i would like to improve on facial gestures as part of my communication skills. I tend to frown and I do not smile too often.
As a new instructor, I need to improve on my voice command. My voice tends to become very soft and quiet at times. I also need to "float" around the classroom more. Overall I would like to work on my storytelling abilities, my goal is to have every student entralled in the subject matter. May be wishful thinking, but this is my goal.
I have a certain way of getting my message across to recidivists in my class via non-verbal communication. These are students with whom I had a number of one-on-one conversations regarding their disruptive behavior. This seems ineffective with them. So now, every time they disrupt the class, I stop talking, look their way, and wait for them to stop. I am not comfortable with it because although they stop, I feel that I am also creating a wall between us.
I would gladly welcome suggestions from you.
I have been a medical malpractice trial attorney for the past 32 years and I have tried many jury trials. One of the skills I would like to improve as an instructor would be to improve my ability to explain complex medical and legal terms to my students. I would like to improve my ability to explain these terms in a manner that my students would not only understand the terms themselves,but also have an understanding of how these terms and concepts relate to their future career goals as court reporters and paralegals.
I tend to get loss in the delivery of the subject matter and loose feedback from the class.
I am always trying to improve on listening, written and oral communications, but I am looking to stay more focused on the written aspects. Written business communications are so vital on a daily basis. Whether it be in the form of e mail, business letter or memo, these writings are always being screened and often forwarded;thus, the communications are in the spotlight. You want your and your students to perfect this type of communication.
Regardless of your knowledge of the subject, if you cannot transfer this knowledge to the students effectively, students will see you as ineffective or the information unimportant.
As new instructor I would like to improve my movement through out the classroom. Having just retired from the military where I gave many "briefing" I was trained to remain behind the podium and present the briefing without moving about the room. As I become an instructor I need to recognize the difference between presenting a briefing and instructing student.
Record yourself and improve.
Being more consistent in my delivery … some days I absolutely nail it and other days I stumble over my words or my thoughts just don’t connect. I can usually make a joke of it and it doesn’t happen that often but that is one area I would like to improve. By improving this trait, it will increase the classroom experience for the student and that is what it is all about!
Listening to the students whole question instead of jumping in half way to give a solution because of key words that I hear that starts me talking about a solution.
Good morning!
As I was reviewing your post this morning, I saw that several of you had made comments about improving your communication skills. WOW - what a task!
I can number how many times that I've thought "now that wasn't what I really meant to say" or "boy, I really said to much - it's all about me". And it is a difficult balance in life and in the classroom.
But I ask - why is it so important for us to become better communicators, in this case in the classroom? What do we hope to role-model to students?
Great job and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I have a tendency to ramble at times I joke with the class to reel me in. It breaks up monotiny of my droning' I'm working on that.
If I had to pick one area of communication to improve I would pick listening. Sometimes listening to our students concerns helps us better understand how we can deliver a more effective education experience for that student.
Hi Marilyn!
Very good! I would like to know what managing your class and maintaining eye contact means to you. What strategies have you used with students in your classes?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I love the part about managing your class and maintaining eye contact, overall visualizing the engagement and when to speed up or slow down your insruction. I think it is helpful to communicate in many ways with students to keep them engaged.
During my lectures, I find myself using the word "ok" with an inflection. I have been working to be cognizant of the misuse and practice not using it. I initially began using it as an affirmation of understanding from the students. I discovered I was using it several times during a lecture.
I would like to improve on my "floating" skills. Although I have very good verbal and non-verbal communication skills, it may help some of my students if I walk more about the room. Perhaps if I do this instead of mainly catering to the front of the room, more students would feel included within my lecture.
As an instructor, which communication skills would you personally wish to improve? Why?
I could use some improvement with the amount of time I pause between words. I try to choose me word very carefully not to say the wrong thing. Students are quick to point out if you make a mistake. I do not want my thoughts to get ahead of what is coming out of my mouth; I would say I pause for about 5 seconds to gather the thoughts or to use a word everyone can understand. Sometime student like to fill in the blank and that is annoying. I have been working on this and have seen improvement. This is important for me because I don't want the students to ever think I do not know what I am talking about or that I am unorganized.
Also, I could improve my non-verbal communication skills a bit more. Our facial expressions usually tell of how we are feeling at that moment. Many times there are a lot of thoughts and issues that are going on in the classroom that may require attention. Example: During lecture a student may be sleeping in the back or another student may be texting or just playing with their phone. My express will change as I now focus my attention on the situation. It may not be the time to address it verbally. However, my express has taken me into a deep thought.
I would like to improve my delivery. I recognize that sometimes I give out information and I get it, but I wonder if the class "gets it". I ask some students about delivery style and usually i get the oint across the way I want, but I know it could be improved.
