When deciding which intensive English courses in San Diego, CA, suit you best, you must consider many factors. The price, location, classroom equipment, and group size matter. But teachers, their personalities, and expertise matter even more.

If teachers have a degree in teaching, it doesn’t actually mean they can create a thriving learning environment. So what makes a good teacher? Check out the following article as we discuss five out of ten qualities a superstar teacher must possess. Read on!

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD LANGUAGE TEACHER?

Teachers are beacons of light in the language learning process, and their personalities can make a real difference in students’ eyes. Let’s look at the first five qualities of a great teacher.

TEACHERS MUST KNOW THEIR SUBJECTS WELL

First and foremost, teachers must have language rules at their fingertips. How can they teach the Present Simple Tense if they’re unsure about the rules and exceptions themselves?

That’s why a university diploma is a must.

TEACHERS NEED TO BE GENTLE AND PATIENT

Not all students are communicative extroverts ready to participate freely in every class. In most cases, they’ll be shy, uncomfortable, and even frightened as they leave their comfort zone. For this very reason, teachers shouldn’t be too pushy and impatient.

They need to give each student enough time to formulate their responses. As time passes, and with proper encouragement, even these introverted students will become more open and relaxed while participating in the class.

TEACHERS NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE

There’s no doubt that teachers should always prepare their classes in advance. There are times, however, when things don't go according to the lesson plan. In these situations, teachers need to improvise and adjust to students' needs.

For example, if a role-play doesn’t resonate with the students, the teacher needs to think of a more convenient activity that will cover the targeted language equally efficiently. Or if students finish all the tasks before the class ends, the teacher must think of some extra games or exercises suitable for that moment. This usually comes with experience, but it’s an essential teacher feature.

TEACHERS NEED TO HARBOR A PERSONALIZED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

People memorize new things in different ways. They also learn the language for different reasons, too. Also, various age groups require varied teaching methods. So teachers need to adapt their teaching techniques to their students' preferences. Ideally, they’ll employ multiple activities that suit a variety of learning styles: visual, audio, or kinesthetic.

Young learners have a short attention span, so classes need to be packed with quick and energetic activities to keep them engaged. On the other hand, some adults don’t feel at ease playing games during the course or prefer extensive discussions.

A skilled teacher will notice the differences in students' capacities and create a learning atmosphere that will make everyone feel welcome.

TEACHERS NEED TO INSPIRE A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE AND OPTIMISM AMONG THE STUDENTS

Pessimistic remarks and lack of enthusiasm won’t bear much fruit in the learning process. On the contrary, dedicated teachers always arouse hope and encourage their students no matter how many mistakes they make or how slow their progress is.

Language learning is a long and sometimes daunting experience, and teachers need to stimulate their students to give their best despite all the obstacles they might encounter.

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WHERE CAN I FIND THE BEST INTENSIVE ENGLISH COURSES IN SAN DIEGO, CA?

Learning English is much easier when you have experienced teachers at your side. They can help you choose the right course and tailor their teaching methods according to your personal needs. And if you’re wondering where in San Diego you can find them, we have the answer for you: the College of English Language.

Our native teachers are highly qualified and will carefully lead you through your language learning journey, ensuring your learning experience is enjoyable at every step. Visit us on your way to Balboa Park, pick a course you like best and let’s do it. Let’s learn English together!