Personality is extremely important to my teaching style. I strive to create an open and fun learning environment dotted with humor. So often I have seen educators regurgitation information, and the students key into that the instructor just doesn't care. That is why I try to connect with the students even if it is discussing things that are off topic at hand, then going back to the lectures.
Brian,
I believe students respond favorably to sincerity and authenticity. This helps build trust and respect. There can be all sorts of different personalities, and when we are genuine with our affect and delivery, it comes across as believable and meaningful.
Barry Westling
Your personality plays a very large part because, the student will know right away if you are not comfortable with the selected delivery type. If the delivery type fits your personality, you will be very comfortable using it and also much more effective.
James,
I agree! It's hard for most any student not to be engaged when in a class with an instructor who demonstrates an upbeat, enthusiastic presentation, delivered with passion and energy.
Barry Westling
My personality is one that requires one to be prepared. This translates to the students my commitment to their career success. Moreover, the students understand that I'll ask them to do as I do, be professional in everything you do. My ethusiasum is apparent while instructing. Thus, students experience fun during the learning process; they are engaged.
Molly,
Good reflection! For me, I think my unique personality, coupled with my subject matter expertise, along with my creative array of instructional strategies allows me to be relatable, approachable, and appear competent. Together, these add to my confidence in providing on target lessons each class session.
Barry Westling
It is a big part of our the delivery method. I cannot say it was always easy to determine the correct delivery method for each lesson, however I have learned what works with my personality and have stuck to it with much success.
Jay,
I agree trust is important. By being authentic and genuine, students will sense we are being sincere, and that helps create trust and respect.
Barry Westling
I also believe if you are not true to yourself the students may see you as a liar and you lose trust.
Alan,
Super! I think students are more engaged and pay attention when instructors are active during class. It creates control, focuses attention, and students are more apt to learn, remember, and retain key information.
Barry Westling
my personality dictates that I be totally interactive and moving about all the time. All my delivery methods are geared to that type of a learning environment. I could not be effective as an instructor any other way.
Samuel,
This sounds great. Students soon begin to notice which instructors are there for the students and which ones are just there. Passionate, enthusiastic instructors create an enhanced learning environment.
Barry Westling
I too, do alot of prep work for the courses I teach. I like to over prepare for something that is going to go on during class. I stay positive and upbeat everyday and make the students the main focus of any class session and adress all needs before and after class if needed.
Joan,
Humor can be a powerful attention getter and method to keep students focused. Too much can be a distraction, and I think we have to be careful that humor is natural and does not offend students. I think if we are sincere, we can avoid much concern about being offensive.
Barry Westling
I have learned it is vital to be acutely aware of my students personalities and tailor my presentation styles according to their needs. I find that for most students, regardless of presentation style, that inserting a bit of humor of as an ice breaker creates a warmer open environment in which to learn.
David,
I agree. I think there's a difference berween role playing and role modeling, the latter which is very important. I also think there are traits every instructor could demonstrate regardless of course, profession or personality. Among them are patience, good sense of humor, being approachable, good listener, being fair to all, and kind and caring in all student interactions.
Barry Westling
I believe teaching a course that you have a background in helps the students to see your personality without having to role play
Kathy,
I agree we can set the mood. It is also true that sometimes students arrive in a "funk" and regardless of the enthusiasm shown by the instructor, the students just ar'nt there or engaged. That's when I will do a change up - a different activity to get students up, moving around, involved and interacting. Someehow, keeping busy through involvement helps break the funk and class time is not wasted that day.
Barry Westling
If I am excited about a topic, then my students will be excited about learning the topic and will actually learn the topic well. If I am not excited, or tell the class it's a boring topic, then they will be less likely to pay attention and learn the topic like they should. The mood of the instructor sets the mood for the entire class.
LaToya,
We are all unique, with personalities that reflect who we are. I feel it's extremely important to be genuine and sincere in our presentation to students.They will respond to authenticity more that some version of someone else. Being real creates an learning environment where students feel they can trust the information we are providing
Barry Westling
