I begin each class that I teach with levity! My students need to be "set straight" at the earliest hour that any one should have to deal with! Most of us get out of bed around 4 a.m.; if we didn't have a sense of humor I'm not sure what we would do.
When students make mistakes I try to make them see that a mistake is just another learning opportunity. If an instructor demeans a student about a mistake they won't learn anything!
When i summarize I also try to end class on a positive note with some good humor thrown in the mix.
Instructor enthusiasm is KEY to student retention. The student feeds off of our energy. If we are cold and rigid the student will shut down immediately. I don't believe in "fear" techniques. I create an environment where I respect the students and they respect me. with that said, if I have a disruptive student I will ask he/she to exit my class for the day. Set the tone immediately. Enjoy your class be prepared and remember we can make a difference!
Hi Steven,
Right you are bout enthusiasm being infectious. An excited and motivated instructor does much for the learning of students. They become part of the learning community much quicker when they know their instructor is dedicated to their learning.
Gary
Enthusiasm is infectious. If the instructor can demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for a topic, the student is likely to show more interest in the class. Furthermore, if a student can see possible use of the information in the “real†world, then it will create additionally enthusiasm for the subject. This atmosphere will be conducive to student involvement, participation and help to retain students.
Enthusiasm and laughter is pretty contagious. If the instructor is excited about the material that he/she is presenting, then 9 times out of 10 the students will also become engaged in the material. This then creates an active learning environment for the students, and is a factor which makes them WANT to learn.
Enthusiasm is contagious! One of the issues with retention is how can the instructor encourage students to WANT to come back for more? If the instructor is enthusiastic and passionate about the subject the student will get caught up in the excitement!
If students do not see enthusiasm from the instructor why should they be enthusiastic about the material/education. I teach many morning classes which can be challenging for students with many responsibilities at home. I try to start each morning with enthusiasm so that students want to get involved.
Hi Reggie,
Great quote! It says it all in terms of how the students are going to react to the instructor. If the instructor is organized, excited and prepared then learning is going to be greatly impaired on the part of students. The instructor has to have a positive attitude if success is going to be achieved.
Gary
Instructor enthusiasm influences retention in a profound way. If an instructor is not enthusiastic about the subject how can they expect the student to find interest in it. They look at it as "if this is how this career makes you feel then I don't want it". That is why instructors need to have passion for thier respected field of study. Professional Development may encourage instructors to keep up to date in their subject matters. Enthusiasm in the class will encourage life long learning as passion is passed on to the students.
Bringing energy to a classroom is a must. The students feed off the enthusiasm and passion of the instructor.
"Attitude reflects leadership." If the instructor is passionate, excited, and involved in the subject or class being covered, there is a greater likelihood that the class will reflect the same.
Enthusiasm is very important to the learning process. Students can tell early on if you love your material or not. If you project a non caring attitude, then they will not be motivated.
Instructor Enthusiasm has great impact on retention. As I have disucssed with some of my students, they react to instructors that are not enusiatic about the subject matter they are instructing, and it in-turn reflects to the students, whom don't engage in the content either. This has a direct impact if they will continue with our school. If they find that the vast majority of instructors are just going through the motions, they will seek other opportunities were the instructors are engaged and enthusiastic in thier subjects.
I think that instructor enthusiasm has a large impact on student retention. If the instructor is bored or uninterested in his or her subject,or career field then this will come through to the students. It will impact how he/she delivers the knowledge to the students and it impacts their learning. Makes them not interested in the career path they have chosen.
If an instructor is excited about his/her topic, then he/she brings more positive energy to the class. The instructor will be more likely to bring in outside resources that will show students how much he/she cares about the topic. The instructor will be better able to provide good feedback to the students and will create a more effective learning environment.
Hi Rhonda,
Good point about instructor enthusiasm being so important. Students will follow the tone that is set by the instructor so we need to keep this in mind as we approach the classroom/lab everyday.
Gary
I believe that instructor enthusiam definitely increases the likelihood of student retention. If an instuctor approaches his/her topic with joy and optimism, his/her enthusiasm will spread to the students. If an instructor feels a topic is important, then the students will as well. It has got to be more than "You need this to get through your program." This is particularly important if students perceive the textbook as boring!
Students are influenced by an instructor approach. If the instructor is possitive or represents enthusiasm about the class the students become attentive to find out what is the excitement about.
Hi Dale,
Great point and one that we instructors need to remember each time we enter the classroom. Our excitement about the field spreads to our students.
Gary
As an instructor, when i am excited to be there it carries over to them. It's difficult to be around someone who is excited about what they are doing and not become excited yourself, it's contagious. When they see how much i want to be there, they too will have that desire. It makes it easier to deliver complex concepts also, when the desire to be there is high.
By setting a positive tone through enthusiasm, the general environment of the classroom becomes more comfortable and relaxed once the students gain trust in the instructor they will be open to different learning styles, That may spark Their interest which in turn will help with retention.
