Personally I would like to work on my accent. Nothing should destruct students in the classroom.
Improving verbal communication always goes a long way in the effectiveness of lecture delivery.
Know the right way to explain concepts verbally, emphasize important words and themes, etc.
Use expressions to improve communication.
Leon Guendoo
I stirve to find a different way to explain complex systems simply. I learn a new way to expalin often from the students.
Yes, I too find that open-ended questions can be quite helpful in the classroom. They offer the students the opportunity to respond in a more detailed manner.
I guess if I had to be honest...it would be my speed. I would like to have more time to allow my students the opportunity to apply the lessons to their lives but we have so much material to cover and so little time to do so. I feel sometimes I "fly" through some lectures when I know I need more time!
This is tough for me since my specialization is composition and rhetoric. I guess I would say that the area I wish I could improve upon is finding ways to get my students to retain what I have told them, both verbally and in writing. I just received an email from a student who tells me four of his classmates had emailed him about due dates for an assignment. The dates were stated on two different documents that the students received and we talked about it in class. Where is the disconnect coming from for them?
David,
I think it's good to have this as a goal, especially if the accent potentially gets in the way of being understood. If not, I wouldn't sweat it too much.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I would like to improve on removing more of my southern accent. I have been working on this at a concious level but sometimes when I really get going on a lecture I forget. I have heard myself on tape and sometimes do not like the way I sound. Often people will ask me what part of the country I am from, when I tell them the south they don't believe me ~ unless they aren't from the south.
I understand the cultural implications of what I am saying but for me this is a personal goal.
I talk fast, I would like to learn to slow down a little and still sound like myself. i think the students would hear more of what I say if I could do so. I find that writing things out on the board helps alot.
I can improve my oral presentation skills, I make a conscious effort to speak in terms my students understand, I would like that effort to be natural and subconscious.
James ,
it's true that this does help. And while you're working on this, be sure to keep your own natural style & not become artificial.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Jodi,
I think your awareness of this is a great first step. The best thing to do is slow down & double check for understanding so you know if you've been clear or not.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I would like to be more animated. My verbal and listening skills are good but I never was good at talking with my hands. I can do it if I make a concious effort. It would be very helpfull with retaining the students attention.
I wish i could convey some of my thoughts and ideas verbally a little more sometimes. For the most part it isn't a big deal, but some students have trouble grasping some concepts unless I can show them physsically sometimes. The biggest problem I notice is because I am experiences in the field I know what I mean but they are not always sure.
Patricia,
this demonstrates great self-awareness so I think you're well on your way to being even more effective.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I need to slow down on the really important points as I have a different accent which sometimes confuses the students. I have also learnt that body language is not the same in ALL cultures!
Georgiajo,
great self-awareness & very easy to do. I think reminding yourself that this is the first time they are hearing the info is a great way to slow yourself down.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Improving my nonverbal communication skills is my main priority. I have a habit of staying stationary and lecturing. My goal is to, ultimately, be a "natural floater" and use the whole classroom.
I find that I talk too fast at times because every 5 weeks I am teaching the same information and I tend to forget that just because I have heard it doesn't mean they have. So I need to work on slowing down or pausing between points to give them a chance to process.
Tim,
I agree that anytime we can provide some means of making the instruction more personal, the better the chance of retention & understanding by our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
