THE TEACHING STANDARDS AND SKILLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TEACHERS OF BUSINESS STUDIES IN BRAZIL: A STUDY OF THE TEACHING STAFF IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The general purpose of this study is to understand (from the standpoint of Business Administration teachers in higher education) what is required to have lessons of good quality that provide students with an effective return in terms of learning. A qualitative research methodology was employed which was of an exploratory character and descriptive nature; this involved a bibliographical and documentary analysis, together with in-depth interviews, following the guidelines of a semi-structured study, with twelve teachers who came from both public and private institutions. After the study had been undertaken, it was found that what characterizes a good teacher is that he has have a good grounding in didactics and knowledge of the subject being taught. This involves practical work in the classroom with regard to the subject in question, and preferably based on his own professional experience.  The teacher should also know how to make use of new technical resources so that classes can allow the students to take part in a more active way. However, it was also clear that a good class does not only depend on the teacher but also on the willingness of the students to learn and the availability of good teaching material. As well as this, it is essential for the academic staff to be supported by the teaching institutions in both the public and private sector.