Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of students on the qualities of an ideal language teacher in Lagos State University. Selected respondents answered a 42-item Likert-scale questionnaire concerning their perceived qualities or personality traits of a successful language teacher. Findings showed that teaching experience, teachers showing love to students, creative, friendly, enthusiastic teachers with humour were ranked by language students as the most important qualities of an ideal language teacher. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between male and female students‟ perceptions of an ideal language teacher, (t = -.364, df = 328, p = .716). There was a negative correlation between students‟ language of study and their perception of an ideal language teacher (r = -.162). Recommendations on the need to enhance the inherent personality traits and professional qualities of language teachers, explore the optimum potentials in order to maximize students language learning potentials and competencies.