I feel my personality helps the students by setting the tone for professionalism I also hope they get a sense that I am there for they during this new phase and educational experience that they are taking on. As an instructor we set the bar.
Carol,
Great! I think individuals who are naturally outgoing are very fortunate as they are the ones that easliy create conversations, are comfortable in social gatherings, and tend to be more vocal in their participation in class. And coupled with a good, clean sense of humor makes them enjoyable to be around. I'm not sure, but I would guess these folks often end up in supervisor roles more often as well.
Barry Westling
My personality type is very outgoing and humorous. I encourage my students to learn this way and it works well.
Dale,
Great! What you're doing is stimulating their interest. This can be done with non-lab activities as well. I will often begin my presentation with a question, an interesting fact, or an unusual situation. This piques the students interest, and they're all ears! Once you have them hooked, the remainder of the presentation goes a lot smoother.
Barry Westling
In my learning(teaching/instruction)environment we discuss tasks the students will be performing (Partial lecture), then during demonstrations of the task I continue with the remainder of the lecture. Overall my own personality is of a relaxed yet thorough nature. Using partial lectures before hands on demonstrations has been an excellent lead in to the procedure to itself.
Kristen,
Your personality does add to this style of delivery. As teachers, we should be open to other, perhaps less conmfortable or familiar modes of delivery (at least now and then) to stretch us, to make us better teachers.
Barry Westling
I teach interpersonal communication and I am outgoing, as well as comfortable in a variety of interactions. Given this, I role play extensively with my students. It is fun, but it also lets them see that I am participating along with them as I help them make better communication choices.
Loretta,
Yes, and I think as individuals, our diverse personalities is what makes learning fun. I think being honest and true portrayals of ourselves works best, as students will pick up pretty quickly if a teacher is disingenuous. These traits every teacher has: authentic; approachable; caring; on time and prepared for class; willingness to listen and offer support when applicable; and confidence in their ability to teach. With these, mixed with our unique personalities, will contribute to successful course sessions.
Barry Westling
The way you come to class dressed, your mannirism and preperation of class will tell a lot about you.
Tara,
Great! Building on what we already know about ourselves should encourage more creative ways to express that natural trait, and perhaps, explore aspects of other personality types that are similar or that the teacher finds interesting. One way to do that is by sitting in colleagues' classrooms and making observations. In the many years of teaching, I've found this is still an interesting and beneficial exercise for me to do, and I always learn something - about myself and about the other teacher's ways.
Barry Westling
I like the reference to the "conversationalist" style of personality-- I think it helps engage students as we dive into new topics.
Nancy,
One thing for sure, we have to be authentic and genuine, portraying ourselves as we naturally are or students will detect something artificial in our delivery. If they see someone who seems sincere, that adds credibility. Trying to be a certain way that is not natural will not contribute to students feeling comfortable with their teacher. We all have a personality that can positively contribute to good classes if we project being approachable, honest and truthful, confident, and prepared. These traits ought to be universal for teachers who want to convey they are interested in their students success.
Barry Westling
Geneveva, That defines my experience as well. I only wish I could be more humorous, but humor does find its way into my lectures now and again. I find the more conversational instructors are the more adept and competent instructors. Thanks for your comments, Nancy
An instructor's personality determines the delivery method. Many of us have experiences the intelligent but quiet, mild mannered instructor as well as the intelligent, excitable, and loud instructor. Delivery methods must fit an instructor's personality or it will not be effective. It is my belief that instructors will naturally adapt to what works best for them. In my case, I rarely use powerpoint because I like to go where the subject takes me when it takes me there, in a coherent way. I feel that powerpoint limits that option, and I find myself falling behind in the powerpoint. It does not work well for me most of the time. So, lecturing, discussions, videos, etc. are more suited to my style and personality.
Donte,
Good. I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy interesting classes and engaging presentations. If we are sincere, prepared, and knowledgeable, most any personality quirk will be overlooked if students feel they are receiving something they will benefit by.
Barry Westling
Personality plays a part in delivery by allowing the students to gain an understanding of who the instructor is. With my delivery I like to provide engaging and exciting PowerPoint presentations to the students, to show my happy side and in return I like to see the excitement and fun the student get from the both the material we’re covering but also the presentation.
Juan,
I think students both respect and respond to teachers who are confident in their abilites and demonstrate a competence in their abilty to instruct and display their breadth of knowledge in the subject matter.
Barry Westling
The personality of the teacher/instructor is very important and it is a base tool in insructing the studentts. The instructor needs to convey her/his confiedence in, knowledge of, and understanding of the matterial being presented.
Chandra,
I think one of the best traits a teacher can have is natural enthusiasm. It conveys such a positive tone and learniong environment. Those that have a natural enthusiasm are fortunate because their students will be the consistent recipient of upbeat and interesting classes.
Barry Westling
I am a very enthusiastic instructor and try to help get my students excited about the field they are entering.
