Monday, November 3, 2008
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 addresses a topic called Styles of Teaching. In an era of standard based testing how large of a role does such things as dress, dramatic talent, and gestures affect teaching and learning? As a future administrator utilizing the standards how can you address these topics if they are so important?
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It is vital that an effective teacher possess most if not all of the personal factors listed in chapter 11. I often remind myself that how I present the lesson is a direct correlation to the success of the students' mastery. As teachers and administrators, we must be aware of our audience and how we are directly affecting the learning that takes place in the classroom. As administrators, we must understand that we lead thru modeling the desired traits that we want to see within our staff.
I think that all teachers are different in teaching styles of subject matter and personal factors. I think the different styles are what makes schools unique. I feel that teachers have to what is effective for the children. I think as teacher for some children you have to be the mother figure, others you can trest as a friend. I think you have to know the needs of the children and as a teacher you have to be willing to adjust. I feel that as an administrator I would make that clear. I would also carefully place children accordingly. If I have a teacher who tends to be a screamer I do not feel it would be a good idea to put a skiddish child in that class. With that being said, as an administrator I would need to learn the styles of my teachers.
I agree with Terri that it is vital that an effective teacher possess most if not all of the personal factors listed in chapter 11. As teachers and administrators it is part of our job to make sure that we know the needs of all our students and our demeanor and presentation of the material all impact student learning. The verbal and non-verbal actions we display to our students influence the relationships we form with them, which impacts their learning. As administrators, we need to be in tune with the styles of teaching that are present in our schools and do the best that we can to display the qualities we would like for our teacher to exhibit to their students, as well as align our students with teachers that we believe will best fulfill their needs.
Barbara Bree Fischer and Lois Fischer defined teaching style as “a persuasive quality in the behavior of an individual, a quality that persists though the content may change.” I believe that a teacher does have a unique style that generally is constant. However, I do think that our styles can change as we become more mature or comfortable with teaching. Once we find our unique style that works for us we usually stick with it. I strive to be fair and consistent, rule follower, time-manager, vary instruction, use technology, use manipulatives, use group work and an expounder of subject matter. Sometimes I would like to not be so structured but I feel like my students really need it. As an administrator I would encourage teachers to instruct and assess their students how they believe students will have the greatest success. Students thrive in various classrooms and therefore should have the opportunity to experience all types of instruction. Professional development opportunities should be provided for staff to help teachers develop best practices. Even in our classes at Radford our four professors are very different in their instruction and assessment methods. Some of the classes we have taken may seem easy/hard and it is usually not content, but how the class is taught and assessed.
I believe as well that a teacher must posess many of the personal factors listed in chapter 11. Our students are varied in their learning styles, and to successfully reach them all, we, as teachers need to be flexible and varied in our styles of teaching. That being said I have seen many classrooms, with teachers of completely different styles of teaching and have seen success in each of those rooms. So teachers must posess and be able to vary their style, but they must be comfortable with they way they present themselves. As an administrator, I would emphasize knowing the students as well as yourself as a teacher and focus on the strenghts of both in order to provide an optimal learning environment.
As students are varied in their approach to learning, we as educators should have the ability to vary our teaching methodologies. Differentiation should be common in today's classroom. We should disginguish individualization in which the same content is delivered to all students with some adaptation of methodology in order to achieve the same objectives for all students. As administrators, we need to know the teaching styles along with the learning styles of students, carefully plan or schedule and foster growth through professional development so all teachers obtain several styles so scheduling becomes less of an issue and teaching individuals through varied methodology becomes the norm.
I think that schools tend to adopt unique characteristics of their teachers. This is what makes each "neighborhood coummunity" believe their school is the best. It's these characteristics that make make us all different, yet we work for a common goal. You can impose the same teaching method or strategy on two teachers, but the delivery will be different based on these personal characteristics and traits that make up each teacher's style of teaching. Early in my career, I worked for Roanoke City Schools under Dr. Tota. I was part of a cadre that observed and video taped teacher lesson delivery and student interaction. I remember some of these same characterists from chapter 11, especially dress, language, voice, and gestures being on the observation checklist and points for discussion with the teacher. This may be a way for us as future administrators to discuss how important individual styles of teaching are to student learning. Colleagues can learn a lot about themselves, even as they observe others.
The presentation of information through instructional strategies is also influenced by the attitude, appearance, and overall demeanor of the presenter. As teachers we must consider all of the possible factors that may increase or lessen the potential success of our students. Students consider these aspects of our instruction that we don't always plan for in our instructional planning. Ros mentioned the differences amongst our four instructors for this program, and it made me consider how easily I have been influenced by the non-verbal language and overall attitude of Sellers, McCracken, Arbogast and Flora when discussing different topics and answering our questions. As an administrator, we will have to present numerous ideas and programs to teachers, and we must consider how our demeanor will influence the reception (or lack thereof) of such amongst a faculty/staff.
To provide the role models that children need, we should strive for our teachers to be true professionals. Part of this is many of the factors listed in styles of teaching. Dress, enery, voice, all can have a profound impact on student motivation and achievement.
As adminstrators we should know our staff to fit the indivudual's personal factors with the fitting classroom assignment. We should model this for our own faculty and set the expectations for what we expect to be happening in each classroom.
One of the most important things for teachers to keep in mind is that we tend to choose teaching styles that match our own learning styles - in other words, most of the time we teach the way that we are comfortable learning. If we can broaden our teaching styles slightly so that they include some strategies that serve students whose primary learning style differs from our own, we can help more students be successful. In my own classroom, I had to remember to write more things down and use more visual representations than I would naturally, because I'm more of an auditory learner. I also had to work to create opportunities for every student's voice to be heard - not just the students who were comfortable speaking out in class.
As a principal, I would encourage my teachers to examine their teaching styles in light of their learning styles, and provide them with training/support for making gradual adjustments to their teaching styles. This idea falls under ISLLC 2.3a - "...assist school personnel in understanding and applying best practices for student learning."
I like what Loren said about the uniqueness of different styles. This applies to teachers, administrators, and entire schools. I feel teachers must be allowed some flexibility in their style to be effective. You cannot force a teacher who isn't comfortable with certain things to act in the way you want them to without affecting their performance and creativity. This being said, you do have some standards of professionalism and common sense which must be upheld. It is the administrators job to express each year what is acceptable and what isn't.
I agree with what everyone else has said. Teachers must use differentiation to reach every student in their class. We must continuously find what makes the students' light bulb go off. If it requires wearing different styles of dress, then so be it. It may even require acting goofy some of the time. The days of the rigid teacher are over. Also, many of us have different ethnicities to work with. A greater understanding of each student’s culture and home life can have a great impact in how we are received. Don’t get me wrong, we must still be the disciplinarian when needed. As administrators, we must understand that each teacher brings something different to the table. If teachers are weak or having trouble in an area, it is our job to help them with these deficiencies.
Clay Moran
There are many factors involved in being an effective teacher and administrator. As Christy stated, we need to ensure that teachers be true professionals that posses many if not all the characteristics listed in chapter eleven. John Maxwell, a writer and speaker on leadership, states that “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” We as teachers and hopefully administrators someday must exemplify the characteristics discussed in chapter eleven, but most importantly we must show the students that we care about them and the learning process that we are assisting them with.
The style of teaching can motivate students. It can also turn students against the teacher. Teachers need to keep this in mind. As a teacher, I try to make connections with children whenever the opportunity presents itself. Connections build relationships that boost student motivation and learning. I would address style of teaching in a faculty meeting. I would present it as a role play where teachers draw a card and have to act out/dress as the card says. Then I would ask other teachers to describe how they would feel as a student if that was their teacher. Would they be motivated? Would they lose respect for them? It is important and teachers need to keep it in mind.
I feel that the style of teaching can greatly affect student learning. As Jonathan mentioned, teachers tend to teach to their own learning style and as a result, the achievement of some students may be affected. Our students are quite observant and if we think they are not watching such things as dress, gestures, and talent, we are fooling ourselves.
As future administrators, I believe we need to be aware of the various styles of teaching that are present in our building. I do not believe that we should require every teacher to conform to a certain style, but being aware of the styles that are present can help us address weaker learning styles in factuly meetings/staff development. Students should not expect to get the same packaged style from every teacher. Exposure to a variety of teaching styles will help prepare them for the variety of styles that are present in this great big world. :)
As educators and by reading the pervious comments we are all aware of the importance of learning and teaching syles. It still amazes me that the general public does not appreciate the complexity involved with the teaching process. I liked Tara's idea about representing the different styles in a faculty meeting and allowing dicussion on what are perceptions of each styles are. I think something we might also consider as administators is educating the public on the complexities that our teachers are exposed to each day.
I believe that a teachers style has a great impact on the type of learning activites presented to students. Administrators should be aware of the teaching styles of teaches in order to create groups that will provide the desired outcome. In some situations it would be best to have teachers with similar styles work together, however in other situations it may be best to have a variety of teaching styles present. Being aware of what is happening in the classroom is key to being an effective educational leader. In determining mentors for new teachers it is especially important to match teachers who will be able to provide specific style related feedback to help the new teacher feel best supported.
I agree with Rosalind--our styles can change as we become more mature or comfortable with teaching. Also, what works effectively for one teacher may not necessarily work well for others. Therefore, as administrators, we must be careful not to try to force teachers we observe with learning styles different than what we consider the ideal to assume a style that may not be appropriate for the classroom of students they are teaching. One of the most valuable tools I found earlier this fall when I was looking for an assessment for learning styles was one for teaching styles. I feel assessing individual teaching style would definitely prove benficial for every teacher.
As a future administrator, it is important to me that teachers adhere to a certain standard of professionalism. I may be the type of person that enjoys wearing sweat pants and yelling at my peers, however, I as an educated, certified teacher cannot let those facets of my personality into the work place. I also think it is important to incorporate different styles into your teaching practices. Just because you feel your voice is high and squeaky shouldn't mean that you never vocally interact with your students. Likewise, I would be disappointed to find out that the teachers that I am working with were not using research based methods because they didn't consider themselves "scholarship" types. We should be able to step out of our comfort zone in order to reach all of our learners.
I believe that teaching styles are either appealing to students or they turn students off. Teachers must maintain an awareness of how their style is impacting their learners. Administrators should monitor and model the desired traits they view as being effective and offer feedback to teachers. Effective teachers will be able to move easily between their style, the subject matter and the learners.
Teachers are role models. Teachers are professionals. I think it is important for teachers to possess the personal factors stated in the chapter. The students search for people to connect with and to look to for guidance. Because of the strong presence that teachers may have, it is important to use those personal factors in a positive light.
A school faculty consists of teachers from all teaching and learning styles. As an administrator, it is important to recognize these different/unique qualities and, at the same time, model what is expected or desired.
Style is very important in education. It is true that most of us are comfortable teaching in the way that we learn. I think a professional educator enhances their teaching ability by taking the time to learn how to learn in different ways. Once you understand how different people learn, you can expand your teaching capability.
The manner in which a teacher presents herself in the classroom goes a long way in establishing a respectful classroom, a healthy rapport with students, and motivating student towards learning. These things tend to be evaluated in teachers under the heading of professionalism, but that only seems applicable when the style of teaching is inappropriate. I believe an administrator can best address this topic by encouraging individuality among the teachers in the building.
I believe that teachers must use different styles of teaching to make the lessons interesting and keep the student interested in learning. As an administrator, we must be sensitive to teachers' different styles and keep in mind that students also like variety in their daily lives. I would much rather learn when the lesson was presented in an interesting way, and I believe all students would rather that this happen in their classes. Sometimes it is the administrators job to make sure that the teachers know that it alright to change things up to get a better learning environment in their classrooms.
I think that every teacher is different in their style and approach to teaching. I also believe that it is those varied styles that make a school unique. All students are different so I would expect that teachers be different in their approach in order to reach all students. I think that as an administrator it is important to know the faculty and the teaching styles of those in your building in order to best promote student success. Careful planning on an administrators part in scheduling could reduce conflict and maximize success if an effort is made to match teaching styles with student learning styles.
Schools are always going to have teachers who differ in their teaching styles. Students would not be engaged and enjoying learning if we all had the same the style. I do realize that some teachers styles and personal factors even though different might not benefit students. As a future administrator I feel you will have to get to know your teachers and students and figure out which styles are effective and those that are not. Administrators will need to communicate, model, and provide support in implementing the desired traits that are expected.
The text pointed out that teachers consciously or unconciously adopt certain styles. These styles evolve from personal preferences, habits, mannerisms, all the different personal factors that make each person unique. Hopefully we are personally cognizant of these factors in our lives and use, or subdue them depending on the dynamics of each classroom, to better enable us to be as effective teachers as possible. ISLLC Standard 2 deals with an administrator having knowledge and understanding of principles of effective instruction, the variety of ways in which students learn, and professional development as an integral part of school improvement. This correlates well with the idea Tara presented, in helping teachers be aware of different teaching styles, relating that to the ways in which students learn, and then hopefully applying the knowledge to their individual situations.
I teach 8th grade English. I have to use as many tricks as possible to make sure my students stay interested and in tune with the material that I'm teaching. If we didn't put our personalities in to our teaching it wouldn't be very interesting. The challenge for teachers today, is to be able to create lessons that teach the standards and interest our students in ways that create a deeper thought process than just the standards. Easier said than done. That's why the world of education at this time seems to be having so many problems. It's hard to find a balance between challenging our students and making sure they pass the standards.
I have to agree with Jonathon. Teachers usually do instruct students based on their own learning styles. As an administrator I don't want to see a building full of teachers that deliver instruciton in the same way. I think it it is very important to have a variety of teaching stlyes througout the school building. I think as an administrator it is important to let the staff realize that there are many different styles/methods of teaching and as long as those methods are affective it is ok to have your own style. (And possibly learn to come outside our comfort zone and learn from each other.) As a teacher I know that all my students learn in different ways and are motivated to learn for different reasons and I need to constantly review my style of teaching to meet the needs of my various students.
A co-worker once said "If you can't sell it that day - don't do it." I do believe teachers have to "sell" the concepts they are trying to teach. Sometimes the consumers are easy "sells" other times it takes many strategies and angles.
Denise is spot-on with her comment. Teachers must be "on" every day. If we're not "selling it," then many kids will definitely not be "buying it." Effective teachers build emotional connections with students and intellectual connections between their students and the subject. While every teacher's personality is different, and not every teacher needs to be an entertainer, every teacher does need to sincere and passionate about their subject. Kids know when we're not, and every student deserves a teacher who is.
Styles of Teaching affect all students in some way and the learning that takes place is reflective of that. Some students are not affected by all personal factors but a teacher needs to be aware that all of his/her personal characteristics and traits are noticed on a daily basis through the instruction.
As a future administrator, I want to personally present styles of teaching in a professional and approrpriate way as I am visible thoughout the school as well as during meetings/staff development, etc. Standards within professionalism will be adopted, shared, and upheld but I will also be aware of personal styles, comfort zones, and levels of effectiveness.
The style in which a teacher presents a lesson can make or break it with students. I always taught second language learning and gestures, props, "overteaching", pairing vocabulary words, etc. were staples of my teaching. I would also model for my students how books should be read, essay written, and problems solved. As an administrator, I would also use the modeling strategies of important traits for my own staff. Knowing the students and what they need is the first step and then being able to convey that to my teachers follows.
Uniqueness of different styles is extremely important. Teachers must also possess many factors listed in Ch. 11. Students have many different teaching styles. Therefore these factors and flxibility would help them tolearn. If I should ever be an administrator, I need to realize that different teachers willbring different to our schools creating a different atmoshpere.
I think that how we come across to our students, whether it is our attitudes, dress, or gestures, affects their ability to learn. I believe this will be the case when we are administrators as well. A very wise man once told me that everything rises and falls with leadership. The way we act as leaders will effect the ones that we lead. If we are positive then we can influence them with our positive attitudes. Even though the tough situations won't be easy to deal with, we can make them easier by how we handle ourselves, our attutides, and our gestures.
It is very important since they are the mortar that holds the brick of education together. Although they seem insignificant without them the system slowly crumbles.
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