Speaking clearly is important for students to maximize learning. Students need to understand what is being said. Eye contact let students know that you are paying attention to what they have to say. Students will feel that they are part of the discussion and that the instructor is listening to what they have to say. When communicating topics with students, use examples of their experience and/or the instructors. Students can relate information better sometimes when linked to real life experience. Movements and gestures help students to retain information because students will use watch and listen.
Body language and facial expression are important, indicating to the student that you are approachable and show that you care, especially if you are enthusiastic about what you are teaching.
Another aspect that I don't see in the list of responses and came to mind as I was reading through them...humor.
It is important to have humor in the learning environment. I was told long ago by a great teacher in my life that humor is retained faster than any other element we can use in teaching and I believe he is right. Humor can take the mondain and put a twist to it that allows retention to occur and places an otherwise, boring subject into an engaging learning environment.
Eric,
yes & it also helps us to be able to "read" the students & their reactions.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Boyd,
this is so true. I don't care how much you know, if you're not enthusiastic about the material & about presenting it to the students, they won't be interested in learning.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree, if an instructor is not able to project professionalism, why would our students. We should always want to project what we want the students to mirror.
I think that to be able to speak clearly and deliver the objectives of each class effectively, regardless of the topic, an instructor must prepare in advance for whatever subject is assigned to the instructor. Without proper prep, the instructor is more apt to studder, trip on the objectives, keep on task, and the students will become confused and lose interest. When this happens, the students become frustrated and the instructor will usually have more classroom management issues due to that lack of interest portrayed through the delivery of the unprepared instructor. Do you agree or disagree and why? What are some of the ways you prepare for your class?
Im a big believer in non-verbal communication. It allows you the instructor to convey enthusiasm about the subject matter. This in turn allows your students to find you believable, thus retaining more of the material of the class.
Eye contact with students is very important as well as your enthusiasm on your presentaion of class material
ha nie,
I would agree that without good verbal communication skills, we really have nothing in order to teach our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Jim,
it is very important, as you stated, to use this diversity of teaching methods to teach a diversity of learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Verbal communication skills is the most important in a leanring environment because it is what the students will listen to and learn from.
I'm not aware of diversity as I teach all students. I like to engage all students in discussion by using question and answer and to get them to think. I want them to use their computers in the classroom to check various topics that I might bring up. I also use powerpoints, lectures and videos.
Shawn,
I agree that these "soft skills" are very important in our communication abilities.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Alison,
I agree with you. I would personally put this skill under the category of listening skills, an integral part of communication.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Alan ,
the course objectives really are important as they help the students see the connection between what we are teaching & the "real world."
Dr. Ryan Meers
Monica,
yes, if we can't communicate effectively then we are essentially wasting our time & our students' time.
Dr. Ryan Meers
jeffrey,
you are right. We may have a lot of great content, but if we can't be heard what good does it do?
Dr. Ryan Meers
Appearance and demeanor I think are most important. Words do not hold much value if the Instructor manifesting them shows little to no confidence or strong "soft skills."
I agree with many of the communication skills in this module: however, as my experience as an instructor grows, I find that the most useful skill identified is gauging the level of student comprehension. I plan on applying this in my own classroom, so I will know when to explain further or attempt to meet with students in smaller tutoring groups.
