Being enthusiastic and clear on course objectives and their relevance to our intended profession
I am glad that you agree that once you have established your students demographic background it makes it easier to communicate with them.
Based on this information you may have to break down the topics of discussion into smaller segments for student comprehension.
Being able to effectively communicate with your students is an integral part of their growth and development.
Proper voice projection, a clear voice and proper pronunciation I think is essential.
Monica,
this is very true, knowing backgrounds, generational makeup, etc really helps with the communication.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think it's important to know the demographics of of students to be able to effectively implement communication skills; especially in a diverse learning environment.
If you know the demographics of your audience/ students it makes it easier to implement the most effective form of communication; whether its visual through power-point slides or notes or as well as verbal.
In addition you will always have an objective to emphasize the topic of discussion for that session.
Jerry,
it really is amazing how much more interesting a lecture can be simply by varying tone & volume.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Arleen,
finding the right pace in our lectures is very important & a vital communication skill.
Dr. Ryan Meers
totally agree, what you say and how you say it, is very important.
Definitely vary your speech tone and volume. Monotone is deadly
Pacing the lecture, good eye contact and clarity in speech.
Douglas,
this is definitely an important skill to develop. It allows all students to think, it also gives a little more processing time for those students who may struggle a little more in this area.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think that it is important to have balance. One thing that was key from this lesson is giving 3-5 seconds for students to think. I had a colleague bring out to me that I ask a question then sometimes, almost immediately, answer my own question. I have learned to ask the question then move to another position such as sit down at a table to allow students to think and for someone to answer. Someonw always answers if you give them the space.
Cherry,
as they say awareness is the first step. Keep trying these little skills that should help in this area.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Amy,
I think you hit on a key concept here. Listening is an integral part of the communication process that is often overlooked or relegated to a side area.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with this. This is somthing I have to practice. I tend to talk to fast. I get ahead of myself and find myself having to repeat alot in turn loosing command of the room. If I smile and take a deep breath befor I begin that usually works.
I'm currently teaching College Success, and we spend a lot of time on the value of communication. Not just the importance of what you say, but the importance of what you hear/listen and process.
We've discussed the 3 major Learning Styles--Visual, Audio, Kinesthetic, and work to combine all 3 in our communications with each other.
The students in my class are in all the same courses together, and that's the way it will be for the majority of their time at school (they're just in their 1st term right now), so it's extremely important that we get them communicating and listening, all operating on the same playing field.
Mike,
yes asking questions of our students is a great way to assess levels of understanding of our students & also a great way to lead them to deeper levels of discovery.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Lawrence,
clarity in our speaking is so important as it helps us communicate our clarity of thoughts.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Asking questions is very important to me. If I can get feedback from students, then I can rephrase my statements for better understanding.
Communication is a two way street. I may be able to keep a group engaged, following me around the room as I talk, and they still might not understand a thing I said.
Zane,
this is a great point & illustrates that communication is so much more than one person speaking but it really is a multi-layered process.
Dr. Ryan Meers
