Looking through different point of views: characteristics of a good mathematics teacher

Abstract

Mathematics is essentially used in many fields. Due to its importance, nurturing mathematical knowledge in students is deemed crucial in education now. Providing a good mathematics teacher is an important factor in developing students' mathematical skills and knowledge. This study aims to explore the characteristics of a good mathematics teacher from the points of view of teachers and students. In order to investigate the characteristics, this study employed a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews and focus group sessions involving twenty-three informants consisting of mathematics teachers and students. The informants were purposively selected from several schools in the southern region of Malaysia. Once the data were collected, they were qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis. Based on the findings, there are two main perspectives on the characteristics of a good mathematics teacher based on the teacher's and student's perspectives. Teachers define the characteristic of a good mathematics teacher from the aspects of the teacher's knowledge and experience. In comparison, students viewed it from the aspects of teachers' personalities, teaching styles, and delivery instructions. So, in conclusion, mathematics teachers and students have different points of view when describing the characteristics of a good mathematics teacher.