Letitia,
Passion, enthusiasm and excitement are words that need to be a part of our instructional delivery. You are right about the students seeing and becoming a part of using these words in their own class approach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with Nancy I love to look back at the instructors and workshops that I have truly enjoyed and take some of the things that made the course or workshop enjoyable and how it was presented and kept my interest.
Enthusiasm really is important. I know that when I go in the classroom I have to have good energy. The class usually feeds off of the energy of the instructor. Sometimes it is the reverse sometimes the students can uplift the instructor but overall all the postive energy, creativity and excitement that is brought to the classroom by the instructor enhances student participation and excitement about the course.
Joan,
Good point. Enthusiasm and passion are two emotions that instructors need to bring to the class each time it meets. These two words are great ways to "sell" the content you are offering.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jennifer,
It is for sure if you are not excited about your subject the students won't be either. So we need to bring our passion for our field to the class each time we meet.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is so true, an Instructors Enthusiasm is so essential. It brings questions up pertaining to the field of study and is so easy to participate in teaching students. There are many respiratory modalities that need to be learned and I find this a great asset to all my knowledge and experience through the years. (40.5) years
Enthusiasm is as fundamental as the textbooks your are using.If the instructor feels good it will show and his or her knowledge will flow like a filled fountain. This quality in an instructor served to motivate me to become a better student.
My enthusiasm about a subject will hopefully transfer to the students I am working with. If I am excited about a topic they will have a more positive experience.
Chuck,
I really like your approach to starting off a new class plus I like your attitude about helping to educator the next generation of individuals entering your field. You are creating a legacy for yourself and that legacy is the students you have. You have many years of experience that translates into "real world" information that these students need to know. What a great gift you are giving them! Keep up the good work and I wish you many more years of sharing.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Sam,
Different twist on retention and a good one to remember. I love my field and am very excited about teaching about it but as you mention some of the topics are less than exciting. They are essential to the growth of the students so I have work hard at presenting them in a way that will keep the students focused.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Thirteen years ago I thought I would retire, but after two years I found that I needed more than fishing and playing golf.
I found that my pashion was to share forty years of experience with those who will be taking my place in the work force. So for the past eleven years I've been doing just that.
I start each new class with "I think I know why you are here and this is why I am here"!
I tell them that they are my "Pride & Joy" and I
am looking forward to sharing my experiences with them. I can see interest in their eyes and by the
class retention rate I think my method is working.
Besides the course study, I field many questions in reguard to "what can I expect after graduation". I see a keen interest in their following through to gain the skills of their chosen trade! I often say that "The more you know the more you make"! After all Isn't that the bottom line for most?
Being excited about teaching a class doesn't always have to be tied to the subject matter and it can be a two way street. If I am less than thrilled with a topic, my relationship with my students can encourage me. Perhaps that is more of an 'Instructor Retention Method'.
Edward,
Good point. If we are not excited and enthusiastic about our field it is for sure the students won't be. We need to bring our A game to class each time it meets.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When students see instructors happy and excited about teaching a subject then it sparks a desire in their minds to learn the material causing a desire to stay enrolled in the course.
Tammie,
Your passion for your field and your students shows through. This is what being an effective instructor is about. If you are enthusiastic is spreads.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I feel you have to have the right outlook. Before I became an instructor I worked in the medical field for 13 years. I loved my job and loved the experience I got. I want to the students to get out of the field like I did. I had a passion for what I did and I feel I need to give that passion when I teach. If I have Enthusiasm about the subject then they will also.
Instructor enthusiasm builds student commitment which is directly related to retention. From my experience, I have had students in my class who had less than stellar attendance and grades in previous terms and had considered dropping out of the program altogether. When these students got into my classes, their attendance improved markedly and their commitment was clearly evident. Yes, I am enthusiastic about what I do and the student benefits are clear. Retention is directly related to instructor enthusiasm. An enthusiastic instructor can make a life changing difference with a student and propel them towards a career that they truly deserve.
Cynthia,
Good point and well said. Enthusiasm helps to see content and student engagement. We need to bring it to every class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Sara,
I agree. My adults students still like earning candy for answering questions. I believe adults are just taller children.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Johan,
If we aren't enthusiastic it is for sure the students won't be. Excitement spreads so we need to generate it each time the class meets.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
