Communication and interpersonal skills ‘key’ for teaching

Posted 29 Jul 2009

More emphasis should be placed on how prospective teachers interact with their pupils, an education expert has argued.

Peter Price, chair of the National Primary Headteachers’ Association, insists too much is made of academic achievement rather than interpersonal qualities in the classroom.

While he concedes subject knowledge is vital for the job, he warns it should not be the only benchmark for measuring a teacher’s suitability for the task – words that may inspire prospective TEFL teachers.

Mr Price explains: "Our view is that there are communication and interpersonal skills that are required.

"The empathy that is required with teachers to children and their needs – these won’t be measured in 2:1s and 2:2s."

Earlier this year the government announced a fast-track teacher training scheme of six months to encourage more high-fliers into the profession.

However, an article in the Times published earlier this month suggests places still remain on the course as scores of ex-bankers and city workers have been rejected.

Category: Teaching and Learning