Characteristics of a Capable Teacher to Teach Effectively from Students' Perspective at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences

Background: In addition to educational conditions and facilities, the presence of a good and capable teacher is an effective factor in improving teaching and learning processes. The present study aimed to determine the characteristics of a capable teacher from students' perspective at Shahroud university of medical sciences. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 289 students at Shahroud university of medical sciences during the academic year of 2017-2018 using a multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected by a questionnaire containing demographic characteristics and factors affecting the evaluation of capable teachers, including six domains, namely personal characteristics (10 questions), teaching method (14 questions), evaluation and personal communication skills (10 questions), teacher's scholarship (4 questions), and educational rules (5 questions). The data were then analyzed using SPSS. Results: The maximum and minimum mean scores were related to teaching methods (61.9  6.5) and teacher's scholarship (16  3.1) respectively. There were significant relationships between evaluation skills and students' residences, the field of study, and six domains of teacher evaluation and academic level, and six domains of academic satisfaction, evaluation skills, and scholarship. Conclusions: From the learners' perspective, the most important characteristics of a capable teacher included the teaching method, personal communication, and personal characteristics respectively. Awareness of learners' perspectives on education can help teachers to provide informed teaching planning. According to the results of the present study, the criteria of a capable teacher can be evaluated for achieving effective teaching.