Sometimes an individual's personality doesn't lend to certain types of delivery method. For example, I've seen instructors that do not like the part of standing in front of a class lecturing or using PowerPoint but when they get to the hands on part of the objectives, their personality changes because they are in their element. Just like there are students that learn different ways, I believe there is instructors that can teach an objective better using a certain method of delivery. In the end the instructor should focus on their weakness and try to improve on the delivery methods they are not comfortable with.
I basically have a pretty light hearted personality. I never forget that although I have a strong passion for what I teach, students may not. Also,each individual student may have a different idea of how they want the material and objectives to be covered. Because of this I try for variety in my delivery methods. Each course includes lecture,whole group and small group discussions, partner work, group work with presentations, a powerpoint when applicable, etc. I also don't always cover the material in the same way once I get to know the personality of the class and their preferences.
My personality lends itself to the participant-centered Socratic method, so primarily in some of the practical courses, I lead the direction to the safer and more efficient solution(s) by suggesting a starting point and challenge the students to select the next, best step.
For instance, in designing a particular method of rigging a heavy, cumbersome, and elongated device to lift, move, lower, and fit into a confined space, I start the student crew in determining the size and length of slings, then lead them by questions to the next step(s).
If I am delivering something that may not be the most exciting, if I am dull the students will not enjoy it either. It is important to have an upbeat, positive energy with everything you deliver to the students.
Your personality plays a role in the delivery selection as far as are you a hands
on instructor, use flip charts or the white board to make your points, or do you prefer to use videos or power point. Using the tools that you are comfortable with and which enhances your teaching techniques will grant great results. If you are uncomfortable and not sure of these tools that will reflect upon the students, leaving them unsure and confused on the material delivered.
I feel that to be successful, an instructor must use methods with which the instructor is comfortable. There are many ways to deliver instruction--you must use a variety of methods, show your personality, use methods you are comfortable with, while continually adding to your repertoire.
Your personality plays a major role because if you are not being yourself, the flow of the class and how you come across to the students could be affected. It won't take long for the class to be a struggle for you as an instructor and when that happens, it will probably become that way for the students too.
I have found that one way of capturing students' attention and keeping lecture interesting is through the use of humor. Poking fun or making jokes is a way to relieve stress and make the students feel comfortable. Not all situations are humorous and need to be taken seriously. Through my personality I am able to make the students aware of truly serious material, that which needs special attention, is not a laughing matter. Supportative information or certain scenarios pertaining to the information can be hunurous. Also, being upbeat and passsionate about the skills you are teaching is a great benefit to the students. Who wants an instructor who hates their job and projects those feelings of negativity to their students?
If I enjoy the subject matter my students are more likely to engage in the material presented. I watch the students closely for any signs of disengagement and change delivery method or break off into small groups. Delivery can change based upon time of day and students background.
I think so ,too. If you allow your personality to become part of the presentation, the students start to see you as a person...with real life skill and experience that you wish to share.
Depending on you animated you are, fluxations in your tone, overall demeanor, predicates how students receive you and the message you are trying to deliver in class. So personality definitely plays a big part in an instructor's delivery method.
Absolutely, I couldn't agree more!! I wish all instructors taught with this in mind!
Hi Alexsis:
That consistency is important. Students somehow know when something's amiss, so even subtle changes in mood or behavior can worry some or feel concern, or whatever. Aty any rate, it can distract otherwise good, solid lesson delivery.
Regards, Barry
My personality is very important to my delivery. Also, moods will effect how I teach. I am usually a happy person, with a drill sergeant type of teaching. I use jokes to lighten the mood and relate to the younger students. When I fist started teaching, I had a difficult time editing my mood for all the different students in the room. I discovered it is my responsibility to leave my 'moods' behind and have a fun, strong personality that can teach all kinds of students.
When the instructor allows their personality to be evidentthey seem more genuine when delivering the material
I am told that I have a pretty good sense of humor..........and I definitely use that in my "bag of tricks" when teaching.....use your strengths, right?!
I sometimes make mistakes....perhaps saying one thing and writing something different (like numbers) because I'm trying to write as fast as I speak.....but I don't mind and laugh at it because I've made my classroom a "safe zone " for myself..and hope the students will not be afraid to make a mistake either!
I have always believed that it is very important for any teacher/instructor to just be herself (or himself!) That way, you're real, and your students can see that you're not afraid of sharing all the characters of your personality with them..then they might be more apt to be comfortable......a good beginning!
I believe instructors tend to choose delivery methods that showcase their personality. This can have both pros and cons for the students. For example, I know that I personally perform best when lecturing. I LOVE talking to groups of people and feel alive when I am able to express myself and move dynamically around the classroom. On the positive side, I believe my students benefit from my ability to lecture in an energetic and passionate fashion playing to my strengths. From the other perspective however, many students may not learn as well through lecture (regardless of how exciting I find myself to be.) These students would suffer from the chosen method of delivery on a regular basis and do better if I did choose a variety of delivery methods. I must consider all the learning styles and my students best interest when choosing my delivery methods for my course, as well as which ones will best showcase the material.
My personality plays a major role in the selection of delivery methods. Although it's good to step out of my comfort zone to try new things, there are some methods that are more natural to me. I teach a literature course, and I have learned to facilitate discussions well. Lecturing in a literature course doesn't allow for student engagement, so I've learned to become more comfortable with discussions.
Hi Deborah:
Personality creates an atmosphere (dull, boring, sleepy) or it can a classs can be presented with enthusiasm, excitement, passion, even zeal. If students sense this is genuine, it has an effect of an upward flow, that is, a drawing in of all participants into the lecture or discussion, or presentation. Think of movie trailers. They capture the audience in a 30-60 second period and (hopefully) make people whisper "That looks interesting". Sincerity with the entusiams is what makes it believable.
Regards, Barry
