I have found that when my enthusiasm is high my students seem more on board with what I'm teaching. If I'm not prepared for the class or maybe not to sure of the topic or I dont have the enthusisasm. I tend to loss their attention or focus. ENTHUSIASM!!!! Helps wake them up and starts the day off on a good step.
Children learn by playing games and having fun I believe adults learn in a very similar way.
I find that if the instructor is enthusiastic the class feels more at easy, and it makes the learning process fun. Students tend to learn more if they enjoy what they are doing.
Consuala,
I agree. They get excited when we are excited about the field and what is being taught.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Student is more likely to stay the course if they are influenced by the instructors experience and enthusiasm for the profession.
Julie,
You are truly a life long learner based upon your comments. You are excited about being a teacher even if it is a subject that you are not the most excited about. This shows that you are truly a professional educator that is dedicated to her field.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Mandy,
Thank you for your story about your 8th grade biology teacher, Mr. B. I love stories like this because the reinforce why we are teachers in the first place. If we aren't excited and enthused it is for sure the students won't be so we need to bring both to our classes each time we teach.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Greatly. On occasion we all have to teach a subject we are not exactly excited about, or have extensive knowledge about (i.e. sub for another instructor), but I find when that happens, I go through the material and find a few interesting facts about the subject matter, I then make it exciting. It's nice to see the students light up about something like the endocrine system. :-)
I have found the more passion and enthusiasm I offer the subject at hand the more I get from the students. I want them to have the passion that drives me to want to learn more each day, and if I can do that by example. I have taught them something that can only be passed on. I loved biology in 8th grade because of MR. B; if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be sitting where I am today. His enthusiasm and passion towards since he passed on to me and hopefully I'll do the same.
Instructor enthusiasm has a huge influence on student retention since students are looking at the instructor for guidance. If an instructor can help a student to focus, at times even find, their motivation for being in school then it will help the student retention. I have seen various examples of how an instructor's enthusiasm not only for the subject matter but for helping the student has kept student's engaged and in the program. If a student feels they have the support of an instructor who has been successful in the field they are attempting to break into then it provides them the support they need to continue.
William,
Negative spreads just as does positive. It is easier to spread positive and build from there. Good point.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Heather,
Thank you as well, Heather. As I run a ranch that raises mules and have been involved in the livestock industry and animal rescue all my life I can appreciate where you come from. You have had so many great life experiences and helped so many animals and people so I know you are going to have a great career as an educator.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Enthusiasm is the gas for learning. When we as instructors are excited about what we are doing, the class experiences the excitement with us. It gives the students extra gas to stay alert. If they are alert then hopefully they will catch something of interest from what we are sharing, doing, etc.
If we don't have interest in a topic, how can we except the students to have it. It is up to us be the change we want to see occur in our classroom.
I agree. I feel that if you act like its not important and fun. the students will end up feeling the same way.
By showing your passion, I believe it makes the student want to come back for "more". I understand they are coming for an education, but what kind of educational experience they get is up to the instructor. What’s the old saying, “keep em’ coming back for moreâ€.
Thank you Dr. Meers for all your valuable comments and encouragement! I am a former high school science teacher who became a vet and did clinical practice for the past 10 years. I just recently returned to teaching in the vet technology program. I found a way to combine my two passions in life - animals and teaching. I really enjoyed your courses...a good review, but also learned new things.
Heather
Heather,
Like the way you teach! You are having fun, engaging the students and keeping the class on track. This is what good instruction should be. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Enthusiasm is contagious. If the instructor exhibits excitement for the topic and teaching, the students are more likely to follow suit. There is nothing less motivating than a monotone lackluster lecturer. I have had those in my educational experience. I strive to present material in a dynamic way to keep students interested and wondering what I will do or say next. I pose questions to them to have them interact and encourage critical thinking during the presentation. I randomly have students go to the board to draw or bring out animal models. The art of the presentation is staying on track while making it fun and interesting. We reel each other back in to the topic if anyone swims astray!
Andrew,
So true. When we are excited about the content the students get excited as well. They start to see the value of the content that is being taught.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Nashon,
Passion for one's field is a powerful motivator. The more enthusiasm and excitement we bring to the class the more involvement we are going to have from our students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
