For the area I instruct in verbal, written, visual, taste, and smell are all communication mediums we use culinary. All have their place and used in different lessons.
One of the most important communication skills is presentation style. Developing a presentation style seems to be key to successful lecturing. Instructors have a set of skills used to motivate students and keep students engaged. As instructors, we must continuously refine those skills to reflect classroom diversity.
to let the students participate in the lecture by making open discussion for several points during the course , it makes them to concentrate and participate
Excellent non-verbals are invaluable in communicating an instructors attitude and enthusiasm to the class. Good eye contact and engaging tone of voice quickly convey instructors confidence that the game is on in this classroom. Come in and learn.
Lanny,
yes, yes for all of the reasons you stated here. I would also add that when we demonstrate these skills to our students, they will also learn the importance of understanding the best ways to connect and communicate with a variety of people.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In a diverse learning environment, it is essential to connect and relate to your audience in a variety of ways. Some people are visual learners while others excel and respond to a captivating orator. I feel it is important to balance both of these skills equally. Initially, to gain students' interest and attention, it is critical to be clear, concise, and confident in communicating your subject matter. I feel that developing visual models and material will increase the likelihood that your students fully absorb and remember the information you are trying to teach.
I am a math instructor, so my classroom may operate a little differently. I present a concept and model several examples. Students give me assistence and ask questions as we go. Then we will have a "pretend" quiz to check for mastery: they will work a similar problem independently (but without grade consequences) to see if they have mastered the concept. We do this several times during a class with the various concepts we cover. Then the assignment reinforces those skills and checks for understanding.
I agree. As instructors, we need to engage our students' attention to our lessons. In order to accomplish this, we do become entertainers! Using humor and animation, the students are focused, attentive, and learning! The old-style monotone lecture does not work with today's learners!
The most important communication skill is to find a way to relate to each student in their own way. How? By studying their mannerisms like a mirror and then reflect back to the student in the same way.
Ramon,
yes, both the clarity in our speech & the volume are key, especially if you're in a bigger room. Don't let the students who choose to sit in the back have an excuse for checking out.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Being clear when speaking, making sure students can here you is important
Janet,
I agree with you & would add that listening is the most valuable skill in working with all of our students. And you are right in regard to the need to demonstrate to the adult learners that we value & respect their experience & their commitment to their education.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe listening is the most valuable skill when instructing adult learners. They need to be honored for their committment in taking courses and valued as individuals. I have found that each comes with their own background and set of skills. I think if this is honored it increases the value of the learnign experience.
Shane,
eye contact is key for this reason & it is a form of respect (in our culture, we do need to be aware of how other cultures view it too).
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Marty,
this is a great idea as it breaks it up. I also like to use video segments (if allowed) to illustrate points.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Eye contact let's the person you are know you are actively listening to them.
I think that the instructors voice is probably the most important, but it alone will not keep students attention. By using a variety of methods of communication we are able to keep the students engaged with what we are trying to communicate to them. I use a projector on a white board and draw on the projected images or graphs to further explain the points I am trying to make.
Billy,
I agree with you completely. We communicate so much through both channels & by engaging students through both we will keep them interested & learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think a good combination of verbal and visual communication skills are important for a diverse learning environment. It's important to not be a statue, but not be distracting, as well. I try to get the students excited about the subject material, and they can usually tell that I am passionate about what I'm teaching.
Monica,
great point about being culturally competent. There is often great variety in the ways different cultures communicate & it benefits the instructor to be aware of these differences.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
