Having more than one teaching style
Having more than one teaching style helps you to reach out to all your different students. Our students learn in different ways and we need to be flexible enough to adapt to their learning styles by evaluarting ourselves and changing our styles of teaching whenever the class and or student dictates.
Michael,
I understand your comment. It's good you have flexibility. For me, I am the same all the time. What differs is how I modify the instructional strategy (delivery approach) to meet the needs of the lesson and relate appropriately to the cohort student group. I want to be an authentic, honest and sincere instructor in all settings. I think students relate better when they know what to expect from their teacher.
Regards, Barry
Of course explaining material in differnt ways also helps with understanding. All people are different and need varied approaches.
Hi Michael,
It would be so cool if we could be all things to all people. Although that may not be possible, we can at least try to meet the needs of our students, as we perceive their needs. Varyiong the instructional delivery style and method is a step in thnat direction.
Barry Westling
Having more than one style of teaching will help to relate to the different type of learning styles we have
Agreed, I find changing teaching strategies keeps them engaged with the course content.
Hi Amanda,
Variety is beautiful in keeping focus and attention.
Barry Westling
Not only is incorporating many styles of teaching a successful strategy - but possessing the skill to determine when to change the style and how to do so fluidly and smoothly is an acquired skill. I've found that in some circumstances I have had to change my style several times during a course (or in some cases even a session) based upon the feedback and nonverbal cues I see from the students.
The dynamics of a classroom can change in an instant and we must be able to recognize the need for a style change and implement such a change.
Samuel,
Classroom dynamics, change of topic or subject matter, change-ups, different media choices - these are a few of the reasons modifying our delivery style may occur. In fact, it should occur to enhance learning. For me, when I say change delivery style, I don't mean change personality. I just mean how I present is different based on media choices, resources I'm using, or the material being covered.
Barry Westling
I find that having more than one teaching style works for me in the classroom.I think it all depends on the subject matter being taught for that session. I might start out being a drill sargeant, then become so adamant about the subject matter I might end up using the Dead Poets society technique, or the Learn by Doing Instructor. I find that being flexible in my instruction will keep the students attention and they will remain focused becaus they don't know what to expect. I probably would never be a Statue Instructor because from experience they have a tendency to be very boring, therefore losing my attention or making me fall asleep.Whatever instuctional style I need to use to get my students through their course of study is what I will use without a doubt.
Mary,
Using different styles to fit the situation is very practical, and probably necessary given today's diverse student population we all deal with.
Barry Westling
