Barry Westling

Hi Amy:
You are describing a very real scenario. One thing that can help in this situation is having a similar energy in class every day, starting from day one. Doing this creates an expectation in the learning environment about how it will be when the student is there.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Melissa:
WIIFM is often considered a great method of keeping students engaged, because it forces them to think about how they can utilize the content in their everyday lives outside of the classroom.

Regards, Barry

Amy Cates

Sometimes that is not enough, especially when students come to class after a hard day at work. They want to do as little as possible, and looking for passion, and not necessarily exciting stories. It becomes difficult to find that passion in every situation.

These are times when the students are draining the energy out of you. However, if you are passionate, and understand that teaching is a ministry you can get through those tough times.

Melissa Borths

I absolutely agree that it can be challenging to engage certain personalities. I try to present WIIFM (What's In It For Me) early and often since I teach Speech at a Culinary Arts school. As you might imagine, this topic can be a "hard sell" for students to realize the value. Sometimes students don't realize all of the skills they may use once they're in the field. It has helped me win over some skeptics to show them how the class topic really applies to them.

Barry Westling

Hi Russell:
Yes, some students either feel entitled or someone else is paying fot their education so they have less than eager ambitions.

It's those students that are hungry, ask questions, are serious about their education that make up the gap and make teaching a pleasure. Thank goodness we have them to balance the class.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Adel:
Here is one key: Sincerity is neverout of style. If your passion is over the top because it's artificial students are tempted to write it off.

But f you're being honest and sincere, no one can fault that genuine "realness" that will come through. Those that still just want to move on are probably just tired.

Regards, Barry

Russell Donawa

one thing i notice that teaching adults is a very dynamic experience. you never get the same out of every one. you have adults that are childish that have short attention spans and even though they pay there money They are always raring to get out of class or leave early ..

Adel Achenbrener CHEP

What if your passion is not contagious or well-received? Sometimes even when giving real-life examples or becoming animated I get the sense that everyone just wants me to finish the story so we can move on and go home as soon as possible.

Barry Westling

Hi Jeremiah:
Passion and exciting stories always capture the interest and attention of students.

Regards, Barry

Jeremiah Cone CHEP

I could not agree more. I feel by dedicating some time in each class to make references to relevant first hand experiences that were memorable and exciting, by being animated and showing my love of my industry, even the bad experiences become adventures that the industry undoubtedly will provide to those that embrace it with passion.

Nicole West

I agree with you Jessica. The energy changes in the room when the instructor is passionate about the subject they are teaching. The lecture isn't "dry", it is full of life. I think that it assures the students that they chose the right field of study.

Barry Westling

Hi Theresa:
I think a class or teacher that provides an enthusiastic, inviting, and interesting forum for student learning does more to create motivated, inspired students than just about anything. Passion breeds passion, it's like a contagious, upward flow that's hard to keep restrained when genuinly displayed in the classroom.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Jennifer:
Passion is a cool thing because it's unique, inspiring, and creates a great leraning environment for students. I think students get motivated more when their teacher is abundantly passionate their topic or profession. It's contagious. Passion breeds passion too, I think.

Regards, Barry

Theresa Horn

Being passionate about what you are teaching combined with the clear ability to present the information is a great method for engaging students. I have also found that bringing in personal stories and examples makes the material "come alive" more than textbook examples. I just received an email from one of my students who said,

"Thanks also for sharing personal stories of your own with us too, I think it really helps the class connect not just as a whole but to you as the teacher as well and helps everyone be more open."

We often expect our students to speak up, relate material, and have the courage to talk about things in the classroom... but what message are we sending if we ourselves do not do this? As instructors, we are modeling behavior for our students, whether we realize it or not.

Jennifer Lessinger

I agree. I tend to have very positive feedback about my enthusiasm as well as my personal experiences. I think students get tired of "textbook examples" and want to know what the real world will be like when they start working.

I also think that I am much more enthusiastic when I've prepped ahead of time, rather than scrambling at the last minute.

Barry Westling

Hi Jessica:
Boy, how true. It is very difficult not to be uplifted and motivated in an environment created that is exciting, full of positive vision and potential, and anticipation of wonderful hopes for fulfilment and expectation of a brighter future.

I once told a teacher, "I dare you to try to be more upbeat then your students". What she didn't know, I also secretly told the class, "hey, today, I want you guys to try to be more upbeat and motivated than your instructor". It became so uproarious, I finally had to step in and tone it down. But the message connected with students and that particular class was never the same afterwards.

All I can say is, it turned into one of the most memorable days for that teacher and those students.

Regards, Barry