I agree my students often say they cannot follow a instructor because of the mono tone voice
Wendy,
this is a great strategy as we must remember that communication skills are cross-cultural & we need to learn the differences; this is particularly important in an industry such as yours.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am a dental hygiene instructor at a Silicon Valley campus. We have a hugely diverse student population. I find that while I'm lecturing, I will pause to ask about students various cultures and how what we're discussing fits into their culture. There is no pressure; students do not have to answer, but it's amazing how many will open up regarding their backgrounds. Eg. When discussing how to interview a patient, we encourage students to have eye contact with the patient. More than one student shared that to do so is a sign of disrespect in their culture. Then we take it from there to find solutions that will make the student more comfortable in their roles as future healthcare providers.
Miguel ,
the instructor's enthusiasm is definitely contagious for the learners & we must be aware of how our mood impacts the room as a whole.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It's important for the communicator to show that they are interested and excited about what they are talking about. This helps keep the attention of the listeners and the excitement can be contagious, encouraging the students to stay involved and want to learn.
Shawna,
you are right that communication skills really are a package deal & it is hard to say which might be more important than another. Listening is also a key part of communication that many overlook.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
All communication skills are equally important.
Each student is different and each student learns differently. If you try to utilize all your communication skills you increase opportunity for each student to retain what they learned. Eye contact is my favorite because I need to read the class to know when I am engaging the students best.
Laura,
this really is key as many of our students struggle with reading comprehension. If we take the time to explain, this will benefit all of our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Judith,
this is a great summary & description of good communication skills. What I read in your last part is the vital communication skill of "listening." We really cannot overemphasize the importance of this part of communication.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like the thought of Instructors becoming more like entertainers. I am not one to be so vibrant or "open" in the classroom. I am more "dry" with my presentations. I do find however, that changing up my presentation in lecture can actually "startle" the class into attention! (sometimes). This jumpstarts the lecture and student involvement greatly. I try to incorporate it several times in a lecture day!
Communication obviously is key in getting the lesson across to all students. I am not sure which aspect is the most important, but I like to utilize change in tone on important information and definitely like to move about the room when delivering lecture. I believe that a good instructor utilizes both verbal and non verbal communication effectively.
It is important to use relivant termanology relating to the subject matter. And explain what what each term means.
The environment in which I teach brings me in contact with many different kinds of adult learners -- all of which require me to use different skills and talents that I possess.
After I have identified the challenges that some students bring to a particular class, I prepare the class to add or repeat key ideas so that these students learn as well as they can.
In every class, I use the communication skills outlined in the presentation here:
1) PowerPoint files to deliver the content and theory of the class -- not to read, just "speak to",
2) varying your voice to make specific points and answer questions,
3) pausing to give students time to think and time to digest information.
The key communication skill that I utilize is rapport with the students -- I need to know what they don't know and what learning challenges they bring -- then I can modify what I will teach. An effective teacher needs to be sensitive/aware of the learning needs of their students in order to help them master the material for each class.
anthony,
these are all vital communication skills. Really it is a matter of good "audience" analysis.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I'd say: the ability to demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for one's subject, the ability to organize and deliver content in a way that reaches rather than puts off learners and, most important, the ability to "read" and respond to students' needs be they academics.
Marita,
these are a couple of nice & inexpensive ways to use variety in the classroom.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like putting things on the whiteboard and using different colored markers. I think this helps keep the students attention. As I walk back and forth wrinting on the board this is also providing motion.
Shaun,
yes, the more teaching styles we utilize the greater chance we have of being the more successful with more students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The most important communication skills are those that will best serve your student population. While certain tools might be employed; such as verbal and nonverbal presentation, multimedia, and other dynamic group assignments; the most important tool is one that will effectively engage and teach your students. This will require analysis and experience on the part of the instructor to ascertain those needs.
you definitly need to use multiple teaching styles to help all students.
