There are different approaches to distinguishing teaching styles, or types of teachers. I'd like to speak about some of them that I find to be the most valid. According to it, there are four types of teachers: authoritarian, permissive, detached and authoritative. They are neither good, nor bad. They're just different. But at the same time the type of teacher that one is will make a big difference in one's effectiveness in the classroom. Authoritarian Teaching Style The authoritarian teacher is often described by students as a screamer. He can't but shout at his pupils. Students may obey this teacher but mostly out of fear, and the teacher will blame the discipline problems in class on the students. Permissive Teaching Style The permissive teacher is one who really wants to be friends with her students. Students usually like such teachers. But at the same time when it comes down to a difficulty, students know that the teacher will not take care of a problem and will often try to take matters into their own hands as a result. Detached Teaching Style The detached teacher is one who really does not care. This teacher may not even care what kind of grades her students receive in class. There is no emotional support or behavioural management from the detached teacher. This teaching style is often the result of an illness or depression. Not a good one, but it's present nearly in every teacher's experience and lasts for about 2 or 3 days. Authoritative Teaching Style The authoritative teacher is one who has an orderly classroom, a strong discipline plan and is caring and supportive. Students respect this teacher and know that they can go to him/her with problems of any kind no matter how big or small. While this style of teaching is ideal, it can be difficult to achieve. In different circumstances different teaching styles are necessary. But the teacher must always be attentive and take care of the discipline in his class.
Actually there are very many classifications. For example, creative vs. conservative, according to the age group they teach, according to the reason for their working at school and so on. My favourite type is permissive+authoritative: the teacher is on good terms with his students, but still there is a certain distance between them. In my opinion, a teacher should always remain a Teacher, not a mate. Lovefoolball, and what is your favourite type? Have you recognized some of your teachers in my classification?
Concerning the best type, I agree with you but we should also add some features of the creative type, I think. Well, I've really recognized some of my teachers but I'm not disappointed because I was always lucky to have really good and talented teachers)
