A clear communication skill. One that eliminates as many communication barriers as possible.
I take the different learning styles into account when communicating in the classroom. When I give a presentation I give a clear and concise oration with many examples. This gives meaning to the points that I am making and helps the students remember the most important concepts (auditory learners). I also have short hands on projects where I will demonstrate a technique and act as a model for learning (Kinesthetic learners). I finally, I use models, pictures and props that a students can look at and even touch (Visual and kinesthetic learners). Finally, I ask students to reiterate a few key points that I had previously outlined so that they remember the most inportant concepts. In affect, I am communicating by placing students in a postion where they interact with me and each other.
Katherine,
I think this is a great example of helping your students to see when certain behaviors are most appropriate.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Being relaxed, moving around the room, eye contact with students are all very important communication skills. In my experience, though, students become more interested in what I am teaching when I show examples of how it applies to every day life.
The volume of my voice is important because if I speak too softly then students in the back will not be able to hear me. If I speak to loud, the students in the front may feel like I'm yelling and that can be a distraction in their learning.
to be able to deliver or explain the information and/or materials in a very clear way, using key facts and implementing skills. Perhaps give a road map, give students objective for the class, assure that the content is within the students knowledge, as well to get your students excited about the topic in order to successfully deliver your presentation.
Have an excersise set up where you state a typical medical scenario. For instance: Mr. Bigsby has been experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, and has had blurred vision for the past 3 days. His B/P is 180/12: pulse 100, and RR of 40 bpm. When he arrives to his doctors office what is the first thing that needs attention. Try to communicate and have the student communicate to you the importance of putting first things first. To them everything Mr. Bigsby is important and needs to be fixed, but, if you give the student as explanation that the heart and brain are vital area of the human body. They would then say, to control his B/P would be the most important factor in this scenario.
I like to use all different skills to keep my students engaged. I like to move around and raise and lower my voice as I talked about the points iam tring to make.This seems to work well for me.
I believe speaking clearly and making eye contact is vital. I also like to smile and laugh and engage the students. It is also awesome if you can ask a student to relate a story to help you communicate a pint to the rest of the class.
I teach clinical nursing at the hospital with my students. I have to maintain a non-excited way of teaching at the bedside because patients get nervous with student nurses. But in pre or post conference I like to review what topics will be covered and highlight what was covered last time. I use eye contact and I call on each student (I only have 8 students) for answers. I always have a smile on my face and try to always encourage looking for the connection or disconnection with certain concepts.
Austin,
yes, I think this can definitely be effective with some of our students, especially with those who may not desire a large amount of attention.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think subtlety can be used as a teaching tool especially when coupled with non-verbal communication. I nod of the head of slight smile can show pride giving the students a feeling of accomplishment. This could have an positive impact on how the students feels about the class and the Instructor.
LaShonda,
yes, listening skills ar probably the most underdeveloped & underutilized of our communication skills.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Listening skills would be the most important because it allows you to learn about the individual you're communicating with.
Paul,
yes while we don't want to confuse our students with "jargon" we also want to make sure they are learning the language of the trade.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Daniel,
I would agree that our clarity on all expectations is of utmost importance.
Dr. Ryan Meers
By Eddy Mojena
Communication is the key to success and how you use it as well to the students. Repeating words, Raising your voice, letting them know that during a lecture that these points are very important and that they should know.
My experience has shown that, I must speak two languages. First I must speak nearly flawless english. I must also speak in trade terminalogy, with the ability to translate from one to the other without hesitation. It seems that every career field has it's own language. An instructor must be able to present, define, and use, subject specific terms. This has to be done in plain simple english, so every student understands,the meaning, and useage of these terms. Knowledge they will be required to use daily in the field. And possibly alienated, if unable to do so.
I guess that this question could mean a lot of different things to different people. To me, regardless of the "diversity" of my class environment, communicating exactly what you expect from students and keeping them informed of assignments, grades, structure, dress codes, and so on can not be stressed enough. When there is a communication breakdown between students and an instructor, mayhem may ensue with frustration and resentment coming from both sides.
Edward,
yes, this is a great way to develop critical thinking skills in our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
