Proper communication is the key to success in the class room, along with other important factors. I try to communicate in different ways since I know students learn in different ways. I feel that I could improve my communication skills simply by the more classes I teach. One other think I need to improve (or so my students tell me) are my facial expressions. Some tell me that I look mean, however, they find out very quickly that is not the case.
I need to slow my rate of speech. When I teach for example economics there are certain relative real life examples I get excited about covering, and then my speech starts a steady climb to mach 1, ha. Since it was brought to my attention I have been incorporating new lecture techniques that have seemed to help, like pacing and the power of pauses.
I need to work on my tone and volume of voice. I sometimes come across as being angry, when I am not.
Linda,
being aware of this is a great first step toward solving the problem & keeping it from being a distraction to your students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I need to stop fidgeting. I do this all the time at home and at work. When I catch myself doing it I try to expand on the topic on the powerpoint presentation while the students are taking notes from the slide.
Constant 2-3 second eye contact to keep students engaged, and keep down the sidebar conversations that seem to arise when not everyone is getting some eye contact. The hard part seems to be keeping it going with 20+ people...
Jaquana,
this is great self-awareness & a great strategy to help you with that. Also being aware of extra hand movements, etc that might be distracting.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As a new instructor, I know there are many ways I can improve my content delivery, but the one thing I have noticed is that I fidget a lot. I know that this could be a distraction for the students, so when I realize what I am doing, I correct it. I've learned from this course that removing objects from my view would be helpful.
The majority of students in class understand the material, use their study time wisely, and demonstrate their learned-knowledge in class and on exams. What I want to improve on is the few select students in every class that struggle with the material and have a very difficult time imrpoving. One new tact I have instituted this semester: For students getting less than 75% on quizes and exams, I am requesting those students to write or type each incorrect question and make a list of all these incorrect questions as they go thru the semester. I emphasize to the students to NEVER get that question wrong again! They have to work much harder than all other students because they must keep reviewing old material as we progress with new material in class. I have not made this list of questions mandatory but I will see how it plays out this semester. I have requested that these students seek extra tutoring and bring the list of questions to our tutoring sessions.
I too,during a lecture useing a powerpoint, like to move thru it at a fast pace, I have found that if its too fast, you will lose students,if its to slow you will loose them also, trying to find the happy medium is hard, But ifyou speak to them the way you like to be spoken to, it works. Pause and take a breath.
I would like to improve my movement skills.
It seems a fine line between distracting pacing and controled movement to direct students attention to key points in the learning activity.
I have always "talked" with my hands, so learning and practicing to control the movements, working so hand jestures blend with body movement and yet seem natural, well that will take some practice. I liked the idea of videotaping a class presentation so I can see where I need to focus on changing my style of teaching, getting out from behind the desk,etc.
My power point delivery is a very important part of our course there are many points that are critical to success in the class.I need to weave in some personal experiances to keep it interesting to the class.
I would like to move out from behind the lecturn more. This would go beyond my comfort level. I have my notes in a three ring binder and I am afraid that I might miss a point if I do not have my notes in front of me. I will try your suggestion of using note cards instead.
Darlene,
this is a great goal & one that I truly believe will add to the classroom experience for your students. These stories help connect the material with application.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I would like to become a better storyteller to add flavor and variety to my instruction. I use storytelling a little bit based on my own personal experiences but would like to become more natural with it
breathing,my words will clear an easy to understand at all time for the students.
As an instructor, I try to relate EVERYTHING I possibly can to "real life" examples. I love to story tell, sometimes though I think I need to story tell a little less.
I think its important for instructors to get feedback on their teaching or instructor communication in the classroom. Our styles change frome to time and its important to know how our communication is getting thru to students or not.
I do the same thing. I try to share my mistakes in the hopes that my students will learn from them and be able to prevent similar outcomes. I think this information is critical, because I am in health care and patient safety is paramount.
I would like to be able to express myself in a clear and concise manner at all times. I seem to be able to do this well one on one and in the written format, but when speaking in front of a crowd I sometimes trip over my words or don't know how to best word things on the spot. Some things (such as statements and lectures) can be prepared, but some things happen as a conversation unfolds and my best reply is not easily flowing forth.
