An Exploratory Study of Student Perception of Instructor Traits in Effective Learning

Effective learning is an outcome of effective teaching. Effective teaching, in turn, requires effective instructors. This study addresses relevant issues related to effective learning by comparing student perceptions of instructor characteristics in a b-school. It is based on the conceptual premise that effective college learning depends more on personality characteristics which students perceive to be relevant in the teaching/learning environment. Even though an instructor may be an expert in his field and very rich academically, it is the manner in which he transfers information and knowledge to the students that matters the most. The results of the factor analysis applied in the study indicate that the six most vital factors for learning effectiveness are: style of managing class, evaluation of student performance, facilitation, teaching style, communication skills and attitude.