Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify what features make good professors in the social and natural sciences. Are these qualities the same? Through gathering data from undergraduate business and engineering students, we searched for educator’s characteristics considered positive or ideal for the learning process. This research used primary data resources collected through online survey. Technical analysis of the content was used for interpretation of the results. Students from the social and natural sciences have similar points of view and expectations about towards their professors. Scholars believe docents should be more comprehensive and prepare students for the market, and not use the classes to expose their (students’) ignorance, lack of mastery of the subject, difficulties, nor poke fun at them. Fortunately, these behaviors are not common place, but are known to exist, and represent a display of a remarkably unprofessional, egotistical, and arrogant conduct by the instructor. Social science professors are often more communicative and show more empathy, while natural science professors are more technicians and follow the syllabus, texts and material in a more rigid manner. This research is relevant for docents to reflect on their teaching persona and about the importance of self-awareness during their Master and Doctor programs. It is equally important for educators to see themselves through their students’ eyes, so they can endlessly strengthen their own practice.

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