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Brittany,
I can tell you that passion is never out of style, and usually a very welcomed sentiment to be exhibited in the classroom. And, impassioned individuals usually find it easier to engage students too, because there is an upward flow that tends to draw in students to the discussion.

Barry Westling

I'm a newer teacher, so my passion for my industry drives me...Pipelines are important to me but I am learning quicly that organization could be improved upon a lot.

In essence the more I teach the more I realize that class 'design' is really important. These courses have helped me a lot in preparing to take my teaching abilities to the next level.

Elmer,
It's important we play to our strengths as the student is likely to benefit from our stronger delivery styles. Yet, variety is important too, and good instructors will tread into areas less familiar, and be willing to explore methods to incorporate techniques they may feel less comfortable with. In doing so, we may reach more students and possibly improve student learning outcomes.

Barry Westling

I think my type lends itself to discussion, critical thinking and debate. Thus more verbal and constructive classes are the ones I tend to gravitate towards the most.

Manuela,
Making needed adjustments suggest a responsible classroom leader is at the helm. Students want THEIR needs met and THEIR learning styles catered to. I want them to learn, so if that means doing something a bit different from my comfort zone, I want to be able to transition to it, and I want to be able to do it well.

Barry Westling

I believe that my personality plays a big role in my delivery methods. This goes back to the learning styles that I preferred when I was studying. I did not like hand's-on and group work a lot when I went to college. I learn best by listening. This is part of my personality. Now in class this personality shows up and I do a lot of lecturing. I am aware that many of my students are kinesthetic learners and even so my personality does not "like" it too much, I include hands-on activities, for example.

Kelvin,
Yes, and a good example of that is from our own past educational experiences where we've had someone who we really connected with, felt their assistance, and developed a great relationship with them. When we care, we convey our desire for student success. There are dozens of ways to demonstrate that, and each instructor will have their own, unique version.

Barry Westling

an instructors personality can be very influential to students. Students might gauge their future happiness or wellbeing in that field of study, just by how he or she acts around them. Students tend to emulate mentors as well

Christopher,
Sure, if an instructor appears interesting, approachable and patient, students will naturally be more inclined to pay attention, remain engaged longer, and be more apt to retain important course information. Each instructor will have their own version of some of these traits. Students will appreciate the accomodating learning environment the instructor creates.

Barry Westling

THE INSTRUCTORS personality is important because the delivery is the main way the students receive the information. If the delivery selection dosent match the personality it will be difficult to retain the info.

Hugh,
There is truth in this. Students will learn if they feel the environment is conducive. Getting students on the same page of the instructor may require the instructor to get on the same page as their students. We want to avoid anything that is forced, but being flexible can result in better productive outcomes.

Barry Westling

Jason ,
I agree and believe appropriate humor can help keep attention, interest, and students engaged. One benefit of humor is that it can convey that the instructor is an authentic individual (such as laughing along with students when mistakes or misstatements occur). Removing barriers is important as it contributes to creating an improved learning environment.

Barry Westling

In most cases I have found that personality dictates delivery selection. Go along to get along types are much more paticipatory in the classroom while type "A" personalities seem to be more into a style where they are in charge. Neither of these are bad for the person, but they are limiting if that is all the instructor can do.

I'm known for my sense of humor and I try to add humor into my material. Teaching dry material such as medical terminology can be a challenge. I find using humor when done in good taste, to keep the students awake and engaged. I find humor to also be a good icebreaker on the first day of class.

Kathleen,
What a great trait! And being approachable, although not a panacea, can open up many more doors than just instructor knowledge alone. When students feel that openness, we have more opportunity to interact with them (one-on-one, and as a group).

Barry Westling

I think that my instructor personality is a humble one. From day one I told my students that an expert in something once was a beginner in that something. I want my students to know I am approachable.

I agree. Also, confidence in understanding the role of instructor, and a comprehensive grasp of content knowledge both play a big part in what and where a good instructor targets their attention, which results in greater effectiveness. Students sense an instructors creative talents, and usually welcome it.

Dr. Fu-Sen,
I agree. Also, confidence in understanding the role of instructor, and a comprehensive grasp of content knowledge both plays a big part in what and where a good instructor targets their attention, which results in greater effectiveness. Students sense an instructors creative talents, and usually welcome

Barry Westling

The role of instructor personality should be taken into account in delivery selection of teaching. This is because instructors should adapt a delivery selection that fits his personality so that he can concentrate on the effectiveness of the delivery rather than on the delivery itself.

Johanna,
Personality can be a powerful stimulus to learning, that's for sure. Among they many diverse variables portrayed by different individiuals, I have found certain traits that are common among the more successful instructors. These include being approachable, courteous and kind, patient, fair, knowledgeable, and confident. Add that magical dash of uniqueness each instructor possesses, and you have the makings of an effective instructional setting.

Barry Westling

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