Hi Steven:
That's great when students feel their instructor is very approachable. It really helps keep the needed assignments (and discussions) focused and students attentive. Although we all have our own natural personality, our concern for student learning coupled with authenticity can make for very effective learning sessions.
Regards, Barry
When lecturing, I use the fact that students find me easy to talk to as a means of asking them questions to reinforce the material I'm discussing. I like to use a Socratic style of using their answers to generate more questions. Once we get about 3 levels in, I can see that they are actively thinking about the subject. We got far beyond the original question, and then we move on to the next one.
Hi Cynthia:
Personality and delivery can both contribute to effective instructional periods. Assessing how students learn and using diiferent approaches to teaching a class is likely to produce better retention. An old saying: "to a hammer, everything is a nail". So my personal preferences in delivery are not as important as how best I can meet student learning needs, even if I use methods that arn't my prefered choice. But if I'm sincere and care, students will appreciate my authenticity.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rebecca:
Great sentiments about teaching!
As to personality, I think each has their own natural personality that can honed to provide effective instruction. And I think humor can play a role. Students appreciate anyone who is honest and sincere, knowledgeable and confident, approachable and caring to their students, and makes class interesting through a variety of delivery methods.
Regards, Barry
Hi Garry:
Very true. We all have a natural personality that if authentic, can provide meaningful, creative, and interesting classes.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rufino:
Good points. For me, my instructional personality is usually the same but I vary the method of delivery and try to include mand different activities within a period to keep student interest and focus.
Regards, Barry
What do you have in mind? Can you elaborate on your response?
Thanks.
Hi Barry,
The materials and delivery methods must be organized according to your personality because as a facilitator/instructor one needs to feel that he or she tries to convey. An excellent facilitator projects confidence, trust, and enthusiasm. Therefore, your personality must reflect that you are engaged in the subject. Demonstrate the students that you are happy sharing your knowledge and experience. I personality like to use different delivery methods to engage students in learning process.
Rufino.
Hi Thomas:
I think we all have an basic individual personality. If we are hont, sincere, caring, supportive, knowledgeable, and confident, our "teaching" personality will naturally emerge. Students appreciate authenticity.
Regards, Barry
I know that students learn in many different formats , with many different teacher personalities throughout their career. Not withstanding my own natural personality , what I try to do most is engage students , ask them individually the answers to questions , different learning methods for " their " different personalities. I can change myself and my personality from day to day to adapt to the situation... BUT I CANNOT CHANGE THEM OR THEIRS.
Hi Denise:
Nice self examination! Some traits will be present in every calls based on the inherent way each of us is. Sometimes, as you've elaborated, we need to tone up or down the intensity for various reasons.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jim:
The main theme of the instructor's personality ties into what kind of learning atmosphere it promotes. I think most would agree, we want our students to feel like they can ask questions, and will be "safe" when doing so.
Regards, Barry
Hi Anna:
This is especially important when guaging student success, and making on course corrections as need be.
Regards, Barry
Personality plays a very crucial role in delivery of instruction. I am a nursing instructor and I teach several types of classes from microbiology to nutrition to mental health nursing. I also teach nursing clinicals, where the students are in clinical settings taking care of patients. I always maintain a serious personality because of the the very nature of what these students will be responsible for at the end of their curriculum. But I do have vary degrees based on what I am teaching. I obviously am not as serious in microbiology as I am when students are taking care of patients in a clinical setting. I think it is important to relay to the students the seriousness of each situation. I emphasized the importance of knowledge of microbiology and nutrition and exhibit a passion for knowledge in hopes the students will develop a similar passion. But in the clinical setting seriousness and knowledge are not an option and my personality is a more serious nature. So I guess my personality and delivery are dependant on what I am teaching and how high the stakes are.
Hi Paul:
Good comment.I think we all have personalities that with a little attention can create excitement, enthusiasm, and interest, fine-tuned to our individual personality types. Being honest and sincere, knowledgeable, and creative, coupled with confidence can transform an otherwise so-so class into a dynamic one.
Regards, Barry
Your personlaity plays a huge role in your delivery selection. Only certain instructors can pull off certain styles and it's important that you understand your personality so that you aren't trying to be someone or something your not. Your students will see right through that facade and it will back fire. Be comfortable with your method of teaching and be the best at it. You will see success.
Hi Latasha:
You got it! I think whenever we can make class interesting through stories, active demonstrations, and just honet sharing, our individual ways and experiences will illuminate the lessons and make them memorable. All really have the capacity to do this - some just need a bit more practice.
Regards, Barry
I believe that personality plays a big role in education. Learning should be not only a serious but also, a fun experience. If you can keep your students awake and excited about learning a subject than the easier it will be to teach them the subject at hand. So personality of the instructor has a lot to do with the way students will respond to learning.
The instructor's personality definitely will be conveyed in the delivery selction of their choice. For example, I am a very visual person, so I have found that the delivery methods I choose are those that are more visual. This will include powerpoints, videos and many hands on activities to enhance the learning atmosphere.
I have the personality that humor can teach accounting. One director of IT said if anyone could do that it was definetly myself.
I think if you do not love what you are doing or teching how can you deliver the subject that you are teaching. My statement to students,"if I was here for the money I would not be here, yet I am here because I have the passion to teach". Giving back what was given to me.
