Videotaping one's self in a lecture
I like the idea of videotaping myself during class; I'm sure I'd see annoying tics that would be distracting to my students. I've had several instructors who repeated certain words or phrases (I hope they were inaware of it) that I found distracting. I remember one time, out of sheer boredom, I started counting how many times a particular instructor repeated the word "again" during a lecture. I quit after about a minute and a half because I was already up to EIGHTY!! Another instructor never "said" anything, he always "indicated," and in my most recent administrator's opinion, everything she likes is "amazing." Makes me think of Valley-Girl speak - the mouth is flapping but the brain is not connected. As instructors, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard of speaking and writing so our students may hear and see how an educated person communicates, and we might provide a model for them to emulate.
Michael,
You will be surprised when you review the video tape. This method will help you to refine your instructional delivery and communication techniques. Give it a try.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach a "Career Entry" class where we practice interviewing skills and I recommend that students videotape themselves being interviewed. I had really never considered it for myself, but I have to admit the idea is intriguing.
Cheryl,
Excellent comments on why we need to be and remain aware of how we present ourselves and conduct our speech. Your examples make me cringe because I have listened to those same presenters. Made for very looooooong sessions.
Gary
Daniel,
Good to hear. I wish you much teaching success.
Gary
Interesting I like this idea a lot. Would allow me to develop not only as an instructor but personally also...very nice.
