Suzanna,
Of course, too much animation is just as distracting. Sincerity, enthusiasm, and being upbeat while sharing cutrrent and accurate information can overcome personality defects. Students are generally open to a teacher they feel is genuinely trying to help them in their career pursuits.
Barry Westling
If you tend to be shy and withdrawn, your delivery may be that of a "statue" and not recieved well by students. Understanding your own personality, like a tendency toward shyness, will help you to develop skills that will lessen this trait to benefit the classroom.
Hi Vinny,
I think it's true when the teacher is at ease, that makes it more likely the students will be at ease. Sincerity is almost never abused, and it's such an easy trait to develop and maintain. It baffles me that too many instructors will try to project some imangined persona that, for a short while may be effective, is nearly impossible to maintain contiuously (like an actor in a demanding role who is never out of character). Eventually, it'll all tumble.
Barry Westling
I have seen with my own eyes to many instructors try to be what they are not, the students see right through it. Being yourself and not trying to be something your not;wil gain the respect of your students and put you at ease to better present the course material to your students
Hi Robert,
Super. Almost any class that has an instructor that is high energy, enthusiastic, upbeat, and excited about the subject matter is going to captivate their students. And it's infectious, in that this kind of teacher trait tends to create the same in ther students.
Barry Westling
Your personality can keep the student's attention and interest in class. In my case I teach math and science as part of an electrical tech. course. I find that an outgoing and energetic approuch helps keep my students interested and involved in what could be very dry subject matter.
The instructor's personality is a key factor in delivering the material effectively to students.
Hi Jennifer,
I agree having fun makes classes more enjoyable. Too much laughing (every day in every class) can potentially suggest to students that the teacher is not serious. But just keeping an upbeat, enthusiastic atmosphere makes for a lively learning setting that does make a class more interesting. The important point is if a teacher's natural personality is a jovial nature, that's fine. What would less than effective would be someone trying to be funny when that's not their natural style.
Barry Westling
I believe that an instructor's personality can make or break a class. I make sure that we laugh as we work in each of our classes. No one says that you can't have fun as you learn.
Hi John:
No problem! One thing to consider about personality is the concept of "balance", or keeping a strong mid-level between all styles to avoid distracting the student.
Regards, Barry
Hi Bonnie,
Sincerity is easy - we just have to be committed and be ourselves. Students somehow can tell, and I'd rather be an authentic version of me than an artificial version of anyone else. Students will give their trust and respect to someone they perceive is genuine. An I believe this trait can even overcome some relatively minor personality quirks. Afterall, truely, we can only be who we are when it's all said and done, eh?
Barry Westling
It is very difficult as well as exhausting to "play a role" consistently in a classroom for an entire quarter in front of multiple character traits waiting for you to fall out of character. For the benefit of self, rapport with student, and effectiveness of classroom dynamics, the instructor must be authentic, real and consistently truth telling.
Hi Alvin,
Absoulutely! I don't know why some teachers are uncomfortable with their personality and ability to deliver course content effectively. I suppose there are many potential reasons, but I know that students will trust and a respect a teacher more if they present a genuine and authenic version of themselves to the class.
Barry Westling
Your personality plays a large role in your delivery selection. A person who attempts to use a delivery style that doesn't fit their personality will be uncomfortable in the classroom and the learning that takes place will suffer.
Hi Billy,
If our goal is to facilitate learning, being closer to student-centered will be an effective approach to attaining that goal.
Barry Westling
I really do agree with your statement. I aspire to be student centered in my teaching. I strive to diversify my delivery so that as many of the student preferences for learning styles are used.
Hi John,
Great sentiments, simply stated. Terrific!
Barry Westling
Hi Timothy,
I think teaching to our audience is what works in most settings. Being approachable, competent, caring, and offering assistance and encouragement can overcome most personality quirks that would otherwise distract of turn off students. But by being "there", students realize the teacher has their interest at heart.
Barry Westling
Hi Billy,
I think we need to be all things to all students. It's true that older students are accustomed to a more formal method of content delivery, while younger may feel the need for less formal, free expression that may or may not conform to existing instructional models. This is part of the student-centered learning that personalizes instruction to focus individual needs.
Barry Westling
Personality makes the instructor more human and not a monotone robot. It also personalizes the information with stories and anecdotes that act as a bridge, connecting the students with the material.
