Ehtisham,
We can always be kind, friendly and offer our encouragement, regardless of our unique personalities.
Barry Westling
Lisa,
I believe every personality type can share common traits, such as patience, approachability, kindness, sincerity.
Barry Westling
Role of instructor's personality set the tone and role model for student which makes both instructor and students comfortable communicating with each other and setup a student tyeacher relationship.
Thanks.
You should be true to your personality so you do not appear to be putting on an act. I have an outgoing personality so I always choose to be up in front of the class interacting whenever I can. Question and answer, calling on students and talking through issues, working together as a class. Teachers with more reserved personalities may choose to show more media and rely on powerpoints.
Jenny,
Sounds good. I have done something similar by asking students "we're today's objectives met?" and "was there anything that we could have done today to make for a better learning experience?". By doing so, students feel they have a voice in their learning and often, I would receive good input for use in subsequent classes.
Barry Westling
I have been learning to take criticism in a more constructive way. I have found that if I'm seeing many blank stares or students are having issues I have them write them down in the following format. What was learned today and what did you have issue with.That way I can address the issues and correct those blank stares.
Jenny,
Over the years, I've learned to be patient and open to different student views and opinions, and responding to the, as diversity, rather than criticism. Many times, students feel free to share their views with any anger behind it, and that makes for a more rational discussion.
Barry Westling
My personality guides me to not be so nervous or shy when getting in front of the class. I was a cheerleader in high school and college and I beieve that has helped me have the courage to stand in front of my class and not take cristsim so personally.
Debra ,
I call this the "upward flow", where students will naturally want to engage, participate, and be motivated to learn.
Barry Westling
I agree, our personality has as much impact on our students wanting to be there as well as wanting to learn. Our enthusiasm is contagious! Our students don't care how much we know until they really know how much we care about them achieving their scholastic goals.
Tonaya ,
Good idea. The possibility of someone taking an innocent joke or comment the wrong way is not worth the grief and possible loss of trust and/or respect that may occur. I say this from past unplsesant experiences.
Barry Westling
I try to be humorous and energetic in the classroom to keep the students engaged. However, I also like to start the course off with letting everyone know that I will never joke around about their success.
Dave,
So true. The importance of creating an inviting learning environment cannot be overstated. We want to facilitators and a conduit for instruction, not a barrier.
Barry Westling
Our personality is our delivery method. If an instructor is intimidating the students will be reluctant to interact with him. If the students feel comfortable with an instructor the exchange of information is relaxed and easy, an open forum for discussion.
Krista,
Students like and appreciate variety. Interesting classes are ones that will be memorable.
Barry Westling
My personality plays a huge role. It all revolves around what I am most comfortable with. If I am really confident in one topic matter, I may lecture about it, even though I am not fond of getting up in front of a lot of people. I also get bored easy so I will switch up styles and go from hands-on training to lecture, to video/media, to discussion, etc. Each topic will be taught in a style that will allow for the greatest potential in learning for the class.
Adelina ,
Very nice. This proves an important point, that a surefire method to always enage or reengage students is to get their focus on the job setting they're being prepared for.
Barry Westling
I'm a dental assistant during the day and teach dental assisting at night. My students can't wait to hear how my day went. There is always something new to share with them. They get excited, are full of questions and can't wait to start their new career as an assistant.
Larry,
I often sit in other instructors classes and have observed that I nearly always learn something new, or at least a variation of what I do.
Barry Westling
Tracy,
Students respond when they feel some connection to their instructor. An upbeat manner helps students feel comfortable about asking questions and paying attention.
Barry Westling
