The instructor needs to be excited about the material he or she is teaching. The instructor also needs to have knowledge in the area he or she is teaching. The activities in class have to be exciting and meaning to the instructor and then they will motivate the class as well. The instructor's mood rubs off on the students so enter the class in a good mood and the students will enjoy the class as well.
I agree that spark will light a flame in the learning process.
When the students see that the instructor is excited about what is being taught they tend to participate more readily and learn more, because the enthusiasm spills over on them.
Hi Henry,
Well said about excitement and enthusiasm. If you bring it to the class is will spread. This is what makes teaching fun when you get students engaged in the learning process and you can see it.
Gary
As an instructor my passion and enthusiasm not just for the material but for the class, must always be visible. You can see the student's face light up with excitement as well. Keeping that enthusiasm going along with the student's excitement will pretty much guarantee the instructor that the students will return the next class meeting. Now you have them intrigued and anxious to see what is in store for the next meeting, all because they understand the information and the way it is presented.
Instructor enthusiasm definately influences retention. Students, from the very beginning of the course, and each class, look to the instructor for cues as to how enthusiastic he/she is about the material presented. They ask themselves,"Is this going to be an interesting class, is the material going to be boring, is it worthwhile or important for me to learn, etc." Showing the students that the material is important and interesting by demonstrating one's own enthusiam for it transmits to the students the need to learn the subject matter, so they can have the same enthusiasm for the material.
If a student feels that an instructor is enthused and draws excitment from the material in which they are teaching. The student will then grow inspiration and excitement to be in that field. It will make them curious and want to be more knowleadeable about the subject matter. The subject will be evaluated in a whole new manner because that student will become excited about the material. The instructor will find new and exciting ways to present the information and the student will respect the infomation is coming from a place of genuine interest and will anticipate scheduled class times.
Students should see that instructors are enthusiastic about being their path of instruction. I believe it takes some of the anxiety from students to see an instructor enthusiastic about teaching. Students often subconsciously relate negative feelings to first time meetings with instructors so it is important as an instructor to perform with enthusiasm and positivity.
I always told people as supervisors that as hard as it might be, "You have to leave your baggage at the door," becase you contribute to the tone of the overall work day.
It is inspiring to students to meet instructors who love what they are doing. I remember when I was a student, and I had instructors who were so passionate about their career. It made me feel confident in my choice of career and it helped motivate me to continue and successfully complete school. I think about that when I walk into the classroom almost every day.
THE INTRUCTOR MUST DISPLAY SUCH A GREAT AMOUNT OF SYNENERGY IN OUR FIELD BECAUSE THIS IS OUR TIME TO PASS OFF THE TORCH TO OUR STUDENTS WITH THE UNDERSTANDING OF OUR MISTAKES.
I believe that when the student see's or hears the passion in your voice during lecture of the subject matter at hand they are in awe. They are amazed at how fluently the material comes through in lecture and may aspire to learn the same and want to actively become knowledgeble in the subject matter. Which translates to them attending class on a regular!
Yes!! Enthusiasm is very important from the instructor. This helps even if the subject you are teaching is "boring". It helps keep the students engaged and interested.
Hi Almitra,
Well said. That is why we do it. The students need to know they have a dedicated professional supporting their efforts and helping them to achieve their career goals.
Gary
Students know when their instructor is there for the soul purpose of helping others reach their dreams or if they're there just for a paycheck because they show genuine interest in their students education. They keep late hours, don't mind the unpaid time they spend on grading papers, creating study guides etc. They stay late/come in early to assist the students with additional help.
Hi Lisa,
Well said. Excitement is catching and we don't bring it they won't catch it. I wish you much success with your teaching.
Gary
An instructor's enthusiasm or lack of enthusiasm is the number one reason why my students attend or not attend their classes. I can't say how many times I've heard a student say, "Oh, that class is terrible! The professor just sits at the desk and has a monotone voice, it's so boring." If the professor isn't enthusiastic, the students won't be! It's very important to be an entertainer as well as an instructor. If I act like I don't want to be there, the students won't want to be there either.
Hi Summer,
Congratulations for a job well done! I teach required courses as well. If the students do not pass my courses they will not be able to get their certifications so they come in with a bit of an edge. I strive to get them involved as you are doing and the results have been very good.
I like the comment your students pay you. For them to enjoy a core course and see application of it to their lives is a great way to get them to see the value of their entire educational program.
Gary
I agree with your comments about enthusiasm 100 percent. I face a challenge in that I teach core academics (Psychology, English, History, etc.) at a school whose main focus in the Culinary Arts. Thus, students aren't necessarily looking forward to being in my classes. I have never let that stop me. I love teaching and love my subjects. I am proud of a comment I frequently hear which is "I wasn't expecting to enjoy this class." Enthusiasm for anything is contagious.
Hi Nancy,
The students will never rise above the level of excitement of the instructor. We need always remember this as we enter the classroom each session.
Gary
I believe that if the instructor is not so enthusiatic neither will the students be. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate true enthusium for the subject and the willingness and ability to teach it.
