I don't learn well in a lecture only environment and therefore I don't teach that way. I discuss with students, utilize small group activities, use powerpoint presentations (with handouts), and laugh with my students.
Karen
My personality impacts how I deliver instruction in my courses. I am a very dynamic, active person, and I try to get this across in my delivery methods by having students be active with the materials as well. I can tell the days that my personality is 'off,' or that I am tired, in that my delivery method is much more low-key, more lecturing than guiding students through discussion and hands-on activities.
Hi Barbara:
Tenets good teachers seem to exhibit on a regualr basis such as enthusiasm, excitement, anticipation, imagination and inspiration, and being genuine, sincere, interesting, and real - these are personality traits that just about any teacher can generate regardless of the topic or their individual delivery methods.
Regards, Barry
Energy is something that we, as instructors, need to implement in all courses no matter the method of instruction.
If we present a topic to students and begin by saying, "I know this may sound boring to you..."
Remember the self-fulfilling prophecy? All of a sudden, the students are bored and we wonder why.
If we walk into the classroom ready to go, upbeat and prepared, that will be a positive for the students.
My personality is reflected in my modes of delivery: Very methodical in explaining theory; and innovative and challenging when asking students to apply the theory learned to practical application of real-life situations.
Challenging the students is one thing; but ensuring their acquisition of competencies is what it is all about.
If students are having fun and enjoying what they are doing, they are learning twice.
Student interaction, participation and interest go hand in hand.
Letting students see that it is ok to make a mistake; the important thing is to find out why and how they can avoid repetion.
Hi Teresa:
That's a good point. But what if the instructor normally has a very caustic outer shell? I think it's important for all instructors to have a balance with this idea, so that there is a blend of fun and firm.
Regards, Barry
I find myself being able to shift my energy level depending on the nature of the content and even more so on the "mood" of he class. It is somehting I have mastered over eyars of experience - and find it to be both markedly effective in terms of student engagement - and it's fun.
Quite directly - I believe my personality has more to do with what I tend not to use than what I do use and am willing to try. I have not had an extensive background in technology - I flunked retirement six years ago and spent most of my career teaching/researching/clinical work in medical schools. I never really learned technology, and although I can get a computer to do all the things I need it to do - including statistics on Excel and spreadsheets - I continue to feel some intimidation as new tchnology emerges and we are encouraged to integrate it into our classroom at my institution. It has taken me three years to attempt to use Smartboard - and then only after a colleague offered to tutor me. There is a part of my personality that at last likes to possess the illusion of control - and I have not acquired that with the new technologies. It does not bother me to make mistakes or even perhpas look like a "tech idiot" with my students - I have found they are more than willing to rescue me at those times - in fact, I think they might even enjoy it.
Making your instruction unique to you adds personality to the class. I think students learn better if they feel that they can relate to the instructor - therefore, using methods that are true to who you are assists the students in feeling that you are sharing your personality with them.
Watching the students from day one, if you pay attension to this, you can actually notice their repsonse reflecting from how your personality is percieved. Question is can you change it? I think not all of it, But you can be aware of what turns the students as a group ff.
It plays a very positive role in my teaching ability. It doesn't take the students long to figure out your personality traits. when you are standing in front of your students they will figure out on their own,if there are weak spots in your delivery method. Instructors personality traits are very important to students outcome.
I am an organized person who enjoys a bit of predictability. I am also rather easily bored. My classes have a pattern to them, but the way I convey information takes on a rather wide variety of methods to keep my students interested.
Hi Sarah:
You've made a really strong point - knowing your audience. In this regard, that would mean knowing what kind of learners you have. Once you know that, you can use a variety of teaching approaches to address every type of learning style.
Regards, Barry
Hi Chris:
True, although, there should always be a balance. What if the instructor has a quick temper? It's great to be "real" but there should also be an element of professionalism.
Regards, Barry
Hi Chris:
I want to touch a bit more on this idea of a "safe zone" you've described. I think that is very important to have in your environment, because it will facilitate communication between the instructor and students. Having open communication is paramount to equal success.
Regards, Barry
It can play a large role. I am going to look at methods that have worked for me, and with what matches my teaching style, so that I feel comfortable. My mood during the class could also play a factor on how I deliver and perceive the class environment.
I would need to watch the above by thinking through that the style that may work best for me will not work for the students. I need to always keep the student's interest at the forefront of my teaching style and teaching process.
I try to stay as animated and enthusiastic as possible. What is worse than listening to a boring teacher?!
HI I like to have fun in life and the last thing I think my students need is someone that has no personality. We have fun in our class but at the sametime They are learning and sometimes I do have to reel them in and get back on track but they love to hear about my nursing experiences and than that starts them relaying back to class their experineces Thanks Rhonda
An instructor needs to feel comfortable with the media available to use in a specific classroom. If that delivery method is not comfortable for the instuctor or does not work in concert with the personality of the instructor then the presentation will not flow properly and will appear 'forced'. This ultimately takes away from the material being presented.
Definitely personality plays a vital role in the process of delivering the message accross. Conservative and strict instructor will probably put more emphasis on punctuality, ethics, and due dates, while liberal and easy going instructor will probably put more emphasis on friendly atmosphere inviting students interactions with less care to small details or behavioral issues. Can personality be changed or adjusted? I believe yes. Courses like this one will broaden the mindset and change concepts, along with highlighting mistakes that happen in classroom because of personality issue, hence creating the insight for better management.
