Students mirror how you feel about a particular subject or lesson. If you are not excited about it or don't feel that it is important, neither will they. That would be unrealistic expectations. You are an authority figure. They respect you and value your opinions.
Hi Shannan,
Right on both counts. This sets a good tone for the class and helps to get the students involved in the learning process.
Gary
It makes the intructor more approachable and shows the students that they are excited to be there. It also puts the students at ease and want to participate.
An instructor enthusiasm influences student retention because the more the instructor is enthusiastic about the course, the more enthusiastic the students will be. The more concerned the instrucotr is about the students and the course, the more positively influenced the students will become. Who wants to be in a course that the instructor is not happy and excited about? No one! How dull and boring! The instructor sets the stage and tone for the students and the course.
Instructor influence is key. Why would you want to sit and listen to an instructor or anyone for that matter, if you can tell they don't care or want to be there? YOu don't. They not only are there to learn, they are paying you to do a job. There are so many instructors who have lost their niche in teaching, it's sad.
Hi Harry,
Well said about instructor ENTHUSIASM. If we aren't it is for sure they won't be. We must bring our A game to the class every time it meets.
Gary
Obvious instructor enthusiasm from the first day of class has an immediate and positive effect on the students. They realize they have chosen the right field of study and, this is the career field they truly want to be in. When you are in a happy environment, you are in a learning environment.
Enthusiasm by the instructor influences and encourages students to excel in their studies realizing that retaining the material not only means they will pass classes and graduate, but they will be properly prepared to enter the workforce confident that their education will make them an asset to their new employer.
Hi Robb,
Good read on your own performance. Your points are right on target about the need for excitement and enthusiasm. It has to be there because if it isn't you get the results you mentioned and no one benefits from that.
Gary
As the role model to my students my enthusiasm or lack of is contagious. At our school, we are always bringing up the need to have the passion for our career choice (culinary). If I do not exhibit that passion myself, how can I expect my students to keep theirs?
I can always tell the difference between the days that I am all charged up and excited about the topic and the few times I am not quite on my game. The students see this and reflect back my lack of enthusiasm in their participation. Ultimately, this will effect their retention, if it continues unabated.
Hi Richard,
As I am wrapping up a series of courses I can really support your comments. The students wear down and let external factors influence their efforts. We have to bring our A game to the class and keep our excitement level up if we are going to get them to see the finish line and strive to reach it.
Gary
We talk a lot about getting the student to the class, and the opportunities we have to hold, mold and motivate, but once the class is 1/2 way through it's syllabus, the instructors enthusiasm is the spice that keeps everyone with the feeling of the first day. We, are always in need, regardless of our own personal or professional issues, or holding on to the class. Our enthusiasm is an escape from everything on the other side of the door!
Hi Scott,
Good point about instructor enthusiasm. We, instructors didn't get this far in our careers not to like what we are doing. We need to make sure our students know that we are doing what we want to by sharing our knowledge with our students.
Gary
Students tend to reflect what they experience from their Instructor. They want to learn new things from someone who has expertise in the field as well showing a genuine interest in the subject matter. Very few people are willing to earn a Ph.D. in a subject they dislike or don't recognize as being important enough to commit a lot of time and resources to achieve the ultimate goal. Instructor enthusiasm also shows a passion for learning from an authority figure and makes the students feel important when they also understand what's being taught. This sense of self importance will result in greater student retention by maintaining their interest in the subject material.
Hi James,
So true and it helps to keep the students focused on the course due to the excitement level being brought to the learning environment.
Gary
An enthusastic instructor sets the tone for the classroom environment and will encourage students to be more involved and enthusiastic about their learning. It is very much a mirror effect.
Bottom line is if the teacher is enthusiastic then the students are eager and willing to learn. Instructor enthusiasm sets the stage for a class. I have personally dropped out of many classes because the teacher had no enthusiasm.
Hi Donald,
Very true. All of these demonstrations of professionalism need to come together if the students are going to see that they have a dedicated instructor.
Gary
A display of enthusiasm from the instructor demonstrates to the student that the instructor not only has an interest in the topic but also in each and every student in the classroom. It almost is an attraction for the student to be on time for class and not be absent.
Hi Lana,
Good point about instructor excitement. We aren't excited it is for sure the students won't be and why should they. We need to bring enthusiasm to the classroom every time we meet the class.
Gary
when the instructor is visibly enthusiased about the subject matter and then what is being heard is also enthusiastic; students want to listen, want to attend and believe what is being talked about and what is going on is important and relevant - otherwise, why would the instructor be so excited.
