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Teaching a class is like performing on stage, you have spent your entire life perfecting your craft, (art) and now it is time to put it in front of someone that is wanting to receive what you have to give. they are actually paying to watch you "perform". When you make eye contact with a student and you are perfectly confident in your ability to pass on the knowledge that you have, it is noticed right away by the student, the same as a performer on stage is noticed to be a master at their art from the audience. You can tell when they know you know what you are doing, and they tend to respond much more favorably.
Hector,
Thank you for sharing how you defined and then refined your instructional style. This information will be helpful to beginning instructors that are in the process of creating a teaching persona for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with using the word actors, I find this truer as a first time instructor. I however, did notice that as time develop I was not acting anymore and rather my behavior just became me. It helps to find your style and fine tune it.
Alexander,
Good way to support input from your students and give them a setting where they feel comfortable in contributing to class discussions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
"Perform" sounds too one sided, but I know what you mean about reading your students. During a lecture, I'll scan the class to get a sense of how well I'm communicating. Sometimes I'll break the forth wall and call out a student and admit that I can't read their expression, and ask if he or she understands. Regardless of the answer, I'll follow up in private or ask questions to gauge the level of understanding.
WILLIAM,
Good comments about the role we play as instructors. It is a great opportunity we have to share our knowledge with our students and help them move closer to their career goals in a way that is both educational and entertaining.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
