When I read the types of educators in the course, I found my personality falls between Socratic and Dead Poet's Society.
Kenneth,
I believe all instructors prepare and present in their own way. Of course, each has to know the subject matter thorougly. Attributes any can develop is the ability to be approachable, patient, kind and courteous, and fair. Add in a good sense of humor and you have the makings of a unique teaching resource.
Barry Westling
My personality is one that is not very organized. I have to be careful to not allow this to interfere with the learning process. I need to constantly remind myself of the materials I need for each class and have them easily accessible.
Jennifer,
Yes, passion, excitement, enthusiasm -- these are traits that are hard not to become engaged in. It takes energy and interest by the instructor, but then again, that's were paid to do.
Barry Westling
I find that the more excited you are about the skill or topic, the more excited the students are about learning.
Thomas,
Yeah, our role is varied and we have to wear a lot of hats. But maintaining an even, natural, "normal" persona consistently, students begin to feel more comfortable around their instructor because they know more what to expect. A students comfort level can can make a difference in student performance in some cases.
Barry Westling
I believe my personality plays a big role in how my student receive me. By being the same person in and out of the class room they know that I am keeping it real with them and they know that I am sincere in the information that I am conveying in the classroom.
Jessica,
I try to add variety with media and resources as often as possible, mixing up the instructional period with varied activities. Keeping students engaged is improved when there is fresh delivery and different activities to stimulate learning.
Barry Westling
I think sometimes as instructors we tend to teach how we learn. This doesn't always apply to all students though. For example: I am a visual learner, so I do a lot of pictures, but I am aware that I have students that are auditory, so I make sure that I add lecture..etc...
Jamie,
Sounds great! When students detect an instructor is genuine and realistic about study and instruction, they'll respond better because they sense their instructor is only tryng to help them. When we are approachable, patient, and fair, students will be attracted to that environment, and be more willing to follow their instructors lead.
Barry Westling
My classes are well prepped at this point. I have been teaching them for a while and always get to add new ideas as each class is different due to the students being different. I am a very adaptable teacher and will go with the flow of the class while still keeping good class room management and engaging the students. They learn and still get all the information covered and I use a lot of my every day situations in lecture. If you have a passion for what you a teaching the students will soak it up.
Robert,
Good points. I always say that passion, enthusiasm and zeal in reagrds to a topic creates a learning environment that commands attention and invites involvement and engagement by students. Their eagerness to learn is enhanced when they are induced to become a participant in thier instruction, rather than an observer.
Barry Westling
Your personality sets the tone for how medium will be both delivered and recieved.
If you show passion and create the need to know at a high level, then you will see that that delivery method is contagious and students will be much more responsive .
Jacquvalon,
Sometimes, students think of questions that are a bit off base. In these instances, I might have to tell them, "this is where you can find the answer", or if it's related to the topic, "I'm not sure but I'll find the answer and get back to you". Other times, it may be "well, that's a bit off course and beyond the scope of this class". I don't want to be off putting but non-relevant questions can't take up other students time.
Barry Westling
I agree. It is neccesary to be prepared for the class. The only difference for me is that I believe I need to be prepared for any question that the students might ask.
Lori,
I agree, and I think a key principle here is creating a learning environment where students feel comfortable and content delivered in a non-threatening way. Being approachable, patient, kind and courteous, and fair, along with displaying a natural persona with a little humor is a demeanor that can assist with setting the tone for this environment.
Barry Westling
I have been told to keep them in the seats & returning for the next day & every day after that we as teachers need to teach but also entertain. My director has called this edutainment! For the institution that I am employed at this works well. I am very passionette about what I do, but I have to keep them interested & excited. I am very strict with procedures & doing the lab work etc.. but my delivery of the information will come in any form that I think will best work for my students. This may be a PPT, the white board, Flip chart drawings in the form of drawing, even charrades if it keeps them asking the questions that will help them grow. Creativity will always help you as a teacher.
Tammy,
I like the flexibility in personality styles you describe. I feel like we have to be genuine versions of ourselves, but that doesn't mean we can't adapt to different settings. Sizing up a class or a class setting in order to best reach all of the students is a skill that good instructors will practice.
Barry Westling
I find that my "personality" changes depending on the class. For instance, when I teach freshman orientation, which teaches students about the basics of college life and study skills, as well as understanding one's motivations and setting goals, I'm much more laid back. But that makes sense with the class. These are "newbies," and they are nervous. I also want them to open up, to me and to their classmates. On the other hand, when I teach math, which is diffucult and covers 12 chapters in 20 classes, I'm no nonsense, all serious. I start by explaining to my students the need for this discipline, especially if I just had them for our "feel good" class, but different classes need different approaches.
Kara,
Sure, being sincere and genuine always comes across much better than an artificial version of someone else. Students generally appreciate individuals they perceive as authentic. This convey trust, confidence, and competence.
Barry Westling
