Identifying important communication skills is important when working with students with various backgrounds. Every student doesn't have the same learning style and using the same delivery method for all will not be effective.
I have found that if I keep this in mind & focus on having a variety of instructional techniques it is helpful to all students.
Petulah,
it sounds like you've really hit on the best way to build their confidence while at the same time helping them realize that they can do this on their own.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Charmelia,
I have found that if I keep this in mind & focus on having a variety of instructional techniques it is helpful to all students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Demarcus,
this is very true & something I have tried to point out in this same discussion.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Henry,
very, very true. There is a fine line between engaging a student with eye contact & intimidating them, thanks for the reminder.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Henry,
the voice definitely is key to being an effective instructor & carrying the power we desire.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Emily,
you demonstrate some great self-awareness & focus on improvement. I agree that the more enthusiastic we are about our courses & the subject matter typically the more excited our students will be as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Jeanette,
I like what you have said here. To me the key concept is understanding that my communication as a teacher is not limited to my actual instruction time but all other times when I'm interacting with students as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I find doinging hands on presentaion/demonsrations with my students are very helpful to them. In the classes that I teach, like hematology, the students come to the class scared and already have it in their mind that they are going to fail. When they are ready to start the hands on part of the class I stand next to them,guide and talk them through their 1st attempt. If after they still want me there I am. Most of the try to do the nexton their own and get real excited when they do.
Clearly speacking. It is important to understand topics.
In a diverse learning environment the ability to communicate on all levels is paramount. Methods of instruction will vary and depend on the students background.
In a diverse environment it is important to remember that not all people read communication cues in the same manner. This is particularly important with eye contact and personal space for instance.
I agree. Eye contact is very important. But we should stay away from starring at a student for to long as it may make them uncomfortable.
I believe your voice is the most important. Reason being, it is what the student is listening for. Not only must you speak clear but you should also not be very bland. Put excitement in what you are saying or teaching.
I recall my own academic experience, and the classes where I learned the most were those where the instructor was enthusiastic about the subject and would actively engage students in the discussion. I try to create the same environment in my classes.
I know the quieter students can be a bit of a challenge, but I have found that by moving about the classroom, moving closer to their location and making eye contact, helps. Maybe it minimizes the "audience" for them until they become more comfortable speaking in front of their classmates?
Although I have no difficulty with gestures, in the past,I tried to pay close attention to the volume of my voice; if I didn't, I tended to start speaking at a lower volume. This has become easier, however, with experience.
Good verbal communications skills are necessary in a diverse learning environment. However, I believe it is not only what is communicated, but how it is communicated, that makes communication effective for students. It is important to remember that we are there for the students, and that each one is important, as well as an individual. I always remind myself to treat each one as I would like to be treated--with kindness and respect.
Michele,
Thank you so much for pointing this out. One of my pet peeves as a communication person is that often listening is considered a separate skill from communication, rather than part of it. You are communicating just as much when you are listening as when you are speaking.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Bakhriya,
Those hands on presentations/demonstrations are a great way to keep the students engaged in what we are doing & in what their peers are doing.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Listening is a very important communication skill. Only a very skilled listener can know what a student is or is not understanding.
and also verbal and non verbal contakt is very important
