An Exploratory Factor Analysis of Good Teaching Characteristics Among Ramkhamhaeng University Faculty Members

Abstract

          Motivation and enthusiasm of learners through teaching and learning strategies will result in learners motivated and have a positive attitude towards learning. The characteristics of good teachers are important elements of teaching and learning and teaching methods that support students to learn effectively. Thus, this research aims (1) to study the characteristics of good teaching among Ramkhamhaeng University faculty members, and (2) to analyze the associated exploratory factors. The research sample consisted of 290 faculty members from Ramkhamhaeng University. A questionnaire was used in data collection and analyzed by means of basic statistics and an exploratory component analysis. The findings were as follows: (1) Overall, the faculty members participating in the research exhibited good teaching characteristics at a high level. When each characteristic was considered individually, it was found that the characteristic of morality and ethics was ranked the highest, followed by that of knowledge and competencies in teaching, which was also ranked in the highest level. The characteristics ranked in the high level were being an exemplar/good role model, knowledgeable in the science of learning management, and well-rounded in measurement and evaluation. (2) the exploratory factor analysis revealed that Ramkhamhaeng University faculty members displayed five good teaching characteristics. Listed in descending order of their eigen values, these are: (1) knowledgeable in the science of learning management, (2) well-rounded in measurement and evaluation, (3) being an exemplar/good role model, (4) knowledgeable and competent in teaching, and (5) possessing good morality and ethics, with the eigen values of 5.65, 5.48, 4.82, 3.71, and 2.28, respectively, and a range of element weights between 0.44 and 0.80.