No Disrespect: Student and Faculty Perceptions of the Qualities of Ineffective Teachers

Abstract

Research examining excellence in teaching is extensive. Nevertheless, research examining the inverse—what constitutes poor or ineffective teaching—has not been as systematic. The current research addresses this gap in the literature by examining student and faculty perceptions of the qualities and behaviors of ineffective teachers. Students and faculty identified being disrespectful as the number one perceived quality of ineffective teachers. Both groups of respondents also agreed that having weak rapport was indicative of ineffective teachers. Overall, students had a tendency to focus more on the social aspects of the student–teacher relationship, whereas faculty focused more on professional competencies. These findings provide additional support on teaching misbehaviors to avoid both in and outside of the classroom.