Only personal and instructional organization will make instructor compfortable in using a variety of delivery methods.
Ted,
One constant I try to maintain is a sense of humor, being approachable, treating all fairly, and being accessible. These are traits most any teacher can provide in their own way.
Barry Westling
My personality can change depending on the class size and type of students that I am teaching.
My personality plays a central role in the selection of delivery methods for my courses.
Geri,
There's little that can compare with a passionate instructor who is enthusiastic about their topic. It's attractive and encourages participation and commands attention. Each teacher has their own version of the way they may express their delivery, but if the teacher does not show excitement and interest, how the heck are the students expected to be interested? We're all different in our expression, but even in that difference, we can demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and gusto in every student encounter.
Barry Westling
My delivery selection shows my personality and my passion for the message or the information that I am delivering. I do like to change it up a bit.
Esperanza,
I agree - when a teacher is truely interested in the subject matter and demonstrates a passion and enthusiasm, that is very attractive to students and likely draws them into that "upward flow" (vs the downward funk.
Barry Westling
I have an outgoing personality and I Love what I teach. That really translates to my delivery in class, whatever the method is. I find it very useful to use teaching aids that complement my personality and the topic being discussed. For example, I am teaching nursing care for clients experiencing death and dying; A serious topic, so if I use slides, I would chose a sombre, muted color, my graphics will be of scenes in nature, etc, but then interspersed with these slides will be a slide showing beautiful roses in my garden, or baby ducks in the pond or puppies; these slides will be shown towards the end of a session or just before a break, to infuse the environment with my optimism and zest for life.
Hi Bonnie...
I agree, you must be authentic not ony to the students but to yourself also. Students know if an instructor is genuine and authentic and will find a way to trip you up to fall out of character. I'm a very outgoing and happy person naturally and I feel this is conveyed to my students and they feel at ease while in the classroom. I think this contributes to them feeling comfortable in asking questions and not being intimidated by others or me.
Mark,
Yes, I agree. And knowing we all have stronger (and weaker areas), improvement will come, and being open to change will assure that improvement in our weaker areas will come over time (and be diminished). Also, as you say, students appreciate instructors who are sincere, authentic version of themselves.
Barry Westling
It is always best to be yourself. To combine your own style and personality with being prepared and open to new teaching techniques and technologies will deliver the best outcome for students.
Thomas,
It's true, a variety of personalities awaits the new worker in most any profession. Being ourselves, sincere, helpful and approachable, and caring about student success are traits all teachers can demomstrate. Their individual personalities is what makes the classes interesting.
Barry Westling
Both of our main technical instructors here, one of which is myself, have different personalities which give the students balance and a chance to learn under different styles. This transfers well to them understanding that their supervisors, co-workers and the people they will treat will have different personalities that they hav to adapt to.
Kelsey,
It's nice to have caring teachers who will not settle for just mediocrity. Theres so much our students experience everyday that surrounds them with "you don't matter". Our classrooms can become a beacon of truth, inspiration, and thoughful caring that reaches out to others in the workforce and in their lives.
Barry Westling
Patricia,
Great! I think emulating someone else probably stems from some insecurity experienced along the way. Nonetheless, we will be giving students less than what we are capable of if we are insincere or pretentious. Oh, and Mr. Ego, please step aside!
Barry Westling
Personality is extremely important in the delivery methods for the courses. All the instructors in the department are given the same materials and I feel anyone could teach the course with the materials, but it takes someone that is outgoing to keep it interesting and to help the student retain the information and skills. Personality and personal professional examples are what make me a great teacher instead of an average teacher.
I AM who I am, and cannot pretend to be someone else. I think students can see right through us when we are not being sincere. It is therefore important for me to be authentic in the delivery of the lesson. If am not authentic, students will be so busy trying to analyse me, they will not take anything of worth from the session!
Nancy,
Every instructor is going to use what they think will work for them and their students. These ones you've listed are terrific and reflect the flavor you bring to your classroom and students.
Barry Westling
i have always tried to bring humor into the classroom as well as being there for the students who are struggling or having problems outside of the classroom. We also use PP slides from the publisher that we have added our own pictures, information ,etc. I also like to establish the classroom rules and stick to them. I feel the students do well knowing there are guidelines to follow.
Holly,
It true, one any instructor should be able to provide is a good role model for professionalism. And when it's sincere, students appreciate that, Being real helps create trust and respect for one another.
Barry Westling
