I love to learn. Not just study but all aspects of life. Learning is great Understanding a concep, an idea, an opinion, a historical text and deciphering the bias in all that happens in the world. My love of learning, came from my Grandfather. He would ask me questions, philosophy, politics, science or current affairs.
I of course did not know the answer, in most cases these were critical thinking exercises, for me it meant me reading verciferously for joy and for knowledge and ideas. In the formal setting of school the best teachers were the ones who allowed the study to be more than just question and answers, but to look at a subject from a variety of aspects.
My English teacher was the first to really do this in school after my Grandfathers tremendous efforts at home. Reading a text was never just story, it raised many questions, what was the authors position in life, why was the book written, what was happening in society at the time ? Why do some authors rely heavily on allegory ? ( think censorship!) Why were some books so controversial when they were written?
This lease to view the written word just deepened my love of learning. I particularly think the use of real world context, theatre, labs and any number of other experiences are also the sign of a great teacher.
The greatest teachers of all, ignite the inquisitive nature of their students and given them freedom to learn and explore and create and take part in the learning process. Teaching is so much more than knowledge!