ability and will to learn. Good teacher is supposed to make young person want to gain knowledge. He expects much both from his students and from himself.
I will never forget the great teacher I had in my primary school. He was such a strong personality, that he attracted others. His attitude towards teenagers and his passion for the subject he learned made the students want to learn. He encouraged us to develop both our knowledge and our personal skills. It would be wonderful, if there were more teachers like him.
