The Characteristics of Very Effective Teachers in Urban Community Colleges

This study was an exploratory effort to determine the characteristics and behaviors of exceptionally effective urban community college teachers. Data were gathered through a series of in‐depth interviews with 28 college faculty members who had been identified as “exemplary” teachers. All the teachers interviewed taught introductory‐level courses in biology, English, mathematics, or social science. Results showed that these effective teachers shared many common teaching characteristics and instructional practices, but few common personal characteristics. Implications for the improvement of teaching are discussed.