Sandra,
and this truly is an art & along with this, sometimes being able to make an obscure story connect back to the course content.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Having good communication skills are so important. Sometimes a student may ramble on about an experience that they are trying to share with the class, the instructor has to know how to bring it to a close without making the student feel that there experience is not important
Ashley,
this is an excellent point. We want to make sure that we are being respectful of them, while at the same time being clear in what we are saying, asking, etc.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Listening to students. All of our students have questions about the class. Some are very germane points that perhaps a teacher has not thought of, or simply glossed over as being too simple. "everybody knows that!' These make good reality checks and bring the teacher down to the appropriated level without damage to the classes perception of his/her expertise.
Gary L. Schlomer
I believe having professional AND straight forward communication skills is very important in any learning environment. You can say the same exact thing in 2 different "tones" and present 2 very different outcomes. Students can respect instructors even if they don't come across harsh when giving instructions or constructive criticism.
I believe ability to speak clearly, the ability to write well and having the ability to interact with your students and peers.
Ron
This is absolutely true, and especially essential in a class in which there are English Language Learners. They may not understand everything you say, but they understand your attitude, especially your attitude toward them and toward learning.
I believe that it is important to be able to use a variety of communication skills in a diverse (or any) learning environment. The instructor's tone, attitude, body language, demeanor, word choices, use of strategies, flexibility,openess,humor, approachability, all contribute to the way he or she communicates with students and, more importantly, the way in which students are able to accept and access the content that is being delivered. Building relationships with students and communicating with them in whatever means works best for them is the foundation upon which all content learning must be built.
I believe the most important communication skills to have in a diverse learning environment stem from our ability to be effective non-verbal communicators. Our overall professionalism and presence in the classroom can go a long way in developing a rapport with the students and earning their respect. The use of our gestures and mannerisms can help students feel more comfortable and allow for the instructor to be more approachable. As we move about the classroom, we are also engaging with student and showing our interest in assisting them in the learning process.
I believe that capturing students' attention - getting them excited about the course material and also recognizing that students learn in a variety of ways and have many different backgrounds and perspectives.
I think that to keep the students interest, it is important for the instructor to show interest, even passion about the topic. Interacting and asking the students for examples of the subject might tell you whether the students are understanding the material.
Listening to feedback is one the most important communications skills especially in the classroom. Getting feedback from students is a great way to improve your lecture.
Brian,
it also helps them feel that their life experiences are valued & helps them stay engaged.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The most important in a diverse learning environment is relating personal experience that the students may have had to the course material. This makes them a part of the presentation and easily be related.
I think speaking clearly and having eye contact with the students is essential as it will emphasize the lesson as well as hold the students attention. I also like to relate my clinical experiences to my students.
Jarred,
absolutely! Our attitudes really do communicate volumes to our students & they will be even more enthused & excited about entering their chosen career fields.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel that showing excitement and passion about what your teaching will get your students excited as well and they will be more eager to learn.
James,
the idea of the pauses is a good one. Even asking some deeper questions & allowing the silence so all have time to process.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In addition to using feedback, I feel that's it critical to make good comfortable eye contact. The cadence at which the lecture is delivered is also important as if proxemics to the students.
I personally like to take what I call "pregnant pauses", which is where I stop for a few seconds and allow others to ask questions and give feedback which gives birth to new ideas.
Allen,
this is very true. The agreement between our verbal & nonverbal is key to helping communicate our points.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
