We tend to gravitate toward the media and methods in which we are most comfortable. We need to be prepared to learn new techniques to be most sucessful.
Hi Yvonne:
I agree that stories and past situtaions from the work setting are great ways to introduce a topic illustrate a point, or reengage students who may have lost interest. Stories work because most students can relate to details contained or involved.
Regards, Barry
I have an outgoing personality and include alot of personal experience storties related to the subject I am teaching. The students show alot of feedback.
Hi Casey:
Humor has a place in education, just as it does in life. And of course, there are all kinds of humor. And timing is critical - such as your example of spontaneous singing and dancing.
Too much of levity in the classroom conveys the wrong message, perhaps that the teacher is not serious or interested in the material. But a natural and genuine sense of humor from the teacher conveys a sense of relaxed and confidence that can dispel tension and angst when class is nervous, or worried, or unprepared.
An honest and sincere teacher who provides, and allows, a bit of humanity in their class is going to keep the attention of their students.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lakiesha:
You're right, a good teacher will prepare so that even if the subject is unfamilar they will be able to be confident in their delivery of the material and provide an effective lesson.
Regards, Barry
Hi Ruth:
I think it's true teachers have their favorite and less favored topics. It ought to be a balanced combination of delievry techniques and a variety of instructional methods whether the teacher prefers them or not.
One thing we all have in common is the ability to be honest, caring, sincere, genuine - natural versions of ourselves rather than an artificial version of some else in order to try to capture student attention. Students appreciate honesty more than personalty.
Regards, Barry
Unfortunately, distinguishing a few methods of delivery amongst the thousands of personalities is difficult. Be yourself. Students can tell a fake a thousand miles away. Always remember though, there is a fine line of professionalism you must keep aware of.
How I respond to the content will affect how the students respond to the content. If I am excited, they will be more likely to listen and learn.
My personality plays a huge part in what delivery system I use. Also the available media plays an equally important.
I am very outgoing and I like to joke around. When I conducted an information literacy session, we were waiting for the database search to load and I mentioned that we need some sort of music while we waited and one of the students got out his iPod and started playing the music--I loved it and I began to sing, dance, and laugh and the students warmed up to me more—and got more familiar with my personality.
Base on the knowledge of the information and experience in that particular area I tend to delever the material the best way I can present it and if I do not know the material prior to lecture I will study the best way to present the information that the students may not know if I new it or not.
I am a firm believer in the role of the instructor's personality in the delivery selection because your personality affects how you are able to act. Teaching requires enthusiasm for the subject and if you can't get that enthusiasm the subject will suffer. Your willingness to try different things is also part of your personality. What you as an educator like or do not like comes across in your teaching. Certain subjects excite certain instructors and other subjects do not so we do not do as well. Our students can see and feel this and it affects them.
Hi Jayme:
Boy, I really agree with all you've stated.
Stories are almost magical in their abilty to capture attention, convey an idea, create an opportunity for a student to share something personal or related to the course content, or just to enlarge the scope of the topic, subject or career area the students are studying for.
Probably because they can relate to many aspects of the story or situation, a good story will always keep a discussion active or a class focused.
Regards, Barry
Hi!
I am a natural story teller. I enjoy entertaining people when educating them. I also enjoy helping students find something personal to help them relate to our material. I think every person, whether they are funny, silly, stern, sensible, quiet, in-your-face, etc. has something fun and unique to bring to the class. That is, specifically, who you are as a person! Of course you must be a professional and present a professional self that students can have confidence in and respect for. What are some of the things that each of you bring to the classroom? Thanks!
Jayme Rawson
Hi Jamison:
Comfortable, confident, prepared teachers are much more apt to provide a smooth, enjoyable and interesting lesson.
We all have a version of our natural selves, and I think just being sincere and honest with students will always assure them we know our stuff and we want to present it for maximum retention.
Regards, Barry
I try to lighten things up at times and add humor which is a big part of my personality. I feel this relaxes the students and makes for a better learning enviroment.
Hi Heather:
We al have a unique personality and I think it's best to convey that natural, genuine way when relating to students. Trying to emulate another will not be viewed as sincere and students will not receive us as well. Being honest with students will convey more, and they'll see we care about their success.
Regards, Barry
Hi Diego:
I think we all have our own version of delivery. One thing in common however is the ability to be honest, sincere, and genuine when we are deling with students. In this environment, classes wll run smoothly, and the teacher will appear natural and comfortable.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marc:
You've gained the trust of your students and you've done that with a natural sense of who you are. Confoidence and competence often go hand in hand. It appears that's the case her. Good job!
Regards, Barry
Hi Mark:
I think interesting people that engage and keep the interest of students are gret. They may add humor when needed, but some teacher go over the top with too much joking. Some students prefer sincere, honest teachers who teach in a professional manner.
Regards, Barry
