I think it is important to show my passion for the career and topics that I am teaching. I want them to know what a great field or career they have chosen and that I care deeply about helping them to achieve success in this field.
Enthusiasm is what keeps us all motivated. When we lose our passion than our heart is not completely dedicated to what we are doing.
As humans, we are drawn to the positive people in our lives.
When you show a love and passion for something than others want to learn more about it.
We are "selling" education to our students.
Joseph,
So true. Passion is catching as is excitement. Both will help students to see the value of why they are in the class and being taught what they are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Cristiane,
Good points about instructor enthusiasm. We need to have passion for our field and enthusiasm for teaching it. By blending these two you are going to be able to engage students and have a productive and rewarding class each time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If an instructor is not passionate about what he or she is lecturing, then it is impossible for a student to be. Showing a student that you love what you do, will keep them interested and motivated to accomplish what you have already done.
Oh boy, I believe that instructor enthusiasm sets the pace right from start.
I remember having instructors in high school who are so boring and uninterested in their own subjects that made the day just seem so long and unproductive. we could easily fall asleep.
In comparrison I remember in college finding out that there actually can be fun in learning a new material and the time just flew by.
An instructor who isn't enthusiastic would probably be the reason why many students just lose interest in the field all together.
Just because you know it well doesn't mean you can teach it just as well...got keep that in mind!
During professional development seminars, the impact instructor attitude plays on retention is always threading our workshops. Getting students to buy-into the subject begins with the instructor, not the material... just my opinion.
Kay,
You have to "sell" your field and your content to your students. You are doing such with your approach and as a result you have students that respect you for your effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pixie,
Thank you for the example you mention because it reinforces why we need to bring passion and enthusiasm to the classroom. If we are not excited about being there it is for sure the students won't be either.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Luanna,
Passion and enthusiasm are essential if we are going to be able to engage our students for the duration of our class. They need to be shown how much we care about our field and their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
if they sence your willingness and joy to teach they will have a willingness to listen and learn
My students see the passion I have for my career and I always tell them the first day that I want them to be as passionate with their career as I am. If the students feel an instructor does not care, the the student has no reason to care.
I think that it is very important to be enthusiastic about the career that you are teaching because students feed off of your attitude. I remember when I was a student in college, I had a teacher that was so depressed every time she came to class which in turn created a depressed atmosphere and I never wanted to be in class. This incidence has always played a role in my mind that I never want to be that teacher. I always try to be encouraging and positive whenever I am in class so that the students will be the same way. If they are happy, then they are more likely to remember the material that I am presenting.
I agree. If we don't believe that whatever field we are instructing on is going to be of value and the student an asset to that field...we will not be as enthusiastic.
Vanessa,
So true about the contrast between the two types of instructors. We need to strive each time we meet a class to keep our students engaged and focused on what they are going to be taught that class session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ana-Maria,
I agree about passion and enthusiasm. We need to bring both to our classes each time we teach. We need to always see ourselves as learning leaders for our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Definitely this is a key for the student to succeed, instructors must provide enthusiasm in their classes, that is going to reduce stress in the classroom as well.
An instructor that is enthusiastic and interested in what they are teaching is more likely to engage a students attention. In contrast, instructors that show little enthusiam may create a boring learning environment. Students in this type of environment tend to not pay attention or fall asleep. They do not get as much out of the course and may perceive it as not being worth while.
I believe that passion and enthusiasm are key tools for a successful teacher. By presenting the lecture topics in exciting ways and making it relevant via case studies, personal experience, etc, how it will apply in the field it will increase your student attention and retention.
Julie,
What a great compliment you received. When you are too energetic for a Monday you are really bringing some excitement and enthusiasm to your class. Keep it up and enjoy your opportunity to impact the lives of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
