What makes a good teacher great? | Azul Terronez | TEDxSantoDomingo

I've been asking the question: What makes a good teacher great? for 24 years. I have collected 26,000 responses from 8 different schools and patterns have emerged.
For the last 24 years, he has repeatedly asked students the same question, "What makes a good teacher great?" Azul Terronez is the author of the best-selling book "The art of Apprenticeship" Azul has coached teachers and schools leaders around the world in Spain, Chile, Canada, India, United States and China and he is currently serves as a teacher coach at Shanghai American School.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@MsInreality12]

He was my seventh grade teacher. It was such an honor to be taught by this man. I work in education today as tribute to his legacy. He still inspires me to this day.

[@azul_terronez]

Wow, this is such a wonderful comment to see. I am proud of anyone of my students that choose to serve as an educator. :)

[@aziza_ravshanovas]

I wish he was my teacher, too. Seems to be a great one 🥺

[@jacksonjackson7900]

Sir I never got such a teacher like you in my life. And the irony is that I have been working as a teacher for the last 32 years with my incomplete knowledge and experience.

[@kishorvidhvani2040]

Awesome ❤🎉

[@user-rh6ce9gq8o]

​@@azul_terronez😅

[@wanzayu09]

Good teachers will be remembered by students throughout their lives.

[@fatmazidan1282]

Good

[@oliviavanhook1183]

Cikgu Bagus bad teachers will too tho..

[@mayanlogos92]

Yep... but which qualities would recomend him/her

[@estrellitaquinones4509]

Good teachers can be remembered not by his lesson but by his action.

[@MDzaki-uk2ll]

@@oliviavanhook1183 but that'll be more of a spite rather than veneration

[@jordanhamilton5692]

Im going into my first year of school to become a teacher, and already watching these kinds of videos because I want to be great.

[@azul_terronez]

Jordan, I am glad you are looking for ways to become a great teacher so early in your career. Understanding that there is a need for great teachers is the first step.

[@subhanirfani3785]

same here

[@melyalegre5465]

Same here. I'm quite nervous.

[@jenniferreneegarnes-colema9936]

Jordan Hamilton keep that spirit of watching and learning! YOU WILL BE GREAT! Just stay away from the negativity...KZbin teacher, One Fab Teacher is awesome and super positive... just a suggestion. 💐

[@freddiea3564]

Me three!

[@henrikemil1445]

Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together. Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. I am not a teacher, but an awakener. The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.

[@rallymaster001]

True! From a 40 year veteran educator, now retired from Primary Education, educating adults in First Aid instead. Keep awakening your students! What a wonderful enterprise! Regards, Martin

[@thankyouthankyou1172]

true. on top of everything, there should be mutual 'trust'. what if a student doesn't believe that their teach loves them?

[@hajermohamad2575]

A good teacher uses their smile muscles and smile when they Enter their Classroom . Smiling is like watering a plant in the middle of a desert 🌵

[@llauram3650]

What if we paid teachers reasonably?? What if being a teacher was valued and aspirational in society??

[@dadraandnagarhaveli174]

Llaura M it is valuable....life time good teacher is remembered by students that if tht teacher would have not taught me in tht great way i must have not reach here

[@pb1pb581]

more than money they probably expect respect & appreciation from the society for such an important task they have been assigned by people!!

[@pb1pb581]

Haile - with all due respect your manner reflect the mindset of 3rd world society or may be you have a specific instance of bad experience. For whatever reason they chose it as career, it is still the most important job in the world for the world. Give teachers the best & they will give your children the best!! the core is It is not actually a business like any other profession!

[@pb1pb581]

In my observation educational system management in the West is poor. Perhaps West needs to learn some techniques from the traditional value based educational systems from the East! US spent over $2 tn in Afghanistan since '01 but look at the result -people are poor & they still hate US the most. Had they spent even 20% of it judiciously in livelihood development in the country, most people who choose the wrong path would have joined the civilized society!! key is transnational approach does not work everywhere!

[@jamesam003]

Here's the thing: The education system is neither teacher-friendly nor student friendly. It is suffocating for both. Can't plant banana plants and expect to get oranges.

[@cocao1270]

Good teachers seem genuinely interested in their subject and not just treating it as their job

[@plerpplerp5599]

For students to care about what you know, they have to know that you care. This is my motto.

[@azul_terronez]

Rikki, that is a great motto. Being committed to people matters.

[@MrMfebza]

That is the golden rule of a great teacher.

[@galaeducateya2219]

'Great teachers make themselves humble before their students' - Perhaps my favorite line from this great talk. I truly agree with all of your points, especially this one. Thank you very much for your inspiring work.

[@azul_terronez]

Thank you Jason, I appreciate you taking the time to post a comment.

[@q2breath]

You are fantastic man =D Thanks!

[@azul_terronez]

thank you, I appreciate these kind words.

[@q2breath]

It's true =D

[@dineshauto7908]

nic3

[@artesiningart4961]

Some of my teachers were like psychologists, counselors, philosophers, jokers, performers beyond being teachers. I really enjoyed learning and learned to love learning in general from them. I learned to love biology, social studies, geometry, the arts, and other humanities altogether.

[@jessievillanil5529]

Jack of all trades - that's a teacher

[@alecastrotv]

I am left with this phrase: "Kids want to be inspired by this idea that learning is important."

[@anonomyss]

This is a man who genuinely loves his students, and loves to teach.

[@carlosvillegas8373]

Great talk Azul, I'm an English teacher at a private school here in Mexico. If you don´t mind, I'm going to share with you a special moment that I had with a student. She was a very shy and a very emotional student. Once they were doing some exercises in their workbook, she came to me when she finished and told me that she didn't understand at all, she had tears in her eyes, I explained her again twice and she was crying saying that she didn´t understand, so I told her a little story, There was a fisherman who went fishing to the lake, he carried his fishing sticks and his bait, he also carried two buckets to put the fish in, He sat on the river bank and throw his fish line into the lake. He had his two buckets behind him to throw the fish back when he caught them but one still had the lid on, The river was full of fish and he was just throwing all fish back to the buckets, and I asked her, where do you think the fish landed? in the bucket with the lid on or the one without the lid? she said the one with the lid off, I asked her again? do you think that any fish could land in the bucket with the lid on? and she said no, then I said, that´s exactly what happens when you say that you can´t, that you don´t understand, that it´s hard, she went back to her chair, came back later and she did it right, I told her "I told you you could" and she said with tears in her eyes and smiling, "I know teacher, thank you for this lesson" She became a very self-sufficient student and made me feel very proud of her.

[@azul_terronez]

Carlos, thank you for finding the way to a child's heart!

[@vister6757]

carlos villegas wonderful

[@TheCelmap]

As a very emotional person, I'm in tears right now.. thanks for being patient with her, since I'm working hard to become more confident and overcome my shyness I can relate to her feelings, and not to mention I'm an English learner either..

[@anamuslamh09]

Good job 👏 I

[@jameshakai1662]

Celma Alexandre "I'm an english learner "too". Since you said you're still learning, a friendly correction isn't out of the order :)

[@sav3dgirl194]

One year my high school Spanish teacher was teaching how to tell time in Spanish. She gave us foam clocks to use as learning tools. She had to talk to another staff member outside the door for a moment and she left the door open. One of the class clown students threw his foam clock across the room and it hit her in the head. She turned around and we thought she was going to yell and be angry….. instead… she smiled and threw the clock back and had every one throw their foam clocks around the room at each other it was SO hilarious. Everyone had a great time. This made me think about her 😆♥️♥️

[@asmahappy]

I'm a teacher, still watching videos like this and reading more about teaching and students just to be a Great teacher

[@abinitiotoinitiate]

Ab Initio - To Initiate is the channel which is hosting events every weekend for Teachers. Talks on Important topics and issues related to education industry. Global Platform with Educators from different countries. Visit .. subscribe and support. I will be glad to see you all as participants or as speakers in my talking to Teacher episodes.

[@tahirshahPashtoon-bj3eo]

As an English instructor at an English language centre in Kabul, Afghanistan, I am struggling to be a great and lovely teacher... So, I searched how to be a benevolent and great teacher, then I found your exciting video from which I learnt and picked up so much, indeed.

[@ChauHa2010]

I came back here to listen to this talk whenever I struggled with my teaching career. Thank you for such an inspiring talk

[@abinitiotoinitiate]

Ab Initio - To Initiate is the channel which is hosting events every weekend for Teachers. Talks on Important topics and issues related to education industry. Global Platform with Educators from different countries. Visit .. subscribe and support. I will be glad to see you all as participants or as speakers in my talking to Teacher episodes.

[@nicholehowell7617]

As a current student teacher, I got to spend time in a 2nd grade classroom. Being humble and continuing to learn was something that I always strived to show those students. When I made mistakes, they started telling me "It's ok!" because I would tell them the same thing! Kids love to learn when you show them love of learning, and that making mistakes is what learning is!

[@joyce3700]

“I don't know exactly what we're going yo do today, but I can't wait to learn with you.” a quote hit me from this video

[@azul_terronez]

Thank you, Joyce!

[@claytonvancouver]

I think teachers showing vulnerability can have a huge, positive impact on students and encourage their own risk taking and creativity. The more we teachers "lift the veil" on our own learning, struggle and progress, the more connection we can establish with students. Excellent talk Azul. Thank you for doing this work.

[@azul_terronez]

Clayton, thank you for sharing and acknowledging the importance of vulnerability. It means a great deal that you took the time to write a note. Thank you for the compliments.

[@retnoindriyastuti3377]

P

[@retnoindriyastuti3377]

0

[@englishwithmuzammal3596]

I still remember one teacher asking the same question when teaching the first class, and now I know why he did that; he wanted to know what teaching style the learners want, and it helped him be a great teacher of the year for his very first year of teaching. Isn't great? Such an amazing way of teaching!

[@paulinamaj1051]

I just started my first year at University and I'm going to be an English teacher. Thank to this speech, I know the most important thing: I have to listen to the students.

[@denise2169]

I loved having 7- and 8-year-olds discuss by talking and listening, not to me, but to each other. I loved listening to their ideas, and I learned right alongside them! Thanks, Azul, for saying how important this is!

[@GodIsEverPowerful]

A GOOD TEACHER DISCUSSES THE PROBLEMS OR DOUBTS OF STUDENTS WITH THEM ONLY PERSONALLY, AFTER THE CLASS IS OVER AND OUTSIDE REGULAR CLASS ROOMS.

[@archiecook55]

A great teacher inspires and encourages their students to do great things, and tells students that they CAN.

[@Krishnafied]

This man has so much love. This talk has truly showed me that it's not what you do in life, it's how you do it that matters.

[@olympiacos7greek]

In junior high school I had the luck to met a great teacher and, above all, a great person. Words are just too poor to describe him completely. I'm very grateful and lucky that I met him cause he's a rare person. And the irony is that his surname means, with a small change in it, "rare" in greek. God bless him.

[@themc8769]

Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the bike

[@u.v.s.5583]

Midichlorians are what connect us to the force.

[@ScienceFan1859]

That is higher learning right there: application, synthesis and knowledge...bravo!

[@judii8003]

Hahahaha

[@nefelichristogoula316]

I am proud to be a teacher, but I love being a student and constantly learning.

[@jayaomar6440]

Me too

[@thanlinlungsimon6120]

Me too.. Learner till my last breath

[@abinitiotoinitiate]

Ab Initio - To Initiate is the channel which is hosting events every weekend for Teachers. Talks on Important topics and issues related to education industry. Global Platform with Educators from different countries. Visit .. subscribe and support. I will be glad to see you all as participants or as speakers in my talking to Teacher episodes.

[@chiedupius2533]

Great teachers are listeners and humble. The most interesting part I loved is "students want you to think like them and not act like them" . This was great.

[@denise2169]

"Kids have a way of communicating, and adults just haven't spent the time listening..." As a teacher, I see that this is true for a lot of kids - why do you think so many children become 'behaviour problems'? They are trying to tell us something! When we take time to listen, they know we care!

[@LauraGayusi]

This is one of the best TED talk I have ever watched I am going to be a teacher after finishing studying and the message was being conveyed is very important for me in these days

[@sachinrv1]

The last thing you said is the most important. A great teacher is good listener and this is one such skill which nobody can teach :)

[@laurenh.6935]

The best teachers accept that students can learn just as much from each other as they can from the teacher. The best teachers make their class an environment that feels safe and comfortable. The best teachers teach students to be self advocates. The best teachers connect with students, and not just about school, sometimes what you need is just a conversation about a book or a favorite food. The best teachers accept that they have something to learn from the students. The best teachers focus less on being good teachers and more on being good people, because if students see that they will want to learn from you. The best teachers bend, but don't break (this one's so so important) The best teachers take a break from constant learning to do something fun, because sometimes that's just what a student needs. The best teachers individually challenge students, because it can make a difference. Those are some of the big takeaways I've had as a student myself.

[@QT5656]

Good comment.

[@anamk4251]

All points of the speaker's speech are admirable , I loved listen him . He explicits the message for teachers beautifully.

[@ahadmoeen4102]

I am in grade 7 and for me a great teacher is someone who pays attention in class. We students are much familiar with the phrase "PAY ATTENTION TO THE TEACHER" or "PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS" but a teacher should also be a person to pay attention in class, by this I don't mean that he has to keep his phone turned off at all times but it is that he has to ensure the student's learning, make a relationship with them which should be no more than a teacher-student relationship and not to make school a nightmare for them that they want to end it at any time.

[@azul_terronez]

Such wonderful advice Ahad. :)

[@msaleem-rt9fu]

I really like your ideas of teaching n listening...

[@syedshahid8731]

Ask ur father , mother to build relationships with u

[@syedshahid8731]

Ask ur father , mother to build relationships with u

[@azul_terronez]

@@syedshahid8731 What does this comment have to do with listening to students?

[@hemanshu41]

"One who Dares to teach must never cease to learn " This one sentence is keeping me motivated.. Always 🔥

[@berlinlincoln7918]

A great teacher helps shape one's future.

[@azulterronez9219]

Yes Great teachers do help shape one's future. Berlin.

[@khosilbeknorkuchkarov2652]

This is my second lesson at school. I actually teach 7th grades. After having had 2 lessons with them, i struggled with noisy atmosphere in the classroom. But, i tried these methods mentioned during the video, and i managed to attract their attentions. It was so lovely feeling that i am now really proud being a teacher. Thanks a lot TED TALK ❤

[@johnnyboyvan]

I was far from humble and the kids loved me. After 32 years as a high school English teacher I think one thing is key: respect. 😊 I show respect when the students show respect.

[@raoulkid]

A great teacher will continue to teach his students even after school has finished for them, I had this particular chemistry teacher, who's class I flunked but he never gave up on me, he carried on teaching me chemistry after I failed to graduate and eventually we set up a business together. The business did really well and we made loads of money together, yeah we had a few hic-ups along the way, but he never gave up on me. Sadly, he died, but his memory lives on in the millions of lives he affected and I live in Alaska now.

[@accessandaccomplish1287]

I've always wanted to be a teacher . Now I know how difficult it is. But also how great any teacher around the world is .💓💓 All love, respect, and appreciation for all teachers around the world.🌸🌸

[@michaelverola9987]

Great helpful hints. Thank you so much. I have been a teacher for at least 12 years now, and it is important to remember these tips and tools. Thank you again!

[@polina_hovlina]

It turned out not just a lecture, but a very interesting topic that I wanted to think about. I admire the work done by the lecturer! This is a huge amount of information collected by one person. I am glad that in our time there are those teachers who, despite the depreciation of their work, are ready to try and improve their skills, to become not good teachers, but great ones!

[@mahmudmitul1331]

This session is really helpful to the people who are eager to be a good teacher. Thanks a lot.

[@prof.dr.wanmohdaziziwansul1175]

Great Teacher is truly inspiring coming deep from their hearts and souls. The best teacher is still your own experiences and especially mistakes that you made.

[@sciencetutor_businessguy]

What a great speech! Students learn better from teachers who understand how they learn not the ones who teach them how he wants to teach them.

[@bluebloodedheartstrong8625]

A great teacher for me is someone who is inspire by you to achieve his/her goal.

[@abinitiotoinitiate]

Ab Initio - To Initiate is the channel which is hosting events every weekend for Teachers. Talks on Important topics and issues related to education industry.

[@jane_maloloy-on9767]

It's really great to listen to our student, in their daily life, how they manage to survive in this cruel world, and how they got evrything so handful as they carry out their studying through out difficulties. This was a great motivation for us who aims to be a teacher someday, and how will be able to understand the language of our students in the mere future.... True, that listening/understanding brings out the great teacher...

[@KennethAnimates]

I had one teacher in the 8th grade. He was a pretty good guy, very nice, very calm. But what I admired most about him was that he was inspiring. That he knew how to captivate students. He used technology and games as a way to interest students and make them excited to learn. Now that was only a year ago, and I’m only just now in high school, but no matter how recently I remember him, he will remain as a favorite teacher of mine. I just wish I was able to say that to him before I left middle school.

[@rehemacharles6387]

Having only 6 months as a public school teacher, I'm really grateful for this inspiring talk.

[@tiffanyt.4909]

How do you like it so far?

[@Relaxingpeacefulsounds239]

this is so beautiful and enlightening! I can relate to each and every sentence since childhood to becoming a teacher myself, all the exeperiences I had were collected and recalled. Thanx for this.

[@liannamartinez7369]

I’m going into nursing school but I just thought that your talk was really good. I liked it a lot, I wish there were teachers like you.

[@MetaSciencey]

Brilliant talk! If I understand what the author is trying to say, a great teacher is ready to be vulnerable in front of their students. Whether it is eating apples to appear more human, or opening oneself up for judgment by singing. If you can connect with the students as a learner yourself, instead of being a subject matter expert, I think you can be a great teacher. Of course, it can lead to the teacher losing authority but I feel until you take that risk, you cannot progress!

[@amandabazil1753]

As an aspiring teacher, I’m so glad I watched this. Thank you so much for reminding us traits that truly make a great, holistic educator

[@Lullabylovexo]

What makes you still aspire to be a teacher in a world like today? Reason I ask is because I’ve always wanted to be a teacher but finding it hard to do be worth it with the lack of teachers due to many reasons. That seems to not bother you which is great! But any advice, should I not listen to what they have to say?

[@nargesrahimipour]

What a great explanation! I believe that a good teacher enjoys teaching. As he mentioned a great teacher loves to learn.

[@vincentzambia2650]

Am here 2023 really uplifting as I go to class I want to let my students know that I adore them and that they make teaching a joy thanks so much for this🙏❤️🙌🤝

[@ifrankophotography7341]

I’m a homeschooling mom! This was a powerful speech 🎤

[@karannmite]

one of the beest ted talks i have ever heard,this is surely going to make me a better teacher....because from now i shall be listening more to their anger,frustaation,disagreement and crticism

[@frankservant5754]

Thank you, i was a teacher once and i feel guilty because i never listened. I was assuming and imposing because that was the only way i knew to do it. Inside i was driven by fear that students would rebel if i didnt stamp my authority , if i wasnt firm enough, I was young and untrained and i was only imitating what my own teachers used to do. I left teaching last year to study for my Masters degree and hope to one day rejoin as a better teacher one who inspires and motivates

[@azul_terronez]

Frank, thank you for being so honest and vulnerable. It's easy to blame and point fingers, but you sharing your truth means a great deal to me and to your future students. I wish I would have recognized earlier that I was not listening. I would perhaps have had a chance to become a great teacher instead of just a good one. Cheers. :)

[@bernadethsumilao7144]

Azul Terronez nice Video Sir. Hope someday I will be like you. A good teacher to all the students.

[@azul_terronez]

@Ken Carter I am no longer teaching in the classroom, I am helping to inspire teachers and educators listen to students.

[@azul_terronez]

@Ken Carter thank you Ken and thanks for sharing!

[@yourgranma1760]

My teacher also apologised for his actions... He wasn't all bad. Some kids get so much discipline at home it just really isn't helping them too get more...school could be a safe space for them.

[@americo8568]

Thank you Azul, when I worked with Youth, they would gravitate towards me, an I never forget one kid saying “hey Mr. how come you don’t scream at us” I responded, because I respect you. As Azul mentions here, yes I listened and even sympathized with their circumstance.

[@kimchungluong4772]

This is great. I wish I could send huge thanks to this man, I feel really inspired. I often tell my students: "I may be wrong, I am expected to be wrong. You are expected to be better than me, because you are the next generation. If the next generation were not better than the last, how could mankind develop?" When students notice a teacher's mistake, they very rarely point them out in class. They tend to either keep it to themselves or tell other students behind the teacher's back; and those mistakes would worsen the teacher's image. I'm still trying to figure out a way so that they can consider me a learning-pal instead of an educator.

[@azulterronez9219]

Ask them many questions and listen then ponder what do these responses mean? Don't expect them to tell you directly, they have a hard time trusting the power dynamics of speaking out, even if you want them to.

[@landymenzies8202]

I ASK my students to correct my mistakes...they love catching me out and seem to like me all the more for it! We look things up together when they ask me something i can't answer and we learn stuff together at times. I tell them i'm a teacher, not an encyclopaedia and they get that.

[@i.n.necochea9305]

You tell students, no one is perfect, you can respectfully challenge the information presented. It's OK to make mistakes. You are building a learning environment. I use it in my 5th grade class. It works.

[@abinitiotoinitiate]

Ab Initio - To Initiate is the channel which is hosting events every weekend for Teachers. Talks on Important topics and issues related to education industry. Global Platform with Educators from different countries. Visit .. subscribe and support

[@abinitiotoinitiate]

@@landymenzies8202 Ab Initio - To Initiate is the channel which is hosting events every weekend for Teachers. Talks on Important topics and issues related to education industry. Global Platform with Educators from different countries. Visit .. subscribe and support. I will be glad to see you all as participants or as speakers in my talking to Teacher episodes.

[@emilyt6116]

There are great teachers out there. I'm lucky enough to have had one who I think actually cares about me. She's great. I still visit her from time to time and we just talk about life. It's probably one of the greatest relationships I'll ever have in my life.

[@brownbrown7333]

I have about 1year and a half before I become a teacher. My desire is to gain as much knowledge and skills to be the best that I can be. This video is very helpful, thank you!

[@gregorymitchell2271]

How is your teaching coming along? I just started a teaching position after several years in a different feel, do you have any advice.

[@marcusvlastakis8248]

At 6:17 when he talked about learning how to ride a bike through actually doing it vs learning in a classroom, he perfectly described our university system.

[@luzvimindasagum6158]

A great teacher go extra mile, meaning it is not just in the four corners of their classroom but thinking beyond not just the lesson but the affection.

[@geraldinegobrin8495]

Very informative for teachers like me. That is how a teacher should function inside or even outside the 4 corners of the room. Mostly, teachers tend to forget to understand their pupils. All they want is for them to be understood and heard...

[@CorleneGreenwood]

I am getting chills down my spine. I have a great relationship with my students and love them. The other day I was teaching them PHP, and Web Development, and I started singing the Lorem ipsum dolor generator code in Opera, both male and female parts. When I finished the first paragraph I looked up and my students were all silent and stood up and applauded me. I was gobsmacked. So this video is like a penny dropping moment for me right now.

[@azul_terronez]

I am so glad that you did that, it's amazing to listen to what learners say and then to do it!

[@zainks4958]

This should be shown to every teacher of every school globally

[@aminebajja1970]

This is my first year in school as a teacher. I will take your advice into consideration. I am sure it will help me a lot and most importantly it will make a difference in my educational journey Thanks for sharing this great knowledge and experience

[@helmidriana7948]

A great teacher is going to be remembered by his/her students forever in life

[@mrrickstur]

Very informative talk! Probably the best TED Talk I've seen about teaching

[@azul_terronez]

Thank you so much for such a great honor.

[@kokichiouma6634]

I love this. With every bit of me. You know exactly what teachers should be like.

[@artesanatogiraffa]

Teaching is related to "love people" and "knowledge donation" ( you need to be generous with the knowledge you have been saving since you are a student…) I love to teach because it is good to do it .. I learned more than my students every class…. This guy said important things ..in a simple way!

[@a-n-s]

I love teachers, i look up to them a lot. True passion for teaching is the thing that makes a teacher great. Atleast in my opinion. :)

[@johnetim1781]

I want to believe a great teacher should be someone with exceptional skills of communication for the goal of actually making 95% of student or audience understand the lessons 100%❤

[@toddtisch6404]

Azul, as someone looking to start in the profession starting the next school year, after 17 years in a completely different career, this is great information to hear. I really like the idea of asking the students what they think makes a teacher great, and then taking the time to digest that information. Even if it takes a few tries. We often forget how powerful the act of active listening can be. It reminds me of that old reply that our parents and grandparents gave to those of us who asked why we have two ears and only one mouth. So that we can listen twice as much as we talk.

[@azul_terronez]

Todd, asking students this question has really changed the way I lead as a teacher. I am excited to hear how this goes for you! Cheers.

[@nafisabir8459]

Azul Terronez great speech from you, I have been teaching for around three years and always I have tried to know the secrets of being an excellent teacher, lastly found this video, and I have planned that, I will also ask my students the same question

[@azul_terronez]

Nafis, please let us know how it goes in your classroom.

[@emilykate444]

As a early childhood education student i cannot wait to see the faces of my students every morning. I cannot wait for them to say hey to me or simply just give me a hug or make a handshake with them!!

[@ryanmakhani]

WOW! "What if we taught listening?" "What if every teacher sang (was humble and courageous)?" "What if humor was part of every classroom?"

[@azul_terronez]

Ryan, thank you for your comments.

[@anthonyabbagnano1218]

My wife is a teacher, and sometimes she bursts into song, the lyrics containing the message. Because they are lyrics they are often repetitive. When you look at a student and you sing to them, at first they are shy as if they are not worthy of your serenade! But very quickly they open, become vulnerable and receptive. I love it when she comes to my workshops!

[@howdydarlin05]

Alchemy of Breath this. It's a quick way to connect to a child!

[@betsyrosegamolo5805]

Good

[@jenniferreneegarnes-colema9936]

Ryan Makhani As a teacher going back into the classroom next month? Wow... I plan to remember your comment from this video.

[@ramirocajas2008]

A great speech. I'll take it in my mind at every time when teaching.

[@josemendoza4946]

It's a wonderful idea to start using this question that Azul Terronez made. ''What makes a good teacher great'' I'll use that everytime. Thank you

[@rupanbaro5849]

Outstanding presentation. Yes. good teachers are always humble before their students. They are always remembered by their students.Thank you.

[@coasterfanatic2070]

I'm entering my third year of teaching and the best way I found to reach students is through honest communication. I tell them of my struggles as a student and my honesty opens a door way for students. I've worked with students who come from hard home lives and they ask to talk to me for help on future goals since they know I will do whatever it takes to help them. Your Ted Talk was really inspiring especially since I'm currently earning my Masters degree in Special Education so I can help even more students.

[@azul_terronez]

Serving students is a continual journey of growth, thanks for serving!

[@abinitiotoinitiate]

Ab Initio - To Initiate is the channel which is hosting events every weekend for Teachers. Talks on Important topics and issues related to education industry. Global Platform with Educators from different countries. Visit .. subscribe and support. I will be glad to see you all as participants or as speakers in my talking to Teacher episodes.

[@Maria-ex3vw]

Teachers helps rewrite the wrongs of the past and create a better future for our upcoming generation.Everyone is a potential teacher by our actions and behavior.l am inspired by work, thanks 🙏

[@raphaelyshehoza4534]

one year now passed after being a teacher,, this speech I will works in it

[@cheryvz5127]

For me, a great teacher is someone who teach holistically. A teacher who educates not only the mind but more importantly, the heart😊💙

[@rifamahmood8980]

That's wonderful I really appreciate your kind effort

[@DarkPrincessWen]

Great talk. I loved the example of the bike!So true! We try to be so analytical about knowledge and it is important to understand that learning comes in different ways and not everything has to be taught in the same "boring"manner. We need to listen to out students. As a teacher in COlombia, I had the opportunity to work for a school where I could actually learn with my students. I will bring material to provoke their thinking and then, we would build the curriculum together. I wanted to know what they wanted to learn, how they wanted to learn it and how they wanted to show their learning. It was fun, kids were engaged and guess what? I learned something new everyday!

[@azul_terronez]

Wendy, Thanks for sharing your reflections. I am sure your students appreciated you learning right there with them.

[@DarkPrincessWen]

Thanks Azul for your comment and this wonderful talk. Some of my students still talk to me and tell me how much they remember and cherished my classes. It is a wonderful feeling.

[@hadzmizahadzami1579]

oh my... this is something thoughtful! i did exactly the same thing as you did during my teaching days. (now no longer teaching, will re-venture it sooner) and my former students are still talking to me until today. just a few weeks ago they told me how much they still truly cherish our lessons. because i treat them like my own friends (humble). and i put myself as a genuine learner. because we all ARE learners! greetings from Malaysia

[@RAFAQATALI-ff9hj]

Wendy Potter good

[@mtymama6598]

Love how you say a teacher is also a learner. I enjoy learning from my students. Community college teaching and private tutoring students have so many interesting language and cultures to share. We are all lifelong learners as a teacher. Learning how to teach in different ways. Learning all the different LMS. Etc...too

[@mariabarraza4871]

Awesome talk, just love, listen , respect, and be calm. Try to see the word on their own perspective. Value your students and focus on what you want to see with clear expectations.

[@bulelwamajiza8418]

As a student teacher, this really helped me know wat learners might think and how I should respond

[@marysaradum]

I like your approach on being a teacher, to really get down to their level in order to understand them & get them to learn! I'm a retired teacher. I hope that I have made some differences in my students' life.

[@azul_terronez]

Thank you so much Mary for the comment, I am sure you made a signifiant impact.

[@marysaradum]

I made friends with my students too & till today we're still in contact, having gathering now & then.

[@user-bw5gm1pv4w]

Briefly, teaching is an art that collaborat endless features, traits.. and it's fuelled with creativity, enigmatic, and learning continuity.

[@ZulaikhaRafique]

Great teachers understand what's inside the students minds.

[@pinckyy9594]

"A great teacher makes himself humble before his students" it hits harder

[@careese4954]

A good teacher doesn't treat their students differently because of a mistake they have made in the past.

[@daminisahu7314]

My favourite teacher is umre sir who has taught highschool in my village . It seems that teacher is great person in everybody's life. Which is taught how to live and how to behave others

[@ask-wj2pf]

Great teachers sing: the teach as if students seem the are singing.. Beautiful...

[@azulterronez9219]

Thank you friend.

[@Booktrovertdiaries]

I am studying to become an English teacher and during my time in college, this is so true...In my psychology class even though I was interested I did not learn or want to focus because my teacher was considered "a great teacher". In one of my English classes, the teacher told us he use to do drugs and tell us stories but also compared them to the stories. Although I never did drugs it was nice to hear that teachers weren't always perfect and it made me listen to him more.

[@user-ze4et7zf9q]

Can I ask you some questions?☺️about my assignment wherein interview some educ. students. Btw I am also pursuing Bachelor in Education.💖