Verbal communication is very important but the one that I think we should be more aware of is our non berbal communication skills when it come to dealing with diverse learning environment or culture.
Why? Because sometimes we can talk a good game but our body language or facial expressions tells the true story.
What I find is that a personal story will have little learning relevance, but by finding something humerous in the material will engage the student.
I think that by using visuals, such as charts, diagrams etc., you can slow down your presentation by referencing these.
The expectations are fine to present, but in addition, I think you must give them an idea of the unique value of this course in their carreer.
A simple outline for myself of topics I wish to cover (which helps in my own preparation)as a reference for myself-then a simpler outline on the board for the students.
The idea is to use your voice to command their attention and then engage their interest.
Engage the students in their areas of career interest-as I teach a Gen Ed class
You mention preparation. I am in a position where currently, I am teaching a subject that I only covered over a year ago. Even though I have teaching experience, I am not comfortably familiar with the subject matter. This does put more pressure on me to be infront of the class and with authority, present the material. In this situation one must think of all the points of delivery on top of the material presented. In my own domain of subject matter, everything can fall in place and the students most likely receive information much better.
I believe that being able to identify your effectiveness regarding your connecting with all of your students. Some times the students may have a blank look on their face. If it is only one student, maybe they really are not getting what you have presented. If it is more than one or two, rethink how you presented the material and maybe readjust your presentation style.
I find this happens occasionally, especially with the classes that start at 6:30 AM. If students have a rough night, it can be a real test to get information thru to the students minds. It is necessary to "read" your students to establish in your mind if you are getting thru. Going right into a demo after a brief talk can help somewhat as well.
Developing more visual effects. I think if I could create a more entertaining presentation it would increase students retention. Just like going to a movie, if it can hold your attention, viewers will absorb more of the plot.
verbal and no verbal. verbal because you ability to be precise and clear when lecturing gives them the information necessary. your non verbal because it is what sets the tone and keeps students engaged.
i must work on my verbal tone. sometimes i am sarcastic which is percieved differently by the students.
From a teaching perspective, I feel that delivering a clear presentation is the most important skill to a diverse learning environment. If students, regardless of where they come from, cannot understand what is being communicated then the lesson is for naught.
From my perspective, the communication skill(s) I wish to improve are my gestures and movement. I tend to stay in one place/position. I think it relates to my confidence in public speaking. Once I can relax, it will get a lot better.
Eye contact is most important in my opinion. Not only can it show personal interest in each student, but it can also be used to gauge understanding of concepts.
Movement is the skill I will be working on. I do this alot but there are a few areas in the classroom that are very tight as far as space goes. I will try rearranging room to see if this can be improved.
From an instructors perspective, a key skill in communications is being able to intertwine verbal and non-verbal actions. A gesture which does not meet up with vocal inflection sends a confusing message to the students. Also, using clear and concise words help the student understand the material. Knowing the audience will also enable or negate colloquialisms.
From my own perspective, in communications skills, I seek to improve ways to express the subjects I teach and ensure quick retention by the students. This does not link into mnemonics but enthusiatism for the subject and have the students also particpate during the course.
I would personally like to improve giving clear directions on the subject of the day.
Hi Lawrence! Wow, it is difficult for me to really add anything except to say that you have referenced the major points as to the importance of adapting our instructional delivery methods to the diversities and levels of understanding in the classroom or lab. I too have found that the lesson plan is a guide, but not a directive, in that many of the skills we teach are sequential in process and our students must master the basics before moving to the next level. Sometimes it just takes a little more time and effort!
Thanks so much for your observations,
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I believe that it is very important to present your information in a variety of ways, even if it means repeating the same topic several times but differently until the students grasp the information. With the diversity in the classroom nowadays, it is as important to be able to talk to your students and not try to impress them with your use of the english vocabulary or talk above them. Isn't that really what our job is, to present the information that we are the experts in, in a manner for our students to comprehend and gain the knowledge. Its not always about the lesson plan, we need to be flexible with our lecture to ensure that the topics are being understood before moving on, otherwise we end up with a class and the instructor being frustrated.
I have been teaching for 5 years now, and I still review myself at the end of each class, because I want my students to get the best out of me everytime they enter my classroom.
Be more oraganized with the course material. Have achecklist ready for my students so they know the important topics I will be covering during the session.
Also making more eye contact with each and every student each session.
Pace myself and pause more so students are processing the information better
I believe that speaking clearly and slowly are important to a diverse learning environment. Not all students are from the local community and international students whose first language is not English need to understand the materials I am teaching.
I wish to improve on projecting my voice so that all students can hear and understand me in a large classroom.
I think the actual channel used for communication isn’t necessarily as important as the level of effectiveness to which it is used. Students have different learning styles and as long as the material being presented is communicated clearly and professionally to the students, it doesn’t matter how. So I think the most important communication skill is the ability to move between presentation techniques to ensure effective delivery of the material to the entire class no matter which is the preferred learning style of the individual students.
I think the skill that I most need to improve, is to speak more slowly. We teach a large number people for whom English is not their primary language and monitoring my rate of speech will, I believe, make it easier for them to comprehend the subject matter.
I believe that clarity in voice, body language and eye interaction are important to connect and communicate with the students
