Style

What is style? Methodologies have been categorized, cataloged and chronicled. But what is to be said of style? Does a personal identity have a place in the classroom? Absolutely. But what of it? This is again where we look upon our own past and try to emulate that great teacher we had once upon a time. Some of us lack the confidence to incorporate that person that is 'I' in the classroom while others are so sure of themselves yet suffer miserably. What is our style and how is it fashioned? What kind of teacher are we going to be? Formal Authoritative? Demonstrator? Facilitator? Delegator? Once again, there is a whole lot of theory out there and this is something that is best reviewed from time to time during our development as teachers.
There are many ways to come to an understanding of what teaching style we have. One of the best practices is observation of other teachers. The information that one can learn by observing another teacher in action is invaluable. Not only do we have the opportunity to gain knowledge through vicarious experience, as observers we will also begin to evaluate our own teaching practices as compared to others. This reflection is the first step toward development. Other ways to discover our own style and its place in our class within a given methodology is simply experimentation. The old saying, 'you won't know unless you try', is never more true than in teaching. Students can be the most forgiving people on the planet as long as they know you are making that true effort to educate them and that they are important. Never hesitate to try something new in class. However, be forewarned. Look for the signs and if something is failing, don't force it upon them. You can wrap up any activity at any time because you will always have a back-up. Don't hesitate to ask your coordinator or director for their input on any activity ideas you have. They are usually very collaborative when asked for their opinion. Again, asking questions and looking for guidance is just another step toward developing as an educator. Once we realize that we are forever students, we are that more apt to educate others.
A style is what sets one teacher apart from another. Generally speaking, we enter the classroom with the same agenda. We have the same goals. We want our students to learn English. Yet walk into any two classrooms and we will be surprised that no two are alike, and if they are, then we can argue that the two classes are desperately in need of some style. Some teachers like to use music while others shun the idea of music being a viable tool for language learning. Some teachers incorporate dance, or artistic activities, and others may opt for sitting in a circle and having a group discussion on current events. We can achieve all our goals within our methodological framework without using any of the above, or contrarily, by using all. No-one can say that you must use music in your class. Once teachers are dictated how they must perform with no regards to their own personal style, the class itself will by nature turn stale and this will be reflected in the teachers' teaching and the students' learning. Of course there are many other factors we must keep in mind. Just as teachers have their own teaching styles, students have their own learning styles.