In today’s global education landscape, teachers are expected to not only transmit knowledge but also empower and motivate students in their learning process. In this context, Teaching Excellence (TE) Awards have become an important tool. These awards not only recognize teachers’ efforts but also serve to encourage pedagogical innovation and increase teacher motivation.
However, research and experience show that many institutions do not have clear and transparent criteria for TE awards. This lack complicates the process and can have a negative impact on teacher motivation. Also, most studies focus on teachers’ and administrative perspectives, while students’ voices have not been fully incorporated globally.
In this article, we will try to understand from a global perspective what students consider the value of an excellent teaching award, what kinds of criteria they find important, and how these criteria vary across countries and levels of study.
The Importance of Teaching Excellence
From the students’ perspective, excellent teaching is not just a demonstration of a teacher’s knowledge. It is a combination of their communication skills, classroom management, ability to increase engagement, and ability to understand students’ problems.
TE awards in business schools specifically recognize teachers’ efforts to put student learning at the center. Through these awards, institutions convey the message that they value quality and innovation in teaching.
According to the study, students globally perceived that having a TE award can be an indication of teacher effectiveness. An awarded teacher is not only an object of admiration, but also a source of inspiration and enrichment of the learning experience.
Global Student Perspectives
A recent study included the views of 2,775 business students from 11 countries and 5 continents. The purpose of the study was to identify what criteria students consider important for an excellent teaching award.
The key findings of this global survey are as follows:
Importance of the award in student perceptions: Most students believe that teachers holding TE awards are more effective and motivating in their education.
Global consensus criteria: The survey identified 30 criteria that are generally important to students around the world. These include clarity of teaching style, organization of course material, promptness to answer student questions, and motivating classroom environment.
Country-specific criteria: 15 criteria were also found that are important in some countries, but are not given equal importance globally. For example, in some countries, the teacher’s teaching in the local cultural context was considered more important.
Differences by level of study: Criteria for TE awards vary at undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional education levels. At higher education levels, research-based teaching and case studies were considered more important.
Global Criteria for TE Award
Among the 30 global criteria shared by the students, the key ones are:
- Clear and structured teaching: The teacher’s curriculum and teaching material should be clear and well organized.
- Participatory learning: Teachers encourage students to actively participate in the class.
- Positive and motivating environment: The classroom environment should be such that students are comfortable learning.
- Appropriate feedback: Provide quick and clear solutions to students’ questions and doubts.
- Innovation and creativity: Teachers use new methods and techniques in teaching.
- Peer support and guidance: Teachers provide guidance for the support and development of students.
- Professional behavior: Teachers follow time, maintain ethical and professional attitude.
- Technological proficiency: Effective use of digital tools and modern teaching resources.
- Balanced assessment: Students should be assessed in a fair, clear and transparent manner.
Teachers who follow these criteria are not only effective in the classroom but are also able to maximize the learning potential of students.
Country-specific criteria
Some criteria were found to be important only in particular countries. For example:
- Cultural adaptation: Teachers adapt teaching to the local cultural and linguistic context.
- Community engagement: Teachers’ engagement with the community was also valued by students in some countries.
- Experiential learning: Teachers’ sharing of industry and professional experience was more appreciated in some regions.
- These differences indicate that it is necessary to set TE award criteria to take into account variations in global education systems.
Differences by level of study
The criteria for the TE Award also vary according to the level of study. For example:
- Undergraduate level: more emphasis on student participation, motivational teaching and classroom management.
- Masters level: importance of research-oriented teaching, case studies and professional projects.
- Professional and management level: priority given to leadership skills, practical experience and industry expertise.
- In this way, the TE Awards do not only recognise the general excellence of the teacher, but also evaluate them according to their level of study and the specific needs of the students.
The importance of student voice
It is very important to include students’ vision in education. Only students can tell based on direct experience which teaching methods, teacher behaviour and classroom practices they find most beneficial.
The criteria for the TE Award can be made more fair, transparent and motivational by incorporating students’ opinions globally. This not only empowers the teacher but also enriches the quality of education and the learning experience of students.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the Teaching Excellence Awards are not just a means of praise or recognition. They are a tool of motivation and guidance for both teachers and students.
Excellent teachers from the students’ perspective are those who provide clear, inspiring and innovative teaching that motivates students to learn and helps them develop professionally and personally.
