What Makes a Good University Professor? Views from Students at a Brazilian University

Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of a good university professor from the perspective of undergraduate students in the field of applied social sciences. The research is characterized as quantitative, with a questionnaire applied to students from the courses of Business Administration, Accounting, Economic Sciences, Technology in Foreign Trade, and Technology in Marketing at a public university, obtaining 224 valid responses. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The research results indicate that students define a good professor as one who uses technology in the classroom and for communication, maintains a good rapport, and is skilled at linking theory with practice. The results of this study are important for educators to carry out self-assessments, as well as for the university to reconsider and reorganize its continuous training program, helping its teaching staff stay in line with the technological advancements needed to meet the students' expectations for better communication and relationships in the classroom.