I think that is the student is able to see through the instructor enthusiasm, if their are capable to see in our eyes that we belive and we love what they are about to learn, they will recive it easily and therfore they will be more motivated to stay in class day after day
DaKetia,
Good point about the need for passion by instructors. We need to bring excitement and enthusiasm plus passion to class each time.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
If the instructor is not passionate and does not show enthusiasm for the subject the students will begin to wonder why they should want to complete the course. I think instructor ethusiasm is very important to student retention.
Dr. Meers,
I feel that an instructor’s enthusiasm is key to influencing student retention, especially when a student is attempting college for the first time. I have been teaching the introduction course that all students must take before they are allowed to take any other course. It is my responsibility to make sure we retain as many of the students as possible. So therefore my enthusiasm and zest for learning must come across as sincere as possible. If it does not, then only those students who want to learn will learn. Some will go through the motions and the rest will not be confident in their ability and soon drop out.
Every instructor must have a true love for what they are teaching and for the students. It is what makes us stirive to do a better job with each class, or to evolve with fresh ideas. Without enthusiasm for our chosen field of study we would not grow as instructors.
If the instructor is passionate about the subject are they are teaching the student will recognize it and be more open and willing to learn as well as excited to come to class. Also, the learning environment must be pleasant and welcoming. If the student feel as tho the instructor doesn't care then they will be more likely to skip class or drop out.
Instructor enthusiasm influences student retention because if the instructor isn't in to the class, than the students most definitley won't be. It's important for the students to see that the instructor is engaged and excited about the discussion of the day. If they see this, they will be more likely to be involved as well. It will make them want to come to class and participate.
I believe that you have to capture the students interest by your enthusiasm. If the instructor is not happy about the subject they are teaching how can the students equate into important information to process.
Students want to got to class where the instructors know the material and make it exciting. If the classroom is tense and everyone is worried, the students don't want to come to that environment.
Angela,
I know it is contagious. So we need to be enthusiastic about teaching and passionate about our content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When we see someone happy or excited about something we tend to want what they have. I think it is contagious.
Michele,
The smile concept is a simple but powerful one. We all react to a smile and feel better when we are with people who smile and as a result enjoy our time with them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instruction enthusiasm is most important. It keeps the students focused on the lesson.
Instructors that are pleasant and enthusiastic to share their knowledge will always win students over verses and instructor that is not very personable and makes the students feel like they are superior to them. Students have to be comfortable and trust their instructor if they are going to learn from them. Establishing a bond in the beginning is crucial to helping the students be successful in the course. If students feel that the instructor is happy to be there and enjoys what they do, they are more receptive to learning what is presented to them and will respond to the instructor in a more positive manner. It is true when they say "you smile, and they will smile."
An enthusiatic instuctor is able to motivate the class by showing his intrest in the subject.
Eric,
What a great compliment to your professional dedication and delivery. Keep up your enthusiasm. Your students are benefiting greatly from your efforts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It is vital to student retention. I recently took over a class half way through the term, and my "new" students, after they had become comfortable with the transition, began to comment on how the other instructor had "given up" and "didn't care anymore." My students really appreciated that I came to class with energy and enthusiasm. In fact, my students have commented a few times that they wished I had taught the class from the beginning.
DeVon,
Enthusiasm is catching isn't? When we share it everyone benefits.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
An effective instructor will not only have knowledge of the topic at hand, they will also believe that this topic is of some value to the students. If we as instructors do not believe in what we are teaching it will show through in our instruction. How can we gain student understanding of the importance of learning the concepts if we do not believe in them ourselves. An enthusiastic instructor will also be addictive. Students respond well to a genuine enthusiasm for what is being taught.
A monotonous, disinterested instructor will have a negative effect on her/his students. Even though the instructor is repeating the lectures, her/his passion for teaching should transfer over to the students and keep them happy, interested and motivated.
