I love to learn and also teach.In an evironment that offers instruction with confindence and comfort also competence of the instructor makes the learning more accesible for retention of the information. I am organized only because I have to have a order a flow of how I instruct it cant be random becuase that can throw me off track and take away from the topic for me to stay consistent I plan the beginning the middle and the outcome I seek from any topic I am teaching to my students. Seeking to give them a full delivery of the material.
Sam. I do agree with. That's what every educator should do. Kudos to all!!
Annette,
For me, I believe every student has their own unique way of learning, and as you say, adapting to how each one learns, or at least finding a way to reach students where they are is a worthwile effort given the outcomes I want to see for every student.
Barry Westling
My personality is a big part of the students learning style. I need to teach effectively so i need to make sure that I adapt.
Herman (Lonnie),
This trait is so welcomed by students. Those that are willing to freely dish it out generously produce better quality students.
Barry Westling
Personality plays a strong role, making a connection with your students is what it's all about. Having an approachable and understanding demeanor will make a huge impact.
Rachael,
Great description of how instructor personality enhances students learning. Students like to hear stories and information related to work, and I find whenever I want to capture attention, relating a past (good or bad) situation or circumstance always receives attention, focus, and interest by the students.
Barry Westling
I'm a very animated and dramatic presenter so my personality is always up beat. My personality affords me different ways to connect to the students is numerous needed ways. They feel comfortable to speak up if they're struggling with any of the material. Students enjoy how I can relate work related experiences with any of the material I'm explaining.
Edwin,
Good. I try to look at things from the perspective of the student eyes; would this be interesting? do students feel engaged? is my pace adequate? Many of these and similar actions can be ascribed to instructor personality and have an effect on student participation, involvement and interest in the material. I think we all have our individual personality strengths, yet if we fail to engage all students and keep class interesting, it does little good.
Barry Westling
Personality is parramount, as the enthusiasm and livelyness of the instructor; maximizes student awareness, promotes student motivation, and increases retention of materials.
Toni,
Understanding is a curious thing. Students will sometimes seem like they have a lesson point mastered, only to come in the next day and bomb the quiz. I think a real key is identifying true "understanding" from mere memorization or recall of facts.
Barry Westling
I have a very caring personality and it shows through when I am instructing. I want to make sure that the students understand what I am lecturing about and if they do not understand then I will stop until they all understand.
Lauren,
Sounds great. It's always a pleasure to feel we are doing a good job, and then to have it confirmed by the students.
Barry Westling
With my organizational skills, ability to explain topics in multiple format and nurturing maner gives me an excellent learning enviroment. The students give conformation of the fact with their reviews saying how I have made their lives better by being in them.
Travis,
It does take all kinds. And ever so true with class instruction. I think we all have our areas we know how to shine, and perhaps there are weaker areas as well. Tuning in to what works and then amplifying those traits ought to sprout creative, lively class sessions.
Barry Westling
William,
If it were possible, suppose you could arrange a guest speaker representing a major or significant employer in the area. After their introduction, suppose the guest speaker asked the students to write out their short term and long term goals as it relates to future employment with his/her company. I believe the students own critique of their responses using correct grammar, punctuation, and quality of thought might bring to light the importance of writing skills. Of course, there are numerous variations of this exercise, but the point is for the students to see for themselves the importance GE/writing/math skills have in the big picture of future employment opportunities.
Barry Westling
Personality is huge in this. Your personality can carry or undermine your delivery. This allows you to chose what works for you and your personality. If you have an outgoing personality you may be able to forego animation or media in general as you become the video or presentation.
Linda,
For sure, students will respond to someone they know sincerely cares about their success. So, like a parent and child, even if the instructor is strict, or firm, or hardened, if the they are able to convey genuine care and concern for the students success, students will likely recognize that trait, more than the gruff exterior because they realize the instructor truly cares.
Barry Westling
Good suggestions. Thanks! I do try to connect the skills employers value to what my students learning in class, but it's a hard sell for some folks shelling out big bucks for a career where they don't believe they'll write much. Not true, of course; some folks just have to meet reality elsewhere.
Maureen,
Most of my students and colleagues would probably guess that I'm an extrovert, based on my manner, demeanor, and affect while in the classroom and in meetings. But in truth, I'm an introvert, and consider myself quite shy. Yet, when I consider my students' desire to learn, my inhibitions are put aside and I go all out to try my best to get them to succeed. So for me, my care and concern for student learning takes precedence over my personal traits and preferences.
Barry Westling
