High School Students Perceptions about Good Teachers: A Case Study in Chile

Abstract

The present research aimed to analyze the perception of high school students about the characteristics of a good teacher. The educational process refers essentially to a teacher-student relationship that unfolds in the classroom space, with the idea of generating more and better learning. In methodological terms, the study was based on the interpretive-comprehensive paradigm, through a qualitative methodology, which makes it a case study. The data were collected through four focus groups and four in-depth interviews conducted with secondary school students from a public high school in the province of Talca, Maule region, Chile. The results show the relevance of the handling of disciplinary content by teachers, as well as the pedagogical domain of teaching. On the other hand, it is evident from this study that good teachers are the ones who motivate students to learn, who show an understanding attitude with their learning, and generate a strong affective-emotional bond that transcends the classroom and connects with their lives. Among the limitations presented by the study is the need to increase the size of the sample, an issue that would allow a more comprehensive perspective on teaching. Regarding projections, the study provides useful background for comparison with research in different international contexts.