I teach auto collision repair and we have both class room and hands on or "shop" instruction. The shop environment is easy to keep the class focused but the classroom tends to be boring. Being in controll of the class and approachable is sometimes a challenge. Your enthusiasm and cheerfullness goes a long way for successfull lectures.
Hi Karen:
That's so true! There should ultimately be a balance between passion and professionalism. Too much of one or the other can distract the student from the primary topic.
Regards, Barry
Hi Patricia:
One general comment about instructor personality - while passion for a topic is great and can impart enthusiasm to the students, we should also be aware of balancing that out with other components, like professionalism and organization.
Too much emotion or passion can serve to distract the students from the main point.
Regards, Barry
I am a hands on learner so I like to teach that way as well. I do have to adjust my teaching style and delivery methods because I have learners who are readers and note takers more so than hands on learners. I like to tell my students real life stories and I like for them to do fun activities in class that wake them up and keep their focus.
Hi Roberto:
Great point - the key is balance with every type of attitude, passion, delivery style, personality trait, etc.
The difficult thing can be to remember and honor the need for balance between all thes things to be the most effective instructors that we can.
Regards, Barry
The personality of an instructor makes them more or less comfortable with different delivery methods. If the instructor is comfortable with the delivery method, the presentation will be better and, therefore, it will reach more students. I do believe that instructors need to go outside their comfort zone to try different methods in order to try to reach students with different learning personalities, but overall, an instructor will be more effective using a delivery method that compliments their personality.
I agree! I used to teach both morning and night, and once had a night student ask, "Ms. Ream, are you this energetic in your 9 am class, too?" Often my day students are coming in after working night shifts, or before going on to work. I, too, have found that telling lighter, but still relevant, stories has helped students find the course less "boring." But this is definitely a personality thing; I don't mind sharing, or having students share, humorous examples of class concepts in action. Other instructors find this disruptive.
I like to have fun in class whenever possible. My classes are in the evening - most of my students work full-time and sitting through a 4 hour class after working 8-9 hours can be exhausting. I have found by keeping the lecture/conversation upbeat and fun, I can keep the student's attention. I have also found when I stand and lecture and do not input a joke or a funny story relating to their field, some students actually "doze off". So I try to keep the information moving and use humor to get me through.
I think that it is also important to let your character show, as well as your energy and enthusiam even if you aren't lecturing or engaging the students. I try to get to know the personalities of my students, and have many of them remain in the classroom throughout their breaks just to discuss course related questions. I am an automotive instructor so it is actually quite easy to show my care for the students success by something as simple as helping them ensure their transportation... There is no lack of work to be done there, but I find that almost every student that you reach out to will become very appreciative of your efforts and will extend their efforts to mirror the respect and compassion. It might even be the effort that keeps them in school, and willing to overcome the obstacles of there daily lives without getting frustrated to the point of giving up because they know someone is willing to provide the help that is necessary for success.
As a new instructor, I know how very important this is. I hope that I will convey a positive, fun learning environment to the students, as I believe that this is the type of environement where the most learning occurs. I am trying to be as prepared as possible in other areas in order to let this environment shine through.
Hi Beth:
That's so correct - if we act in the opposite way, students will pick up on that negativity just like they'll pick up on positive energy in the way you are describing.
Regards, Barry
Hi James:
The nice thing about the method you are decscribing is that it involves many senses. This is a valuable technique because many educational enthusiasts believe the best way to teach is by doing this very thing in the teaching presentation.
Regards, Barry
You must be human about the whole educational process.
When your class sees you as a down to earth person-this makes for much creative feedback in all points
Hi Crystal:
Although you make a strong point when suggesting students may not feel as passionate about the topic as we do (boy is that ever the truth sometimes), I think passion is still a key element when talking about the subject matter.
I also really like your idea of using several styles of teaching which will be certain to address as many learning styles as possible.
Regards, Barry
Your personality plays a huge role, since in almost certainly dictates the style and methodology that you use to gain most impact. I am very affiliative and am an 'Open-Expressive' (Social Style), so, for example, tend to tell stories or use examples, to bring subjects to light.
David
I think back to my time sitting in class. There were instructors who were very smart but very dry and boring. It was a struggle to stay awake and engage in the subject. Then there were the instructors who were jerks. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out just what they're problem was and how to please them. The only instructors whose names I can actually remember were the ones that seemed to enjoy what they were doing and made the subject matter interesting and relevant to where I wanted to go with it. That's the kind of instructor I try to be. Being animated, engaging and having a sense of humor are all personality traits that seem to help.
My personality keeps students engaged. They can see my enthusiasm for the subject, and it rubs off.
The instructor's personality is important in the students' learning process.
A knowledgeable instructor who is pleasant, approchable and patient is able to help more students succeed in their education versus the same knowledgeable instructor who is mean, grumpy and short-tempered.
Students look for someone whom they can be comfortable with and still respectable.
Instructors personalities play a vital rol in the delivery of a particular selection. How an instructor handles his/herself in front of a classroom is related directly to their personality. If they tend to be shy and quiet then they are likely to talk very low and not show any enthusiasm about the topic, but if they are truly excited about the topic they are teaching and are upbeat and personable then that person will give a completely different type of delivery to the material than the first one.
Yes, that is right. I think the most professional and inspired teachers clearly have the human touch strongly felt in their classes.
When I tried to remember the best three teachers in the whole of my life, it is not a coincidence all of the have this high sense humor. It is not only postively affects the delivery selection but can also make alot of differences.
