Favourite and least favourite math teachers

 My least favourite math teacher is my middle school math tutor. My parents want me to be excellent in my math class, and they sent me to this math tutor to help me with harder math problems. But the way she has been teaching me makes me feel uninvolved. She started the class by giving me a 30 minute test paper and told me to finish the questions with at least 80% correct. Otherwise, I would have to repeat the practice questions from the last class. If I pass the test, she will give me some higher level practice questions and let me figure it out on my own. Sometimes I get stuck on a question for 1 hour, but she never gives me a hint. I think this is not a good way to teach. As a teacher, it is great to give students time to think and try to figure out some important content by themselves. They would have a deep memory of the things. However, it is also important to keep an eye on the students to make sure they are not looking for help and to give some useful hints to help them. Students won't learn anything if you don't give them direction. In my own teaching career, I would never give students quizzes to scare them the first time. And give students appropriate direction when needed. 

One of my favourite math teachers is my high school math teacher. He has his own way of introducing those complicated math terms and formulas to us, and we all understand and enjoy learning. His personality and observation skills are great. He cares about all students and wants to listen to our questions not only about math. One thing I learned from him is that empathy is really important in teaching. Students would be willing to share their thoughts and difficulties with someone who cares about them.