a huge role, im very active in delivering the message, the students get involvded by me asking questions during the demo.
I think it is imperative that individuals work within their personality characteristics to optimize the education delivery. I do not agree that everyone can teach in any style...we are all more suited to particular teaching styles. However, I do agree that we can all improve on our weakness areas and that some material should be taught in a specific style even if it's not the instructor's strength.
Hi Mike:
Generally I believe that if a teacher can keep the students attention, and at the same time obtain and retain the essential material, they're doing a good job.
I'm sure you can appreciate that humor is a strange animal, in that each one reacts a bit differently to humor (arn't their comedians you don't care for?). So I think humor is great, in doses that season a lecture or presentation rather than dominate it (unless it's a class for comedians, and even then, there is a lot of theory and science that goes into professional comedy).
I like your other methods described to sort of rehearse past information. It's unfortunate that, in my experience, we often don't have enough time alloted in class for practice and rehearsal, because I think these are extremely valuable ways for students to perfect their trade and demonstrate proficiency.
Regards, Barry
Hi John:
I agree that students can be pretty savvy about teacher personality types, and typically, fairly or unfairly, they form opinions about their teachers. When we don't prepare, demonstrate enthusiasm, or show we are excited and ready to share what we know about a topic, they are more likely to lose interest faster, not do required work, or perform minimally. What a shame. Even good teachers can lose the interest of their students if they project a welcoming, interesting, and natural apprach to the delivery of course material.
Regards, Barry
Personality is important. Students can sense a lack of commitment to the lesson, a lack of energy. If they see or feel that, I am sure they may feel and ask themselves, "If the instructor has no interest in this subject, why should I?" I feel it's important to 'send' out positive display of energy, even is the topic is 'boring'.
Hi Terri:
We all have unique personalities that can be trained to positively impact the learning that occurs in a class. We need to recognize that we can always improve, and that not everyone is going to embrace our particular style. Being honest, natural, friendly, helpful, and prepared is always a good way to start.
Regards, Barry
My primary personality is one of humor along with my teaching strategies. I handle the classroom with the standup comic routine, the entire classroom is my stage. My students tend to hang onto my lecture information when I relate the material to something humorous. Makes the material easier to retain and recall. This technique cannot be used with all material all the time, when I run into areas where humor will not fit, I usually cover the material more than once presenting information in a couple of different modes. When I move to this technique my students know from my general personality that this information is important and warrants writing notes. After I delivery the information I usually follow it up by asking questions on the material just delivered.
It's easier for me top relate relevant material to the students when I use my peronality rather than just reading or lecturing off the text. I incorporate my experiences as they pertain to the lessons and also have students share their own experiences so they can apply the lessons to their real life situations. In other words, I'm actually having an interactive conversation with my students rather than just talking at them.
Hi Karen:
You've developed and modified your approach to involve your students with variety and engagement. Students will always learn better in this environment.
Regards, Barry
I spent a good amount of time on this....I like to mix things up and use a variety of teaching aids. Sometimes I let the students create the learning atmosphere. I will mostly lead but as they move along in the course, I will let them lead in some areas. Sometimes they do this as a group and sometimes indiviually. I find ways to acknowlege the various strengths of each student.
I use some of the techniques (behavior modification) that I used in animal training and it is helpful. I will use these techniques within a structure designed to create consistency and a "flow" of learning. Having an overall structure also builds student comfort and confidence. The variety and change withing the structure create motivation, interest and growth...learning. This works really well when I am very comfortable with the subject matter.
Hi Louis:
When there is positive energy, however that is accomplished, I think makes for a more interesting class. Students stay motivated. The excitement carries from student to student. And we, as the teachers, can control the environment.
Regards, Barry
My personality plays a huge part in the learning and obtaining information for the students. I am an upbeat, energetic instructor that keeps moving around, throwing objects and keeping the class' heart beat up. I make them laugh and then make them think. I believe that by being who I am, with my energy, plays a great part on why my students enjoy coming to class.
~Louis
Hi Gregory:
I like your emphasis on the power personality plays in relating to students. It can make the difference from just so-so instruction into Wow! I want to be the Wow kind of guy.
Regards, Barry
Barry,
Personality is one of the most powerful tools in a dynamic learning environment. If you can grab the attention of the students and convey that passion, that necessity, that drive to comprehend you'll have tremendous success most of the time. I try to use humor and appropriate language for the sitaution to reach the class. Learning doesn't have to be painful, personality and humor can make it easier.
Hi Brian:
Great. Being animated, circulating around the room, using a variety of media, being honest and not taking anything so serious - these are among tatics that keep students comfortable and perhaps makes learning a bit easier for them. The more natural we are, the easier it will be to make for a smooth flow of exchange of ideas, discussion, etc.
Regards, Barry
Barry,
I try not to stay in one place for too long. I like to walk around the classroom while I am teaching. The students seem to gain a better grasp on the content.
-Brian
Hi Gregg:
All of the traits and personality uniquenesses you describe are awesome and to me would make for a very fun class that would be a delight to learn in. I'd look forward to taking your class and learning what I needed. This truly describes how personality can positively contribute to improved student learning outcomes.
Regards, Barry
My personality plays the role of creating a friendly and warm atmosphere in the classroom. My students are welcome to express their thoughts and feelings regarding subject matter. Laughter comes easy for the students and me, and I admit my errors or past mistakes which helps the students feel comfortable...so they are more honest with their own mistakes.
My delivery methods are usually a combination of using a variety of modes in an attempt to reach each student's learning type. I would like to see if the college I work for has resources for the students to be able to gauge their personality types and learning styles...it helped me when I attended CSU.
I'd be willing to bet you ARE a theatre-related medium, whatever media you're using as an ancillary.
Hi Anis:
Good. Also, we want to be ourselves in the process, such as being natural, honest, caring, approachable, likable, friendly, and informative. In this setting, students are going to be more interested in the class and it'll be a more enjoyable experience, thus, they learn more or at least be more motivated to pay attention. I think students work harder to do their best when they feel their instructor really cares about their success.
Regards, Barry
