Toni,
One of the fun parts of being a teacher is you get to set the climate for your class. It loud works for you and your students then go with it. In my class room I have a lot of color and displays. I like graphics and I incorporate them in my room decor. Our style needs to be based upon learning by our students, from there it is personal choice.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Demonstrations, metaphors and previous student examples really aid my teaching style.
My classrooms are usually loud. A loud classroom says to me that there is interaction between students/students and instructor/students. Good discussion, highlighting how this new skill is similar to skills they already possess, and why this skill is needed in their chosen field.
Arthur,
Good strategy. Students like variety and to be involved. The more you can incorporate both into your delivery the more engaged the students are going to be.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I try an incorporate hands on as much as possible after lecture so the student can see how the verbal info fits and functions with real hands on.
Noah,
This is a great way to gain insight into your students. Having this information enables you to provide support and encouragement in a very targeted manner. Thank you for sharing this strategy with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree it is important to get to know each student and their learning style. Some students are shy & dont like to ask questions, while others just process the information much slower. To help me figure out which type of personality each of my students have, I have provided each one with a journal. A couple times a week I will post an idea on the board. Each student is to respond with their feelings, thoughts or interpretation. Sometimes I allow free writing. No one reads the journal but me. I have found that they really open up to me this way. It allows me to see what type of students I am working with, any challenges or ideas they may have, and I can alter my instuctional style as needed.
I too have used the two truths and a lie activity and find it to be a good ice breaker. But I really like your two significant questions idea. I do personally speak to each of my students, making sure they are actually learning from my class and not just floating by, on track with their studys and on the road to graduation. However, I never really thought about it through the eyes of the student. Thank you for helping me realize I need to be more focused on their long term goals. I really do want to be the best instuctor that I can for my students.
Ann, I also like to lecture with visual aids. Not only do I address the auditory learners, I address the visual learners as well. I try to be very clear and complete in my lectures and have found that by demonstrating on a model or using the overhead, it just reinforces my lecture. I have had many students approach me, thanking me for explaining it this way, as it makes it easy to comprehend and remember.
Antoinette,
You have a very comfortable supportive way of keeping your students engaged and moving forward with their learning. I know they appreciate this approach very much. Keep up the effort because you are impacting lives everyday.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When I first start a new class I always introduce myself and give alittle personal history about myself. I have each student tell me their name, where they went to high school and if they have any children. By doing this it gives me insight on the student. If I have alot of single moms, for example, I try to give extra time in class to start their homework since they really have to budget their time for school work. I also try to take inconsideration my older students and make sure they can keep the pace with my younger students. I also promote team work. Alot of times I actually sit with my students in a group when they are practicing coding (I teach medical coding). I try to get down to their level and pull my sleeves up and actually work with them. I find this method very effective.
I think preparation is important. The other technique I use is engaging students during class. by asking questions (sometimes using the student's names). This also helps me to check if the students are understanding the topic.
Charles ,
This is a very effective strategy that will keep your students engaged. You are customizing your instructional delivery to meet their needs and this is the sign of an instructor that is striving for maximum ROI for each student.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Since I am dealing with the M-Generation my instuctional style is based on their learning profile, They do not like busy work or a know it all. They like you to be approachable. As one student stated we are visual learners.
I involve the students as much as I can in my lecture of material. I ask questions of the students as I cover the lecture. I ask questions of the students about topics and concepts that I have covered in my power point presentations. I try to convey the information and questions in small chunks for better retention by the students.
Preperation is the key. Always know the topic that you are going to discuss.
Sandra,
Instructors need to be responsive to the learning preferences of students. By doing so you get to be creative with your instructional planning and delivery.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Helen,
This is a good resource to have available so you can create customized instruction for your students based upon what you learn from their learning style assessment.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think being sensitive to the needs of the class is important to developing, refining, and enhancing one's instructional style. If the class is filled with mostly visual learners then lectures and in class activities should model that kind of learning, etc. The instructor cannot believe that he or she will be an effective teacher if he or she does not consider the feelings of the students.
I am an instructor who always starts class on time, is well prepared and organized and doesn't like to waste time in the classroom. I also like to use power points. One way of improving my instructional style is talking with the students to get a feel of the different styles of learning that each individual student has and then try to structure my classroom presentations in a way that will be beneficial to everyone.
