How many times have you stressed to your class the importance of communication? Although, you may think that you are the easiest person to talk to, this may not be the same way your students see you. Using my own personal experience, the following are some ideas that can help you self-develop your class through communication.Show students that you are human. Encourage students to come to you about any concerns they have without wondering if you will intimidate or look down on them or their situation. Students can be intimidated by the position you hold or the idea of talking amongst their peers. Some people are simply shy, so don’t be afraid to bring a little bit of your personality into your classroom to help bring students in. Let students see your humorous side, which can break the ice for many.
Be clear at all times. When it comes to writing and orally communicating to your students, make sure that you are as detailed as possible, and when applicable, explain Kaplan policies to students.
Be honest. It’s okay for you to simply say that you do not know the answers to every question, but tell students that you will try to find the answer and do just that! Students like to see that you keep your word. This will prove that you are an instructor that they can truly count on.
Encourage students. Instead of always pointing out what your students may be doing wrong, give them suggestions that will boost their confidence and put them on the right track. You can start every week with encouraging quotes or poems that give them something to ponder during the week. For example, Richard Bach (2006), an American writer once said, “There are no mistakes. The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they’re necessary to reach the places we’ve chosen to go.”
Set an example. Students will learn what they can and cannot get away with by the way they see their instructors act in certain situations. With this in mind, it is important to always be respectful and tactful when responding to students. When students see their instructors acting positively and professionally, they will respond the same way.
Show integrity. Remember that all students have chosen to attend Kaplan University to receive an equal opportunity to receive the best education possible regardless of their culture, ethnicity, or educational background. You, as the instructor, must teach them as such. Never treat any of your students differently from the others.
Strive to understand. We all know, especially when it comes to computers (netiquette), that messages can easily become misunderstood. Before jumping to any conclusions, ask questions to make sure you completely understand what is being said in the discussion between two or more parties.
Teach students a little extra. If there is more information that you can teach, which will add to your students’ growth and keep them on target, then share it!
Teach students to accept themselves for who they are. No, I am not saying that you should baby your students, but remember that many of them may have very low self esteem. When people are capable of loving themselves, they are capable of giving their best to the class.
Learn from previous mistakes. "While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior" (Links, 2007).
References
Bach, Richard, (2006), The Bridge Across Forever: A True Love Story,
1st Ed. New York: HarperCollins Publishing
Links, Henry C. (2007), Mistakes, Retrieved on October 22, 2009
from The Quote Garden, http://www.quotegarden.com/mistakes.html
Patricia Silva teaches career development strategies as an adjunct professor in the School of Arts and Sciences.
Did you know...Patricia served in the US Army?
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