Appearance


 * Appearance **



I don’t feel beauty or handsomeness is a required trait for a teacher to be effective, although it doesn’t hurt. Learners learn from the act of teaching. I don’t think I’ve ever read a research article that studied the level of understanding based on a good looking teacher compared to a not-so-good looking teacher – how do you prove the physical appearance was the critical element? I feel that teachers do have to maintain personal hygiene and dress per society’s business dress. I don’t expect every teacher to dress in a shirt and tie, but I also don’t expect teachers to stand in front of a class with ripped jeans just because it’s in fashion. Does physical appearance distract some students, absolutely! As a student, I would have trouble learning from a long hair, bearded, tie-dye wearing professor trying to teach me American history. Until I hear that he is maintaining and unbiased position I would question the information he is presenting. Again, that just me. ‘Al Cordera.

Although I have never had a teacher who had an apperance that distracted me form learning; l do have an expectation for teachers to appear groomed and wear tasteful clothing. At a minimum, teachers should comply with the institution's dressing code. Dennis Flores