It helps to keep students engaged. Anyone can drone on reading from PPT slides or from a study guide, but by using those sources of media as a template, and interjecting points not listed, forcing note taking/paying attention/reason to come to class, this allows the instructor to interject their personality into the lecture, hopefully creating a more memorable experience for the students, as well as allowing the instructor to continually refine their lectures.
Nancy,
As "masters of the course", we should be able to have the flexibility to choose what does work, what we want to try, and the best resources for this class, at this time, for these students. This is likely to be different for another class.
Barry Westling
Rochelle,
Yes, some instructors use a lot and others use far less, but still get the point across. In general, I think more variety makes classes more interesting, but an interesting instructor may mnot need as much. Also the type of class being taught may play a role. Ultimately, we have to realive that media are mere tools, and a means to an end.
Barry Westling
You have to be true to who you are to be an effective instructor. I have found for instance that when I am teaching a class for the first time and another instructor generously offers their teaching materials that they have used when teaching the class, that this is only of little help. It is great to see what others have done and what they found effective. But I have to make my own materials such as PP slides, test, quizes etc.
The instructor personality influences not only the selection of the media used but also HOW the material is conveyed. Each instructor has her own unique style of presentation which--- hopefully--- complements the use of the particular media chosen.
The tone and volume of the instructor, as well as use of stories, illustrations, humor, etc. can greatly influence how well the use of any media is received by the students. I think the case can be made that the instructor presentation is the key; the use of the media is simply the tool we use to convey the material.
Depending on course content and student learning styles, certain media will lend themselves as a more appropriate form of instruction than others, and the instructor's comfort with the use of technology or access to certain types of delivery methods will also influence what tools are used. I think a varied use of appropriate delivery methods combined with the individual style and personality of the instructor can enhance the student's learning.
Garry,
I wholeheartedly agree. How we come across to our students shapes their confidence in our ability to effectively teach them. And as you imply, we need to portray an authenic version of ourselves to gain trust and respect.
Barry Westling
The role of the instructor can influence the learners' ability to feel the instruction is given with credibility. Personality of the instructor is diferent. The personality should be engaging and open to to learners view point. The personality should not be one of an actor intrested in self performance.
Michael,
Yes, and the degree of "humaness" we portray can mean the difference between students feeling comfortable to ask questions, to enjoy a bit of levity, and the instructor to use their professional sense of humor to assist reaching students. We need to maintain control , but we can be approachable about it.
Barry Westling
I think to be an effective instructor for adults, a classroom teacher should not only be organized and professional, but also being friendly and personable goes along way. Letting students know that you are human just as they are and that you are here to help may help students to become comfortable in class and comfortable communicating their thoughts and needs.
Juan,
Yes, we are the subject matter experts, and along with the text, media, and other learning resources, students look to us as their door to learning what's needed and facilitating their instruction.
Barry Westling
Instructors all want to succeed and the satisfaction is achieved to learned skills that students attain.
An instructor is the main stay of a student's success. Being as excited to teach is something the students are already aware of before they arrive at your class.
If you are doing great then stay with what works, listen to evaluations and change accordingly. I like to convey excitement and really like seeing it as well from students.
Marisa,
When we can be ourselves, students are more likely to be relaxed and less stressed. That contributes to potentially better attention and focus by students in class. A dash of humor, if it's natural and authentic can part of that environment.
Barry Westling
I like to balance using humor in my interaction with my students. I always remain professional and appropriate, but I think adding humor allows the students to be more comfortable with me, thereby assisting them to ask me questions, approach me with concerns, etc. This enhances their education in many ways and is a valuable part of the way I educate students.
Rebecca,
It's interesting how most people like stories. Perhaps because they can relate to the situations, or maybe it's just fun to listen. But when used to illustrate a lesson point, students are apt to remember the story and the accompanying message.
Barry Westling
My personality is very organized and prepared, but I also like to have fun. Students can appreciate a good laugh, or a great story. It will help them relate what they have learned to real life experiences.
Stephen,
Good points. Some traits are universal: approachable, sincere, kind and caring, patient, willing to listen. While we want our personality to reach most students, most of the time, all of the above mentioned tratits are doable by most everyone, and contribute to reaching students.
Barry Westling
In my opinion an instructor's personality plays a very large part in student outcomes for a class. The instructor must choose the delivery methods that most effectively highlight the strong points of their personality. If an instructor could be considered more cerebral and buttoned down, it would probably not be the most effective choice of methods to hold a singing contest as part of their instruction methods. And vice-versa. Instructors should play to their personal strengths.
Kindly,
Steve Baker
Melanie,
Humor has it's place, and can oftentimes reach students who are otherwise a bit closed. Too much of anything is probably not good. But having a good sense of humor doen't necessarily mean always telling jokes. Just exposing the absurdities of life in examples we use helps illuminate that we are human, and that can help create more openness.
Barry Westling
James,
Self awareness and appreciation for diversity are two key elements in making our personalities fit into the accepatble level that reaches our students. Openness to other viewpoints and personalities creates more flexibility and assists being approachable by students.
Barry Westling
Personality is a key component when dealing with adult learners. You have to be approachable and able to deal with a wide variety of students. I take on a comedic approach when I am in a classroom and always bring up things that I have expeienced as an RVT to help the students relate what they are learning to their career choice.
