Frank,
I agree with you. I think instructors need to show up everyday passionate about their content/field and enthusiastic about teaching it. That sets the tone for the students and enthusiasm is catching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I beleive if I show up everyday showing that I am enthusiastic about what I do after all these years then the students won't question the field they have chosen. Maybe they will enjoy it for a number of years too.
Miriam,
I like your passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching it. This is what makes being an instructor fun and well as rewarding. I know your students appreciate the effort you put forth each and every time you meet with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jennifer,
This is a great way to get students to zero in on developing writing skills and then being about to communicate those skills to others. We know that a person that can write and speak well has an edge in moving along the career track because effective communication is an essential part of most careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have worked hands on in the field that I instruct for over 40 years,and enjoy it even more now watching my students learn it. I get excited which makes them excited, I instruct them as well as learn from them new and exciting techniques. Students must be kept active and excited and that is why I feel it is my job to see to it.
I agree with your method. I am a writing and public speaking teacher. I frequently model every part of the composition process in front of them. If I make mistakes, I urge them to help me revise my writing. I believe this shows them that I am willing to do whatever I expect of them.
Patricia,
Well said because with the blend you list of enthusiasm, passion and relevancy you have a formula for student success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mary,
Yes, it is. Enthusiasm is catching and that is why we need to bring it each time the class meets if we expect our students to be engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jon (Jack),
Right you are. We need to have passion for our field and enthusiasm about teaching it. When we do our students will be engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When an instructor shows enthusiasm,it is explosive because the student gets the opportunity to receive the best from the instructor as well as sense of relevancy and value in the subject/skill being taught. This triggers the student's interest which channels his/her retention.
The enthusiasm of an instructor for a subject is contagious. The energy from the instructor can really motivate the students to get excited about the subject and retain information and stay involved and excited.
If the instructor doesn't display enthusiasm for the subject, the students may develop doubts about a career in the subject area. This doubt may lead to the student to leave the program.
Sandra,
Right you are. It is for sure if we are not excited about our field and being in class our students won't be either.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Harpreet,
Well said. I think many of us has had such instructors and going to class was painful. If we have passion for our field and are excited about sharing our content then we have set the stage for successful learning to occur.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ann,
Glad to hear about this instructor. These are fun instructors to be around and you know that this person really cares about her students and their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, you cannot expect your students to become passionate about learning if you are not passionate about the subject you are teaching.
Oh! I cannot stress the point that if the instructor is not enthusiastic in teaching, then the students will never even lend their ears to listen to you. They listen to an instructor who is interested to teach, is motivated and motivating and has a passion for teaching. For a boring, unenthusiastic teacher,the minds, ears and eyes are all shut. Nothing goes in the minds of these students.
I'd add that insructor enthusiasm aids in student retention AND success and satisfaction. Each day when students who've been in my most enthusiastic instructor's class leave, they're all smiling! She has tough courses, but the highest pass rates. When I teach next to her room, I can hear students participating and laughing. I really appreciate that enthusiasm she brings, and her students do too.
Terie,
Your course sounds like a fun one to be a student in. Yes, enthusiasm and excitement must be present for each and every class. We instructors are in a form of edutainment. We not only inform but also engage our students each time the class meets.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach Speech/Communication and English; one is an easy class in which to relate enthusiasm, the other much more difficult. However, I find that if I treat my lectures as a performance - incorporating jokes, stories, quotes, videos, and Q & A - my enthusiasm takes over the class. At first I might get a laugh or two, but a few minutes in, the students are pitching in their thoughts and watching every move I make, anxious to hear what I have to say. But if I come in with no energy, they reflect it back to me tenfold. It's amazing the power of the instructor to set the mood of the classroom.
Caffeine and the reminder that every day I have to motivate and inspire them help me summon all the energy I need to show a massive amount of enthusiasm!
