I'd like a richer voice, good resonance without nasality. I'd also like to be able to project my voice more effectively without straining.
As an instructor I could improve my skills at pulling students out of their shell more on the discussion threads. I am not in a classroom and the live chats I do hold do not require eye contact. I have worked to have a clear and strong voice during chats, so I feel that is successful. I could expand more on the discussion board interaction.
I would like to improve any type of comunication that would help me draw the students attention to the lesson. From what I have gathered here I need to move around the room more so the students focus is not lost by me staying in one place. This should make it a more active lesson, for me and the students.
Great personal observations from each of you! I applaud each of you for recognizing communication challenges and trying to improve.
I believe that communication is the most difficult challenge that most of us have since without some type of communication we can't be understood. But because of who we are, where we come from, how we were socialized, etc., etc., etc., it becomes VERY difficult. I encourage students to "communicate" in my classroom adherring to what I feel consistently works and that is "communicate with respect" - respect for others and their opinions.
Keep on talking and keep on listening - good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
My brain moves faster than my mouth and many times I get ahead of myself. So sometimes I stick to a script or agenda on the board or on the syllabus and do the box/check method I learned in the military. But many time, I get excited and engaged and students blast out questions and (viola!) I am sidetracked! But sometimes, I have to keep refering to the agenda or syllabus and this gets me back on track.
~Louis
Rabbits are great and I tend to love to run down their rabbit-trails as I lecture starting with my topic of interest, adding an experiential analogy- that analogy leads me promptly to another analogy and down another rabbit trail. I'm aware of it NOW...and I try not to run down those other trails without good reason (like, they didn't get the point with the first analogy, let's try clarification). It's a work in progress.
I would personally wish to improve my communication skills when bearing bad news or when I disagree with a colleague or supervisor. I want to be able to express my ideas without becoming angry. I can hold my temper, but I want to be able to express myself without hinting that I am upset about it.
I have a tendency to rush through information in my classes. I worry students will get bored so I speak quickly. Other instructors slow their pace and that helps the students understand the information better. It is an issue I am aware of and trying to pace myself better.
As an instructor, I wish I can improve on my non-verbal communication. It seems I have the verbal part down as I often upon hours of a subject matter. But unless I videotape myself, I have no idea how I come across.
I wish to improve on being able to have the class participate more in my lecture. When I ask students to comment or if they have any questions, it's like pulling teeth to get them to respond!
