smiling
I tend to smile a lot for a few reasons, I want to make people feel comfortable as well as myself. I tend to relax more and feel more at ease.
Feedback that I've recieved from my students is that whenever they see me, I'm smiling. I find it makes me feel better...makes me more approachable to students, and let's them know that I love what I'm doing. Makes a big difference....
Kathryn,
oh yes, videotaping is a humbling experience! I too struggle with the scowl, just remind yourself to smile & you'll be fine!
Dr. Ryan Meers
I didn't realize that I also scowl when I am concentrating until students pointed out that my face made them nervous while they were giving presentations! I had no idea. I now make a point to tell the class at the start of presentations that I may have a serious face on but that only means I am listening intently. I then try really hard to smile but that doesn't come naturally to me when I am concentrating. I really like the suggestions of videotaping yourself. I have a small flip camera that I intend to bring into class and set up where I can "see" myself. Terrified by what I might see though!
I agree it also has an effect on your tone of voice when you smile a person tone of voice comes off pleasant
denise,
Thank you for this great example of self-awareness & a desire to improve. I know that in some situations when I am intently focusing, I tend to scowl, not because I'm angry but because I'm concentrating. Don't know but this could be the case in your photoshop lessons.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Sara,
it really is amazing the power that a smile can have. You are right that this helps create a much more positive learning environment for everyone.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think I am going to ask my students if I smile while teaching photoshop. I know I smile in my other classes, but do I smile while working through examples on the computer?
Smiling is a great way to make everyone in the class feel comfortable and welcome. If the instructor has a frown then it is portrayed that he/she doesn't like the class subject, isn't happy about being there, or that the students aren't important. A smile takes a class from just being there to interesting.
Smiling will help everyone to relax and enjoy.
Amanda,
isn't this true & very interesting. A pleasant look on our faces communicates to our students that we want to hear their questions & that we want to help them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree, smiling makes you more "approachable" and eases any tension within the classroom.
I also enjoy telling brief funny stories related to what I am teaching.
