Perceptions of Teachers, Students and Parents of the Characteristics of Good Teachers: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of China and the United States

Since the 1920\u27s many researchers have conducted studies exploring the qualities of good teachers. However, a limited number of empirical studies have been conducted in the People\u27s Republic of China (hereafter called China). The current study has two objectives. The first one aims to compare a good teacher\u27s characteristics in China and the USA. To achieve this, qualitative data of a good teacher\u27s characteristics were collected in China. The results obtained from China were then compared to those reported in the USA. The second objective was to test whether or not there are differences among teachers\u27, students\u27 and parents\u27 perceptions of a good teacher\u27s characteristics in China. To achieve this, questionnaires were administered, and then statistical analyses were conducted. The qualitative data analyses have revealed four themes about the characteristics of good Chinese teachers: Teacher ethics, professional skills, professional development, and students\u27 test scores. The ANOVAs have found no differences among teachers\u27, students\u27 and parents\u27 perceptions of the qualities of good teachers in China on most of the items. This study helps readers better understand good teachers in a Chinese context and provides a framework for future comparative study between China and the USA regarding the qualities of good teachers