Your personality plays a very important role in your delivery methods. I came from the military and I can sometimes be very blunt and strait forward. Every instructor that I had in the military was the exact same way. When I started teaching in the civilan sector I had to change my delivery method to be more caring and compassionate.
Personality plays a large part in selecting delivery methods for your courses. I have shy tendancies but I am able to overcome them when in the classroom thanks to repetition.
William,
Some GE instructors gather key information about the content of the career courses and then use that information to support the GE need in order to help learn ...XYZ...in their career course. In other words, they make a practical, real world example career students can relate to. Another related tatic is to share that employers want and need individuals who can think critically, speak and communicate effectively, and interact in the work-setting where the necessticies of commerce requires individuals who can perform math, write, and relate to a variety of indivudals. If students can see the "whats in it for me aspect, they're bound to see the merits of good GE instruction, as a part of the big picture of career education.
Barry Westling
My general ed courses are often perceived as not as valuable as the specifically career-related courses. My personality, especially humor and an ability to connect with my students, drives much of my success in the classroom. But sometimes, even that can't overcome the perception that an English class, for example, isn't all that valuable despite my linking communication skills to what employers want from employees. Any suggestions as to how to keep the connection?
John,
I agree being open where students feel they can freely discuss things with their instructor is an important trait. Some students (not all) look to their instructor for guidance, advice, and support. The personal connection an open instructor can create can be a significant partictipant in the students education.
Barry Westling
Doing lots of prep work, and being open with the students, so they feel able to talk to you
Andrew,
Super! Passion and enthusiastiam are hard traits to beat when we want to provide an energized, upbeat classroom environment. This is always better for students in their pursuit of learning.
Barry Westling
For me, personality allows for greater expression of passion for the topic at hand. Gives me a foundation to then work on delivery systems that I need work on.
Christopher,
We all have our own versions of dynamic personalities, the ability to capture student attention and keep the focus and student interest fun and enjoyable.
Barry Westling
Jacqueline,
Another aspect is the degree of enthusiasm, interest and excitement an instructor can create. Everyone like to be in an upbeat and creative class setting. A lot of positive energy can make for very enjoyable classes.
Barry Westling
In a creative industry personalities are often out sized people. Personalities in producing tend to be self starter with a relentless sense of what needs to be accomplished and a knowledge of the process to make critical path decisions.
It does make a difference in the role of the instructor personality. Students will pick up on if the person is sloppy or unprofessional, I always tell my students that first impression are lasting impressions and to alway be at the top of your profession. Alway be professional students are depending on me to help guide and teach them. I never worry about if they should know better I always just say to myself I will show them by acting and behaving professionally and they will usually follow and learn from being in a positive and professional environment.
Lori,
It's true students enjoy instructors who are energetic, enthusiatic, upbeat, and natural. Being comfortable conveys confidence to students (who are in need of reassurance). Merging fun with instruction makes the learning process more enjoyable.
Barry Westling
Your personality weighs heavily on how you perform as an educator. I tend to be the one who is super organized and well prepared for class. The students see this and not only appreciate it but feed into it. When I set deadlines for homework and etc I have already demonstrated to them that I have delivered my part by being ready to go every day for class. I also like to keep the class upbeat and fun but also a respectful environment for learning. If I am boring, dull or unprepared then how can I truly expect my students to be engaged during class time.
Albert,
These are great tenets for instruction. I see myself in some of it but realize I can always be more prepared, more real, and sincere in my approach with students.
Barry Westling
I think that many times instructors take the "fun" out of learning. I enjoy teaching, I have lots of fun teaching and I try to make my enthusiasm contagious.
Having a fun and relaxed delivery methods works well for me. It allows my students to relax, they open up and are more apt to ask questions they might seem are silly...they take more chances, they challenge me. This leads to a very fertile learning environment.
An excellent, veteran teacher once shared with me his ideas of a good teacher:
A good teacher has mastered the subject matter.
A good teacher explains the information as simply as possibe.
A good teacher uses a healthy amount of humor in his delivery.
These points have served me well during my career! I thank him every day.
Albert D'Addario
Nichole ,
Good deal.I too like to keep things lively, interesting, and memorable. I think enthusiasm and passion for the profession is one way to easily keep it lively. Also, periodically adding stories of (good and bad) past experiences is always a good way to bring the attention and focus to task. I think referencing the work setting nearly alwways gets students attention, as this is something most all students will always be interested in hearing about.
Barry Westling
My personality is when faced with less than exciting material, keeps the students engaged. I am able to bring fun and humor to the classroom which keeps them wanting to come back day after day.
Eunita,
True. And I think it's harder to emulate another than it is to just be natural, genuine, and sincere. Our true personality helps convey needed information better than someone else's version of delivery. As you say, we have to be ourselves.
Barry Westling
Your personality plays a large role is your delivery of a lecture. You can only be yourself. When you are trying ti emulate someone else it just does match and students will see it.
