I believe instructor enthusiasm would greatly influence student retention. This is because if an instructor comes across as nonchalant about the material, then students are less likely to stick with the class since they would think "if the instructor doesn't care about the material then why should I care about it or need to learn it?" However, on the other hand, if the instructor is enthusiastic about teaching and helping students learn then students are more likely to be interested in the material since the instructor is making the learning process more pleasant and easier to stick with.
Joseph,
Two of my favorite words in terms of instructional delivery and you used both of them--passion and enthusiasm. I think both of the elements need to be present if student engagement is going to occur.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It will get the students excited in the subject matter. If you have passion and excitement over what you are teaching them, they will be more apt at learning and enjoying it as they do.
Thomas,
Thank you for these good comments about instructor enthusiasm. It takes both enthusiasm and passion for one's field to "sell" the content to students so the will see the value of what they are being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructor enthusiasm can make or break the learning experience for any learner. Often times, instructors lack credability or believability if they lack enthusiasm for the subject they are teaching. A lack of enthusiasm often times reveals an instructors lack of knowledge in the subject or any belief that th esubject is even worth having. A lack of enthusiasm reflects boredom and a lack of respect for the subject matter. All of these things effect a learner's desire and will to even partake in the class, much less learn anythig about the subject being presented.
Nieva,
Instructors need to have passion for their field and enthusiasm for teaching about it. Your comments are right on target in terms of how the learning leader (instructor) needs to set the tone for the class and then lead the learning, thus the name learning leader. When students know their instructor is excited about teaching each and every time he or she enters the classroom they become part of the excitement as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructor's enthusiasm influences greatly student retention.
Instructors need to be truly prepared for the new class- mentally, emotionally, psychologically and physically.
It is truly important that the instructor should truly be fit and not be "burnt out" or else any preparation done no matter how good it is will not help create enthusiasm with in the instructor and it will be transmitted to the students in a very subtle way and it will kill the class.
.
Instructor enthusiasm is showing the instructor's life and eagerness to share of knowledge, skills and relevance of the class to the real world. Instructor's enthusiasm stirs the students to be involved in ever activity in class.
Harry,
Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in keeping students engaged. Your comments are right on in terms of how we need to remember to bring a positive mood to class each and every time it meets.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that my mood means so much on how my students learn, If my enthusiasm and mood is high I can see the different it makes in my class room. A little show and dance goes along way in keeping all eyes on me and I can see in my test scores that it works.
Terry,
I agree with you about the need for a supportive work place. When that is missing then the morale of everyone goes down and it has a dramatic impact on the workplace. I hope it improves for you or that you have the opportunity to relocate to another educational setting that places value on quality instruction and support.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree 100% that instructor enthusiam has a direct bearing on student retention but more importantly, that enthusiam of the subject will "rub-off" on the student.
At our institution, however, the staff is always being criticized by administration and I find this "attitude" being carried over into the classroom. Everything I have learned in this unit also pertains to how the staff should be treated....respect, supportive of ideas, encouragement.
I feel a productive learning environment is needed in order to apply all of the ideas and principles in this section.
This module focused on how the instructor needs to be caring and show an enthusiastic interest in each student and well as the course. Also, by showing the relevancy and importance of the course to the students engaging them to apply their new knowledge will demonstrate enthusiam to the students about the course.
Tina,
Like your approach in opening up a new options for those that will be entering the animal care field. By showing your passion for large animals and making the learning process you have given your students additional information to consider as they complete their training and make career choices. As a rancher I can relate to the challenge of getting individuals that want to work with large animals. Most individuals in this field want to stay inside and work with dogs and cats. Keep up the good work we need them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is very important to pick instructors specifically for each course so that they have the ability to teach what they are passionate about. I teach the large animal courses at our college and I'm very passionate about it. I've had many students, after the course is over, tell me they've never considered working with large animals until my class. Because I'm passionate and confident with the material, the students are more apt to pay attention and retain the information. I also like to have Friday Funny day where I pick a few funny animal videos to share with the class before we start lecture. The students always look forward to Fridays and many times I take requests so that they get to share their favorite videos with the class!
Enthusiasm with self discipline in instruction is important. In a career setting, many times being patient, clear and not having active displays of enthusiasm is appropriate. This boils down to fitting into the culture of the environment, for example start-ups and well established Fortune companies may be on opposite sides of the spectrum with different definitions for tempered enthusiasm.
Cynthia,
I wish I had had you when I was in high school and college because I struggled with math for a long time due to the fact I could not see how all of the components fit together. Once I was in grad school I had a professor that was able to make the pieces fit and I was able to conquer stats and other math courses. You are right about enthusiasm helping to sell math and how it pertains to our lives. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Daniel,
Yes, it is. There needs to be a reason for what is being taught in the minds of the students. The more they see value to the content the more engaged they will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach algebra. This is not a course that the students at a culinary school look forward to. I, therefore, keep in mind why I wanted to become a math major. My Algebra I teacher in high school was so passionate about math, that her enthusiasm spread around the room. I learned to love math. Most of my students, however, either fear it or are neutral to it at the beginning. By the end of the course, many share with me how their opinion of math has changed. My enthusiasm helps to lead to their success, which helps to lead to their retention.
one of the key parts to a lesson is the "motivator", why it's important to the student. If you aren't enthusiastic about the topic, it's going to be very difficult to motivate a class. The instructors enthusiasm and excitement about the content is what grabs and holds the audience.
Zaneena,
Good approach to engaging students in a subject that as you say may not be of the most interest to them. You are making it fun as well as entertaining and your students benefit as a result of your efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
