I agree with the module and past experiences that if the instructor seems bored or unenthusiastic, s/he will create an immediate and likely permanent disconnect with the students.
We are facilitators and instructors but also public speakers and most people lose attention to a speech quickly unless there's a strong personal dynamic.
It makes me feel good that in one set of evaluations at one of the schools I'm with there is a section on instructor enthusiasm and even students who don't like or appreciate me or my teaching for other reasons give a thumbs up to my enthusiasm.
I like to show my own personal enjoyment in my career field. I know I show it because I have always loved the field I am in. My students pick up on that very quickly. I love to transfer my knowledge to them to help them excell in life as I have.
The enthusiasm and confidence that an instructor expresses influences the student to be excited about the materials that the are getting ready to learn. It is also motivates them to look forward to coming to class which in turn increases retention. Enthusiasm that an instructor portrays let the students know that they actually care about them and their academic success. It's a way of letting them know that there is nothing more fulfilling than instructors knowing that they have actually succeeded in helping students acheive their academic dreams.
Ruth,
Your last sentence says it all. Students need to see a reason for being in the class and excited about the content. It is up to the instructor to bring that to the class setting.
Gary
Paul,
I agree about the need for passion in teaching. If you bring it to the classroom the majority of students will see it and become more engaged in the learning process. Enthusiasm is catching.
Gary
When an instructor is excited about the class, it can be contagious, and spread to the students. If you have an instructor that constantly complains about what is wrong, then the students have the idea that the course is not worth attending. Student retention starts with being excited about what you are teaching.
I believe that if an Instructor shows a passion for what they are teaching and associates the materials well with real world use within the various fields that the students often catch the fever and associate their own passions for having entered the field to begin with. If an Instructor really believes in their work then the happiness naturally flows out through the instruction given... Paul T. Rougemont
Great point, Enthusiasm is contagious, like anger and stress in an instructor begins to negatively manifest itself as misbehavior in the class.
I believe passion for the subject being taught is imperative with adult learners. The instructor's passion and enthusiasm for their subject material will be obvious and evident to the students and inspire the students to feel the same way.
If you are enthusiastic, I feel that students can't help but get caught up in the feeling of the instructor. If you are flat, why should they care. You know what you are teaching and it bores even you.....
Drieca,
You are the kind of instructor I like to be around. You like your field and are thrilled to share your expertise with your students. This really has impact on them as you know. Keep up the good work as you are impacting lives with each class you teach.
Gary
I always get the comment" Miss Matthewis, you are enthusiastic about this field".....and I am!! I teach medical coding and billing, been doing this type of work for almost 20 years...and since I started, I have loved it! That is the same way i instruct the class....with the same passion and enthusiasm I put into my everyday job. (I am an adjunct instructor, my fulltime job is a medical billing specialist)My hope is that they will be enthusiastic about learning it....and making this a skill they will love.
The instructor's enthusiasm is contagious. The students quickly pick up if an instructor is excited about the material they are teaching.
Brian,
This is so important. Keep up the excitement level and continue to impact the lives of your students.
Gary
ha nie,
So true and so important. The students reflect the enthusiasm of the instructor so we all need to be excited about our subject area.
Gary
I find I am very energetic and the benefit of this is that my students become more engaging and this makes for a spirited give and take throughout the class time
When the instructor is enthusiastic about the subject matter, it shows the students that the instructor is passionate and the enjoys the subject matter. The students see that and their attitude changes.
Courtney,
This instructor "sold" you on the wedding cake class as a result of enthusiasm. All of us instructors should strive to be as excited and convincing as this instructor was with our own students.
Gary
Howard,
Based upon your love for the language I know you had a dynamic teacher even though your first experiences with the language were not as successful as you would have liked. As I recall your grade wasn't the highest but your motivation was. This to me is the sign of a great teacher. He was able to engage you as a result of his enthusiasm for Greek.
Gary
When I was in culinary school myself, I was not looking forward to the wedding cake class. It ended up being one of my favorite classes because the instructor was so engaging and enthusiastic about everything we made. Being passionate about what you are teaching and relaying this to students keeps them excited about learning. They want to be passionate about something too!!
