While teaching quality is often treated as a universal construct, student perspectives reveal nuanced and context-specific understandings shaped by national, cultural, and demographic factors. Recognising these differences is essential for aligning pedagogical practices with learner expectations.

In this study, we conducted a qualitative comparative analysis of 80 open-ended essays written by 16-year-old students: 40 from students in the Integrated Programme at a Singapore junior college and 40 from a Finnish secondary school. Through thematic analysis, we identified recurring traits and values that students associate with good teaching.

Analysis of the Singaporean data indicated that care-related affective qualities emerged as the dominant category (n=44, 39%), with pedagogical competence (n=29, 25%) and teacher passion (n=20, 17%) ranking second and third, respectively. Finnish students emphasised a teacher’s positive, humorous, and cheerful attitude (n=25, 62.5%), fairness (n=11=27.5%), and attentiveness to student voices and opinions (n=12, 30%).

The findings revealed contrasting cultural orientations in how students perceive effective teaching. Singaporean students tended to highlight traits that reflect care, dedication and competence, suggesting a view of the teacher as a committed and nurturing professional. Finnish students, on the other hand, emphasised interpersonal dynamics and emotional presence, pointing to a more egalitarian and relational understanding of the teacher’s role. The findings challenge universalist assumptions about teaching excellence and underscore how educational values and societal norms shape students’ expectations of pedagogical excellence. By foregrounding student perspectives, this research contributes to a more inclusive and context-sensitive understanding of pedagogical effectiveness.

Authors:
Shermin Chee, Temasek Junior College, Singapore
Kati Keski-Mäenpää, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Piia Martikainen, Torkinmäki School, Kokkola, Finland

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Shermin Chee is currently a certified teacher serving at the Ministry of Education, Singapore as a general education officer in Temasek Junior College. Her interests include effectively inculcating the use of technology in learning spaces.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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