Beyond teaching: exploring students’ preferred academic and personal attributes in university educators

This study examines students’ perceptions of preferred academic and personal attributes of favored university educators. An online survey was conducted by asking undergraduate and graduate students from public and private universities in Jordan, which yielded a total of 1,111 responses. It was found that students highly valued faculty members who possess academic attributes such as enthusiasm and the use of creative teaching methods, and in personal attributes, they preferred respect and empathy. Additionally, based on institution type and academic performance, significant differences were observed, with students from public universities and high-achieving students showing a greater appreciation for faculty attributes. However, based on course grade level, no significant differences were found. These findings underscore the importance of aligning faculty development with student expectations in higher education institutions. This study suggests integrating training programs that focus on emotional intelligence, as well as innovative pedagogy, to maintain student engagement and improve learning outcomes. By creating a teaching environment that strikes a balance between academic excellence and strong interpersonal connections, universities can enhance student satisfaction and overall educational experiences.