A group of students were followed in a longitudinal study throughout their compulsory
school years. The data collected formed the starting point for a focusgroup
discussion, the results of which are reported and discussed in this article.
The aim is to investigate the factors that the teachers consider especially important
for the students’ learning processes, and to reflect on what characterises
teaching practices that promote participation and learning. The results show that
the most important factor in a successful teacher’s work is the ability to meet the
students according to their individual needs; this also involves using the student
group as a learning resource, and to adopt a critical attitude to one’s own teaching
with the aim of developing it. Attitude, high expectations and a positive belief in
the students are key factors here, as well as the ability to stage well-balanced
teaching with a focus on content, language, and language use.
The importance of collegial learning for the teacher’s professional development
is emphasised, as is the value of enjoying one’s work and to share both successful
and less successful pedagogical episodes. One surprising result is the teachers’
conscious efforts to help the students adopt strategies for learning.