I have a personality where I am organized and I love discovering new organizational methods. I also like to return assignments to my students ASAP. If I want the assignments turned in on time, the least I can do is model the behavior and give back the assignments within a respectable time-frame. For me, it's the very next class meeting.
I sometimes mention points students brought up during previous sessions to demonstrate that I remember what was said, remind them that they and their input matter, and to encourage good listening skills on their parts, as well as continued participation.
Carolyn,
This is a great trait. I think students respect honesty and sincerity, and humility goes a long ways. On the same hand, being prepared, knowledgeable, and in control of class creates a similar level of trust and respect. Both traits are needed.
Barry Westling
I try to be prepared for each class, but also freely admit when I don't know an answer to a question. I am also flexible if a more in depth response is needed.
Donald,
I agree. I think an energetic class that's lively, led by an enthusiastic facilitator who is upbeat and positive will have happier students and who will get more out of their classes.
Barry Westling
It is all about energy and enthusiasm. It helps me greatly!
Melissa,
Thinking ahead is part of good planning. Being able to seamlessly move from topic to topic with all materials, notes, and information conveys that the instructor is ready, has taken time and effort to deliver a solid lesson, and is serious about the importance of the students education. And when this is delivered in an interesting and enjoyable manner, it goes far in building trust and respect among the students towards their instructor.
Barry Westling
My personality plays a huge role in my delivery methods and in my personal experience this has help me teach. Before I lecture or do any demonstration I write down my key points and make sure I have all the materials I need so that I don't have to interrup the learning environment.
Kellie,
They say "a tincture of time" can work miracles. I think over time we all learn how to be better at what we do. Sometimes this is through trial and error. Other times it's just self determination to first want, then achieve what we aspire to do.
Barry Westling
I find that my personality hinders my presentation at times. I do like to talk about situations pertaing to the subject that may go on a little too long. Or on the other hand if I feel a little unsure of the material, I feel like I breeze past it without much discussion. Tyring to recognize these situations and prepare better.
Lisa,
Ultimately, students will appreciate and respond favorably to instructors who display sincere, honest relationships with their students. The instructor is the one ion charge and has an advantage in swaying students to appropriate behavior.
Barry Westling
The Personality of the instructor does matter, and should be improved upon in the weaker areas if needed. I will say that I am very organized in various areas of my world, and I noticed that my organizational skills have transitioned into the classroom because I realized early on by having 2-3 classes per week that I had to be thoroughly organized so therefore I could remain on point with my students.
In going over the course material for this course I realized that there is one area within my personality that I can develop more. I had an encounter where some students kept casting off negative comments and vibes in the classroom, and to which I should have addressed the situation, I remained quiet. I know that I am fairly new to this arena, but that's why I am here to continue to learn.
LT
Michelle,
Yes, enthusiasm, energitic and passion about a topic is usually cointagious and students gravitate to this kind of upbeat environment.
Barry Westling
I believe that the personality of the instructor is very important in choosing the delivery methods for the class. The delivery method should enhance the personality of the instructor rather that take away from it.
Joyce,
Good for you. Great personality with poor organizational and planning skills will still flop. It takes time, effort, thinking and planning for daily classes to come across effectively. The best combination is an instructor who can relate to their students, connect with them, using a well thought plan for daily lessons.
Barry Westling
During my last evaluation the director of our department had complimented me on my organizational skills and that I am always prepared for my classes. I've noticed that some of my students have become more organized as well which I believe will help them with their study habits and learning skills and also prepares them in the working field.
Kim,
Some material probably needs to be written verbatim. Most I theorize is ideas, concepts and principles. It is impractical to expect an instructor to write everything. If so, I would just pass out an hand out. Also, that's what textbooks are for. Students can ask they want such and such, but that doesn't mean the instructor has to agree to it.
Barry Westling
Doreen,
Nothing beats an environment and instructor that is enthusiastic, passionate about their instruction, and energetic in their delivery. It's contagious.
Barry Westling
How would you handle a request from a student that said that she would like EVERYTHING I say written on the board because she learns better that way? She said this in class and some agreed. I did respond that I write the "highlighted" portions on the board, but that I cannot get through all of the material if I wrote everything. I also gave note taking hints. KIM
you need to be upbeat and excited about what you are teaching all the time
Doretha,
I think we all have adopted methods that work for us, with the intention of providing interesting, effective instruction to our students. We need to be sensitive to when students are not being served by our methods in order to make necessary adjustments so we don't perpetuate less than optimal class delivery and presentaion content.
Barry Westling
