I tend to approach each lecture as if I am putting on the "next show". I need to be enthusiastic about what I am presenting in order for the students to get excited about the subject. Each lecture is a new opportunity to reach and inspire a student. Approaching it as "entertainment" seems to get them to relax and open up.
both verbal and nonverbal are very important to insure you are reaching each students learning ability.
In addition to a strong and clear voice when lecturing, knowing the subject well makes communication much easier.
Ziaul,
could you explain your answer a little more?
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Davina,
and I believe one of those key communication skills is listening so we can truly understand our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel that all students have a different way of comprehending concepts. So I mix it up with images on slides, drawing on the board, using the product or showing the item under discussion.I also use group learning where they have to work together to find answers. They learn to communicate with each other that way. Using my own personal experiences in the field to explain things helps as well. Speaking clearly and being able to explain a topic in two different ways helps too.
I think that communication skills are one of the most important attributes that any instructor should have. With the diversity of students, it is very easy for things to be misinterpreted. Because students come from different backgrounds, they are likely to have different communication styles. It is important for an instructor to understand all of the dynamics of communication styles.
Gashaw,
and no matter how clear we think we are, the student is the customer so we need to make sure they get it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Yes. If it is not clear to the students, they would have a hard time following lecture. Communicating clearly with the students is the utmost importance indeed!
Lisa,
yes the real life experiences help the students identify why these things are important & help them connect the abstract with reality.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe adaptability is one of the most important communication skills in a diverse learning environment. The ability to adapt your communication to reach students will be most useful.
I do alot of eye contact and walk around the class . I love giving examples of all my experiences for my previous jobs in the field. My students love my examples and experiences.
Charles,
humor properly used can be a powerful tool. We have to make sure that it is in good taste & relevant.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that eye contact keeps everyone engaged in the class. Had had a supervisor tell me that she would walk around the class during lecture and randomly drop a text book on the floor to get everyones attention.
I am a huge fan of humor in lectures. For example, I like to relate the lecture material to a real life situation, which I have experienced. This type of story usually captures the student’s attention and creates a memorable moment, which will allow them to retain the information going forward.
The most important skill is to communicate a like, if not love, for students to show them you want them to succeed in the class. Following closely is the ability to demonstrate a knowledge of subject matter so that you are the SME they are paying for. Finally, in order to be seen as rooted in the present rather than the past, an instructor needs to show students that he or she will draw upon whatever resources are available: text books, Power Points, the Internet, tools, guest experts, anything or anyone.
Important communication skills for instructors include clear voice, eye contact, gestures and movement
Moving around the room during lecture,as well as eye contact keeps every student engaged.
Jaceita,
yes good vocal variety is a key to keeping students' interest & helping them understand the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
