the ability to make eye contact with students, that way they know you are connecting with them regardless of who they are.
Nancy,
I definitely am a big fan of humor or craziness as you said. Clearly it has to be appropriate & kept in balance, but it can really help at times.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think that you need to be able to project clearly with a varied tone to give inflection but, keep the attention and show importance to varied sections of the material. I also think that you need to stand in an open position so that you do not seem cut off or subdued. You should also move around the room so that you are not hidden behind your podium or desk. Smiling and showing enthusiasm is also a really important part of any presentation because, your audience will often reflect your excitement in the topic you are covering.
I find it's more interesting for me too if I can interject a little humor/craziness into the presentation.
Robert,
you make an excellent point here. I think the key is to utilize the various methods to engage all of the learning styles, this way we should connect with all learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think communication with the student is vital to understand how they will more easily grasp the subject matter atr hand. The personalities of each individual student must to some extent be catered to so as to teach the subject matter in a way that not just most understand, but eberyone understands. We do this at our HVAC training center by using al forms of communication, verbal, hands on , and DVD series teaching aids, so the student has the opportunity to learn from many perspectives, not just one. Of course, the encouragement from the teacher is what will ultimately give the student the confidence to complete course work, which is a trait teachers, good or bad at, must be able to master.
Body language I think is most important. Gestures and the way your personality is being portrayed.
Jordan,
these are all great points & I especially like your point about the voice. Never underestimate the good or harm you can do by having a good vocal variety.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think definitely you must be excited about your material and also to know when your students wnat a change. As in having a discussion on a topic or taking a break from lecture and doing an activity or assignment.
A strong, clear voice when lecturing is vital. Students are easily distracted or bored. Using your voice effectively helps keep them focused. I have also found that being able to illustrate by using the whiteboard. Moving about the room while you speak also helps
Dyana,
I have found this to be one of the key factors in a successful class for all of us. Too often I think I'm being clear but I'm confusing my students. You are right that we must strive for clarity & asking our students is a great way to determine if we are being clear or not.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Melissa,
you are right that we need to make every effort to truly understand each of the learners in our classes so we can best reach each of them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Command presence is very effective in the environment that I teach in. Although that is important, good eye contact and movement throughout the classroom seems to engage everyone, despite their learning style.
Hi. To me, the communication skills that are most important in a diverse learning environment is you as the instructor and all that you have to offer. This would include your voice, your tone, your facial expressions, and the ability to engage students
I think it's important to capture your students attention. Gesture, speak clearly, maintain eye contact. This is all important in capturing the attention of the students.
communication is key, if your students are confused then it reflects on their work. Having good communication skills and applying it to the classroom will help with the sucess of the students.
In a diverse learning environment I feel it is important to assess what type of learners you have in the room in order to communicate properly with your students. I have at sometimes with my spanish speaking students took them aside and repeted the information in spanish just so they can really understand the concept. Sometimes this helps.
I believe the most important communication skills in a diverse learning environment depends on the group of students your teaching. What may work for one group may not for another. As an instructor I should remain professional, consistent and respectful on those whom I teach.
This is a great comcept that I use often in my class. I teach lecture and lab in two different classrooms. They are a very differnt group dynamic so It's important to keep them fully engaged. I feel the students are better prepared when they know what is expected and what is going to be presented.
I especially like to do a review before class begins of the previous days information. Then conclude each class with a review of the information that was presented. I find this helps keep what they've learned in the forfront of their minds and not so overwhelming.
Excellent information!
Maureen,
this is a great idea & approach. I often marvel at how show folks make each show seem fresh & as if it's the first time for them. As instructors, we may have presented this same information a million times, but we need to keep it fresh & exciting for the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
