Relating to the student, because it shows you care
kathryn,
yes, the teacher is the leader in the classroom so the traits we look for in a good leader (those you've mentioned here) are so important for a teacher as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Honesty, warmth and integrity. An openness and good understanding of each of your students.
MY opinion is that Lecture delivery is the way most adult students retain information. Therefore the Important communication skills required for Lecture would be clear speech and vocal pitch so that everyone could hear the information given.
The most important communication skill to me is hands on show and tell. It allows the auditory learners to hear what they need to hear and the kinetic learners the ability to learn while in motion and apply what they hear to hands on knowledge to retain the information
Donna ,
the versatility of the instructor is a great point. It is very important to demonstrate not just a theoretical knowledge, but also the practical experience.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
With adult learners today is important to establish youself as a versitile person. You should be able to idetify youself with different types of students. Communication should be confident and direct, but calming.
The most important communication skills that are important in a diverse learning environment is understanding when you're losing your students due to bordem, misunderstanding, or presenting information that may be a bit over their head. I think it is important in any classroom setting to ensure you captivate the audience, even if the material may be a bit dry at the time.
Ray,
this is a good way to introduce the learning for the day as well as to build the relationships.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Try to relate to the class as a whole, Take about current events in the news or about a recent or upcoming sporting event.
Elena,
I completely agree with you that the building of rapport with our students is one of the most vital tasks we can egnage in.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Eric,
these are all great steps to take & I think you will see good success with them. I would also encourage some good open-ended questions in connection with the pauses as this can really help you know if they are with you.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Making a raport with students is very iportant. students have to trust you, believe in you, and know that their instructor is exactly the one who can teach them particular skills and knowledge. if there's no raport, there's no good interaction. the chain of communication is broken, so that the learnicg process is impossible.
Dale,
and the best questions to ask in these situations are those open-ended questions. Great points here.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have been trying to bolster my communication skills in the classroom by forcing myself to speak louder than I may in normal conversation, highlighting important topics by writing them on the whiteboard, and occasionally pausing to confirm that my students understand. I've begun to move away from my desk, and try to look at each of my students instead of the one or two superstars.
Asking students questions is important to make sure they understand the material being presented. Especially if there is something really important, and you want to make sure everyone has a chance to process the information. Also this is a good time for someone to speak up if they are having trouble with something.
Carolyn,
yes, all of these help clarify points & help reach the different learners where they are.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
michael,
this is very true as it helps to reach that variety which is always present in our classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe that nonverbal skills such as hand gestures and drawing, along with relating to familiar or paralell situations are very important when teaching in a multicultural environment
Writing on the board, hands on, and auditory lecturing. You must incorporate all to reach each type of learner.
