Take Home Points
- We each have preferences in terms of how we teach and learn. Understanding your preferences while also expanding your teaching style repertoire can maximize the educational encounter for your student.
- Take advantage of the way your students, as adults, learn, by creating learning situations that: are self-directed, allow students to apply their skills, and allow students to gain competency in areas that they perceive as relevant to them. Your role as a teacher may also shift from a directive role to a facilitator/resource as your student becomes more competent.
- One characterization of teaching includes four "styles" placed along a continuum: assertive, suggestive, collaborative, and facilitative. Although you may have a natural preference for one of these styles, it can be helpful to explore the other styles in order to expand your teaching repertoire.
- Perhaps the most important influence you have on your student is your ability to serve as a role model. If you are capable, sensitive, enthusiastic, and yourself, it will reflect well on your student.