Get Your Students Hired
For some instructors motivating students is a "hit or miss proposition!" On some days the instructor is vibrant, enthusiastic and interesting. On other days the instructor is slow, losing the train of thought and poorly informed. An excellent instructor must be like and actor, giving a performance of "Hamlet." He must study his lines, know his cues, and when to involve the audience, (the class.) All of this goes into motivation. And the motivation emanates from the individual student or class itself. The instructor acts as fuel, buring bright, or just an ember after the fire has died down. He may be an ember, and then catch fire again, bringing brightness and warmth to the subject.
Dr. Meers,
In reading the information, it brought to mind a quote from Yul Brenner, when he was performing the "King and I." A reporter asked to interview him, but was told he was busy rehearsing his lines. Later when the reporter was able to speak with Mr. Brenner, he asked him why he rehearsed so frequently. Mr. Brenner's reply was, "Because I want my character to be perfect. It is the least I owe my audience." I often think about the quote and the effort he put forth to perfect his craft. We teachers owe our students nothing less than perfect.
Gene
Me too, treating them like they matter will make a lot of difference as well. Educate them like you want your family members educated. There has to be a human element to the class or they will never have the "buy in" you want them to which results in low productivity.
Eugene,
I like the way you explain the role of instructors. Yes, we are actors that must bring an outstanding performance each time we are on "stage". To do less is unfair to our students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Excellant post! I have found that when I am tired and sluggish, my students are often tired and sluggish as well. When I show excitement about the subject matter, my students appear engaged and have no problems with participation.