Daisy,
This is so important. I think instructors need to bring passion for their field and enthusiasm for teaching to class each time it meets.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gary,
Instructor enthusiasm is the most important aspect of the learning environment. If the class environment is active, structured around fun and entertaining facts , it will help the student to retain the information easier and it will keep a very dynamic class pace where the student is eager an looking forward to the next class.
Jorge
Having a job that you love makes the difference. If students see that you are excited and happy to be there, they will feel the same. So when a student is having a bad day, they will remember your excitement and attend class.
Tracey,
Stories are great ways to get students focused on the application of the content that has just been shared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I've been tolde that I like to tell stories. i plan to use this "skill" to maintin interest.
Katelyn,
I agree. I like to listen to people that have a passion for their area. Combine passion with enthusiasm about teaching and you have a win win for students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I truly think that if you love what your profession is that your students will be able to tell you love it and they will want to learn more.
the more interesting an instructor can make a subject the better the chance the students will learn the material. i use humor, rhymes and even silly little songs as a tool to help the students remember important information.
Stacy,
We need to bring our A game to class each time it meets. Your comments are right on target in terms of how we must be the learning leaders and maintain consistency for our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructors set the tone of the classroom and students follow our lead. If we come to class late, fumble around with papers, complain about the traffic, and trudge through the materials, then the students will become disengaged. We need to take our jobs seriously and realize that these students are paying a lot of money for our instruction. Everyone has a bad day here and there, but we shouldn't show it. We should deliver lectures providing positive experiences and helpful advice while keeping the students involved with class discussions, etc. Being an enthusiastic instructor encourages students!
Instructor enthusiasm is a key to the students having fun in learning. If the learning environment is fun, the students will retain more of the material. If the instructor is having fun, the students will pick up on this and all will have fun learning.
David,
Selling yourself through your personality is what it is all about. As long as the students respond to your style and you are helping them to acquire the needed content you are on the mark. Keep being you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Wendy,
Fun way to start a class. I am sure the instructor learned a lot from chatting with the students in this format so when he stood up he was able to personalize the information he shared with the students. Thanks for sharing this ice breaker with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Billie,
Good for you. This makes learning more enjoyable as well as engaging for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know my students do better when I let out my naturally entertaining style. (which I've always thought of as being pretty goofy, but) students respond to the positive energy. It keeps them involved and focused
Imagine sitting in a class with the instructor sitting amongst discussing the topic of the class. This instructor would arrive with the other students in the class and pretend he was a new student in the class. About 10 - 15 mins into the class, after he had a chance to meet and talk with several of us, he would stand up in the room and say: "I would like to introduce myself - I will be your instructor". That was a great Ice-breaker.
I truly try my best to make my classes interactive and entertaining in order to keep my students as engaged as possible.
Larry,
Passion for one's field and enthusiasm about teaching are two essential elements of the instructional process. You are right if the instructor is not excited about being in the classroom it is for sure the students won't be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructor enthusiasm influences student retention in a direct manner. For example if the instructor lacks passion and enthusiasm about the subject they are teaching it will be quickly picked up on by students. The students may infer that the instructor is not passionate about this particular subject therefor it is unimportant. This will reflect in their quiz scores as well as their answers to the instructors questions on the subject.
ANNE,
Well said in so many ways. Bringing passion about your field to the class and enthusiasm for teaching goes a long way in engaging students. Using examples and making applications brings value to the content and increases the motivation level of the students. This sets up a win win situation for everyone in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
