Instructor enthusiasm has alot to do with student retention. If the instructor is enthusisatic about the subjects the student feels and retains the positive energy. This then translates to a more positive learning environment.
Instructor enthusiasm is very important to student retention. If an instructor clearly loves what he is teaching, he will be energetic and ready to help his students appreciate the subject. Enthusiasm often stems from passion. If, however, he is not enthusiastic, his students may get the impression that the subject is very boring.
Teacher who are just "mailing it in" are unfortunately not uncommon. Students see right through this. I always try to joke around or call on students to incite discussion. Just to hear myself talking constantly can be very boring to students. But also, I try to use examples from my studio work to get students excited about what they are doing and what they may eventually do in the field.
Instructor enthusiasm makes the subject more interesting to students, and, as humans, enthusiasm always draws our interest and involvement. Students cannot resist enthusiasm.
Elizabeth
Hi Nicole,
Your students are paying you a great compliment because they value what you are teaching even if it is considered by many as being unnecessary. Your teaching style brings the content alive and thus they start to appreciate your enthusiasm and then the content. This is a win win for everyone.
Gary
I believe that this is an essential part of my classroom success. I teach a course that is generally considered by students to be unnecessary. In order to keep them engaged, I need to be dynamic and somewhat entertaining. I have found since I started teaching the course that my students stick around a bit longer than I have heard from other instructors. Many of my students have thanked me for making the class fun and interesting. I love it!
If they see that you are excited about what you are teaching, they will be excited about what they will be learning. If they percieve you are not confident, or necessarily enthused about the material they will most likely be less receptive to it. They wont have an eagerness to learn it.
I believe it directly affects students retention. If you have a motivated instructor, it in turn motivates the students emmencely. I notice this with my students.
Hi Bruce,
This is so true. If we aren't excited it is for sure our students won't be. So we need to bring our enthusiasm and A game to the classroom each time.
Gary
It is important to set the stage of the experiential and educational journey that the students are to embark upon. This journey can be boring or it can be fun. If it is fun, the effectiveness is greater when it comes to the learning process. It also makes it more impactful for the students when they feel the passion and excitement that the instructor has for the subject matter.
A love of your own subject will be transmitted to the students. It is also important for the instructor to be continually learning in his/her discipline and to never lose that "beginners mind" so that they will have more understanding and compassion for students grappling with the concepts and applications for the first time. Enthusiasm influences student retention in that everyone wants to find work that is interesting and meaningful. An instructor excited about his/her own field is a model that, yes, indeed it is possible to earn money doing something you love!
I have found that all of the prep in the world can"t replace a lack of enthusiasm by an instructor. I have had college professors who have been quite organized with great handouts or power points, without the excitement in the presentation the classes are just not the same. They tend to get boring and redundant. I try very hard to keep my enthusiasm level up by occasionally visiting with active medical people to gain new insights with patient care and procedures. It helps me remember the excitement of learning and passing on recent breakthroughs.
keeps students entertained and anxious to learn more about subject.
Enthusiasm is contagious. A positive learning enviroment encourages student to risk. Learning is growing and finding out what works best for each student. Students are there to figure out what they want as a goal, the teacher helps them on the journey.
Hi Steve,
Well said! This is what teaching and learning should be about. Making it interesting, engaging and relevant. When this is done then the ROI of learning is met.
Gary
Students should be excited to come in to your class and sad when they have to leave. Learning should be enjoyable and meaningful. Students who have been greeted with enthusiasm and professionalism will, simply put, WANT to be in your class. Steve
As with any presentation, if the presenter is enthusiastic about what they are discussion, the enthusiasm rubs off on the particpants. It makes them more attentive, makes learning easier, and retention of the material is gained as the students go out and share the content with other students and/or family members. I have seen a greater eagerness in my students to return to the classroom the next day, and ask questions to expand their learning further. Which in turn, just adds to my enthsiasm.
In part it holds the students attention and make them feel the topic is worth while.
Hi Sylvia,
This is so true. If we aren't excited then it is for sure our students won't be. Enthusiasm generates more enthusiasm which makes for a win win situation for everyone.
Gary
Hi Jennifer,
Students like change and you are offering that with your approach. You are engaging the students in a subject area that may not be the highest on their list of courses but by making the content practical and fun you are helping them make educational progress.
Gary
