MaryAnn,
Well said and important in the life and professional growth of an instructor. We need to bring our A game to class each time it meets. To do less is to cheat our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
MaryAnn,
Well said about enthusiasm. I am starting approximately 300 students in my courses in two weeks and I am excited about meeting each of them and learning about their lives and experiences. We are going to have a good time during introductions and ice breakers and then we are going to build a solid foundation for learning during the next 15 weeks. This is what makes being a teacher fun.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kathy,
Passion for your field combined with enthusiasm for teaching about it creates a win win situation for the students just as you have indicated. It is fun to learn from someone that cares about the field and the success of students. Keep up the good work!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This couldn't be more true. I know that I personally always come prepared to my courses, but I do remember being a student in my undergrad program and having instructors who were very burned out on what they were teaching. I think one way to avoid that is if you have taught a class for such a long time, mix it up and teach something else!!!! Taking a break does wonders.
An instructors enthusiasm is apparent and extremely contagious. I always notice in my classes on the first day they have that blank stare sometimes on their face (I see it as apprehension) because they really don't know what to expect. There isn't a better feeling than when the instructors contagious enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter just washes over them, they relax and have smiles on their faces. This really sets the tone for the entire session, and this makes the students eager to come to class, participate and enjoy the subject matter. The opposite holds true...when their isn't enthusiasm and passion, the students therefore don't have enthusiasm and passion and often, you will lose them!
I feel my enthusiasm plays the largest part of our retention. It is genuine and the students can "feel it". My enthusiasm for my profession of Dental assisting (which these students in front of me want is truly motivating. It reaffirms to them that if I am so happy to teach them the skills I have acquired over 24 years of being in the field they must have made the right choice. If has the "pied piper" effect.
John,
I agree. We need to bring passion for our field along with excitement about teaching our content to class each time it meets. Both of these elements help to "sell" the value of the course to our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think the display of enthusiasm is something students can recognize and relate to. It influences student retention when the students can see themselves caring for the material as they have an instructor who seems to genuinely love what he or she is teaching.
Amanda,
All of these approaches are great to use. Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching it goes a long way in getting students engaged and focused on the learning process. Learning can be fun and you are helping it to be such with your approach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think this is a great way to entertain students. It's not easy to be very entertaining everyday. On those days I try to think of a puzzle or a thought provoking problem for the students to think about and discuss. Having interesting facts on hand makes the subject more entertaining.
Instructor enthusiasm will be immediately reflected back through the engagement of the students. A disinterested teacher will have a classroom which is quickly filled with disengaged students. Students who have a naturally vigorous sense of enthusiasm may become disheartened and look elsewhere for "better" instructors.
Students who need more stimulation to pique their interest won't receive it and my check out.
Dominick,
Two parts of instructional delivery are passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it. With these two elements the instructor is going to be engaging and catching the interest of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If an instructor shows enthusiam about the topic in the classroom then students will stay attentive and positive.
Paul,
Yes, it does. Being excited about teaching and having passion for your field goes a long way in engaging students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructor enthusiasm sets the tone of the class
and improves retention of subject material for the students.
Monica,
You are using the two elements I believe are needed by an instructor with your students. They are passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching about it. This is a win win for everyone as it lets you share your excitement about your field as well as gives your students a model to follow for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm passionate for my career and I reflect that in the classroom to my students. I always share my experiences in the field and try to apply them in class. I help their pets and family pets all the time so they can understand the importance of caring for the others not only in the classroom.
Doing field trips is another way I take my students out of the seriousness of the classroom and show them the real scenario in their career fields.It is a smooth introduction to their future jobs without unrealistic expectations.
Rolonda,
Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it sets the tone for learning. You are bringing both to your students and this is why they are so engaged. Keep up the good work and may you impact the lives of students for many years to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's important to have enthusiasm because it makes the student exicted about what they are learning. I have found that when I take a step back from the subject that I am teaching and tell them about my personal experiance, it then becomes relatable and they can understand how it relates to the subject we are discussing.
Dr. Fu-Sen,
An important point. Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in earning the respect of students and getting them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
