ACTOR, PERFORMER, COMEDIAN, INSTRUCTOR
TEACHING IS NOT DIFFERENT.TELL A STORY AND MAKE IT FUN.BE THE ROCK, BE THE FLAME AND THEY WILL FOLLOW.
Humor can be a good tool. Enthusiasm for the topic can be shown though examples and humor.
Hi Joseph,
I commend you for your ability to relate to your diverse class of students. You have found the key to relating to them while showing them that you have life experiences that can be of benefit to them.
Gary
I concur with this completely. As an older instructor (Im in my 60s) teaching the 18 to 25 crowd, I find self-deprecating humor and stories seems to put them at ease. In a roundabout way, I think it lets them know that I understand the differences in perception of things we have and that I am open to their thoughts.
I use humor from day one. It not only releases the jitters, but there is a transformation in class when you have given students "permission" to laugh in class. I actually had a teacher from the next classroom knock on my door because she was giving a test and the laughing was too intense! She didn't have a sense of humor at that point.
Hi David,
What a great way to start a class where you can chat with each student make sure everything is ok and then start with the day's activities. I am sure the students are more willing to share with you as a result of this set up.
Gary
We do a uniform check at the beginning of each class. This is where I greet each student ask how they are doing and get a sense of a daily attitude. If there is a problem I'll ask them when I can talk to them with no one noticing. I then start my class with lot of energy telling them what we are going to do and learn today
I think you have to make efforts to get students to buy in, to want to become involved. Giving them a chance to be the performer, etc. makes them take ownership.
Joseph, reading students is key. I like to do a "temperature check" at the begining of each class. Then proceed from there. Some days are faster paced than others based on the mood of the students.
Christine
Hi Joseph,
Good point about the use of humor and the release of tension in the classroom. We need to get our students settled in and feeling comfortable. There will be plenty of time to bear down and be intense as the course progresses.
Gary
Again, the ability to read the student learner is key here! So many students come in with a hell-bent intensity and these are the students whom i try and crack in the first day. This shows the rest of the student body that if the "rock" can submit to humor a bit, that this very humor can be used as a tool in demanding situations.
Hi Marilyn,
Good job of creating an atmosphere that is supportive of your students. The key word is rapport and you have developed that with your students.
Gary
I defintely make my class fun. With so many different personalities you have the balance the interest in the class. I make my students laugh and allow them to feel comfortable to come to me and tell me anything.
