Focus, energy and passion...
Students will appreciate and engage when they detect these personality traits in an instructor.
Roberta,
Very true. In my observations, focus (knowing what to teach) is the easiest. Next energy (sustainabilty) to conduct long streches of facilitating and coordinating takes perseverance. But passion is the more difficult attribute to consistently maintain. For me, my passion is driven by my desire to convey the information and knowledge accumulated over a lifetime of teaching and practicing in my profession. The motivation for that passion is when students are eager to learn and are participating in the joint mission of their education.
Barry Westling
I believe focus, energy and passion are critical for teachers to express to their students. Otherwise they are not going to be paying attention to the lesson taught!
Ernesto,
Yes, often there is reciprocal sentiments and behavior displayed by the students, especially when the instructor is particularly accessible, helpful, approachable and/or patient with the class.
Barry Westling
