DEFINING TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RECENT INSIGHTS ON KEY QUALITIES AND PRACTICES

Abstract

Teacher effectiveness is pivotal in shaping student outcomes and overall educational success. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize recent research findings on the key qualities and practices that define effective teachers in contemporary educational settings. Focusing on studies published within the last five years, the review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and utilized the Scopus database to ensure a comprehensive and rigorous analysis. From an initial pool of 45 articles, 15 high-quality studies were selected based on inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse educational contexts and methodological approaches. The analysis identified five core qualities consistently associated with effective teaching: (1) Pedagogical Knowledge and Skills—the ability to convey complex concepts accessibly and tailor instruction to diverse learning needs; (2) Classroom Management—creating structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environments; (3) Emotional Intelligence—managing one's emotions and understanding students' emotional needs to foster strong relationships; (4) Cultural Competence—embracing and integrating students' diverse cultural backgrounds into teaching practices; and (5) Commitment to Lifelong Learning—engaging in continuous professional development to remain adaptable and innovative. The findings demonstrate that these qualities significantly impact student outcomes, including academic performance, engagement, and socio-emotional growth. In multicultural and diverse classrooms, emotional intelligence and cultural competence are particularly crucial for closing achievement gaps and promoting equity. The review also highlights effective professional development strategies for enhancing these key qualities. Collaborative learning communities, peer coaching, and targeted workshops focusing on emotional intelligence and cultural competence were identified as most effective. This study underscores the necessity of a holistic approach to teacher effectiveness that combines technical expertise with emotional and cultural competencies. By fostering these qualities, educators can create inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of 21st-century learners. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these qualities on student outcomes and investigate how professional development interventions can be tailored to specific educational contexts. Additionally, examining the role of technology integration in enhancing teacher effectiveness is recommended, as digital literacy becomes increasingly important in modern education.