I find that visual communication skills work best. Being in the visual arts, I can reach a diverse group with a single image. This works well is lectures/demos and well as in-class critiques.
I would like my students to be comfortable enough in the group to volunteer their answers or observations to questions or discussions. In the beginning they always seem fearful of volunteering opinions and answers - afraid they may prove to be wrong in front of their peers. As the class progresses and the days go by they do become more relaxed and freely volunteer answers - most of which are correct. It's a joy to see them sit a 'littlwe straighter' knowing they are retaining the material and able to talk about in a group or one-on-one. I never 'shoot' anyone down if their answer is incorrect, we will just continue to go around the group looking for feedback - sometimes to see if anyone will agree with a correct answer given.
Maybe I need to work on this. I know I have a loud voice but I do not know how to controll it.
Instructors and students alike must understand that communication is not a one-way delivery of information; as important as the transmitter of the message is the receiver.
Instructors oftentimes have difficulty taking themselves out of their role as expert, and evaluating their lectures from the perspective of the beginner: without your background and expertise in your field, would you be able to understand what the heck you're saying?
On a basic level, assess your students' levels of expertise, and speak to them in language they can easily understand; once you have established a base of common language, then you can elevate the level of discourse.
I do, occasionally, get feedback from another instructor saying, "Oh, you have Student X in your class. He's in my class too. He told me that he can tell you're smart and know the material. But he can't understand a word you're saying."
You gotta transmit on the same frequency that the receivers receive.
Hi Peter! Thanks so much for your comments! As you have noted, voice tone can send an important message to your students. I have found that student perception of my tone of voice directly affects how they relate to my presentation of topics and how they engage in accompanying learning activities. The instructor certainly sets the positive tone in the classroom or lab.
Just curious, having a deep voice to your advantage, how does your tone change depending upon the situation in the classroom?
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I have a very deep voice and I use it to my advantage. Through experience, I have become aware of how others perceive the tone of my voice and alter based on my student population.
Hi Racquel! Thanks!! If you have the chance, please let me know how it goes!
Jay
I teach design courses and although I tried to explained the new topics in a simple language. I want student to continuously use the terminology and vocabulary in their design discussion. I’ve learned in the past this helps them blend in with the season professional in the field. We want out student to master presentation and critique using the designer’s vocabulary. The ability to talk in the same level as industry professional will assist them in their interview or their presentation with the client.
Good point Jay. We are so used to telling student of the class expectation and we forget that learning is a two way street. I think I might want to incorporate that into my first class meeting.
One of the things that help me in this situation is to make sure I know the topics well prior to the class, by doing research on the topic. I also asked other faculty who taught the class to share their ideas with me.
As English as my second language, I tried to make sure students can understand what I am talking. I begin making sure that the classroom is a friendly learning environment and not to hesitate if there are topics that they don't understand, or need more clarification. I like to group topics with samples and ask question at the end to make sure they understood the topics. If there are not question from the class, then I ask them questions, just to make sure they know the key points. These techniques help me organize the class and insure student is absorbing the topics.
I have noticed that I talk way way way tooooo fast. I blame it on debate that I took for 4 years in high school. It is to the point that I do not even know that I am doing it.
Sometimes I have to stop and really work on going over things slowly. I am lucky to have power points to help me out with this.
Communication is tough to work on because it can be challanging to communicate how you want things to be done.
I also need to work on letting the students ask their questions in a whole manner versus cutting them off.
When teaching I find that the one skill that I really need to carefully work to improve is active listening. Often students raise questions or concerns and I "Jump" before really considering what they are asking and why.
Verbal skills, to me, are most important because this the primary means of communicating the information we are trying to get across to our students.
I need to improve my writing of test questions.
It is important to use your voice to command their attention but I have a problem because i have n forceful voice even when i do not mean to
I feel that the ability to be flexible with ones ability to communicate is very important. Communication is not just being well spoken yourself. It is getting your message through to the broader market. It may mean being familiar with different cultures, it may mean adjusting ones tone with certain individuals, it may mean having special hours. etc.
Hello,
I think we have taken the first step to mastering excellent communication skills. We are increasing our awareness. Try to incorporate something new each day. You might want to maintain a teaching journal. Before, you know it, these steps will seem as natural as breathing.
Hello,
I think nervousness stems from a lack of confidence, and this is the reason why we are uncomfortable with pauses. Practice getting comfortable with pauses.
Also, getting to know our students, like you said, can reduce that feeling of nervousness. In addition, as teachers, we must remember that we are life-long learners. I let my students know that there are always going to be new things to learn. I don't "know everything."
Hello,
I believe that an effective communicator is someone who presents his ideas in an orderly fashion, someone who is relaxed and confident in his presentation. However, all aspects of communication outlined in this Module are important.
I need to improve the command of space in the classroom. It can sometimes be difficult if the classroom is small, but small changes might be made, such as arrangment of the furniture.
Carol M. Myslinski
I believe that making eye contact and speaking briefly to each students is important. Some students are very quiet and do not participate, others arrive late or disappear before the end of class. By making eye contact I acknowledge there presence. By speaking to them, if only for a brief minute or two, I try and draw them out, find out a little bit about them and try and build a rapport
with them (young adult learners). I want each student to succeed. Understanding and taking an interest in each students lets them know that I have a vested interest in them and am always willing to help them succeed.
As an instructor I think that I answer questions too fast in an effort to get to each student. My classes are project based & each student works on a different project, so I have several students waiting at a time. I should slow down a little.
It might appear that I'm ready to dash off to help the next student.
