Positive energy
Positive energy is always important or a student. If the Instructor is feeling excited about the new content than so will the students.
A positive energy will change entire class environment toward motivation and learning objectives
The importance of a positive, energetic environment in the classroom cannot be overlooked. Students have expectations of a calm, productive setting in which to learn and work when they go to school, and by creating energy levels in the classroom with the right techniques, teachers can improve interaction, communication, efficiency and productivity in the classroom.
absolutely necessary. I always am in my classroom before the students arrived to start class. If I am in a "good mood" and show my students I am there for them, my classes go a lot smoother
Catherine,
this is so true & our enthusiasm for a topic can make all the difference.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My students will only be as excited and enthused as I am. I cannot expect them to embrace topics that bore me. This is when the ultimate salesmanship qualities come into play. Not all curriculum is exciting on face value. But when we explore the usefullness in obtaining goals, enthusiasm is built. And a smile is a must!
100% being positive and energetic in the classroom is a must. I get so excited to teach new material to students that it becomes contagious in the classroom.
I'd like to rephrase it as "showing energy'. To me energy is a positive effort. I do realize that showing negativity is as some would say negative energy, but it is still energy.
I tend to show an energetic optimism and positive approach that this topic is interesting, and when things do go wrong (which happens at times), that you can recover and move on. That things going wrong sometimes is the "nature of the beast" of some professions and how we recover from these challenges defines each of us as a professional and one that is dedicated to their profession.
I certainly agree. You must always stay focused and positive. When ohers are negative, you need to reply with a positive. Also teach your students that everything even negatives has a positive to it. We get in the habit of looking for the negative, we forget to see the positives...Recognize and Praise!
Philip
great point you make here & the better I feel about what I'm doing, the better I feel about many areas of my life
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Being the positive energy force for a class is important and extremely helpful. I've found that making that choice also has "infectious" side effects on other parts of my life. Positivity breeds positivity.
I agree! When the mood and tone are positive, most students will follow your lead with the same attitude.
I agree entirely. I almost always try to focus on the positive and cool aspects of what we will be learning.
The question is, are there times when the opposite can work? I have one class that is VERY dry. Much of it is new info that doesn't always tie in to what they have previously learned. Usually, in the months leading up to that class, I tell the students in humorous ways how dry it can be, but then also tell them how important it is.
During the class itself, I never mention how dry it is...instead I try to make it as much fun as possible with jokes and examples. I often hear from students afterwards that it wasn't bad at all. Is this practice dangerous?
I agree James. My class is scheduled 830-1030 pm. My energy and enthusiasm is a must. Keeping the class exciting helps also with alot of hands on demonstrations. Too many breaks can decrease the energy as does no breaks at all. Always looking for the sweet spot,
Kara,
this is a great point. We have to be fresh & engaged for every class & not give an excuse of too much to do; this will help our students to be engaged as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Kara,
this is a great point. We have to be fresh & engaged for every class & not give an excuse of too much to do; this will help our students to be engaged as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Even though it is sometimes very difficult to be energetic in class when juggling preparation and instructing multiple courses, I try very hard to be energetic. I try to spend the first 5 minutes of class chatting with students to let them relax, unwind, and laugh a little. It always helps me reduce stress and become more energetic as well.
Judy,
yes, the instructor has a great deal of control over the mood & tone of the class as a whole which really does impact the learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
An instructor should always show a positive attitude, be excited about the course they are teaching. Students will follow the instructors lead.
I agree it is very important to have a positive attitude, but let’s face it sometimes it is very hard. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning and I want to throw the alarm clock across the room. So needless to say my morning doesn’t start out with much energy. So since I know I need to change my mood before getting to class I do a couple of things; first I tune the radio on to some good old country music. After hearing a few good tunes I start feeling better and I begin to sing and move to the beat. Second once I arrive at school I say good morning and ask how each person is that I pass in the hall. I do this with a smile on my face. By the time I reach my class I have already forgotten about not wanting to get up that morning and it usually turns into a very good day.
