up beat and happy
I have found that being happy and up beat about the subject matter make the students feel good and are more willing to learn.
Keeping a positive focus on the subject at hand will keep students engaged and motivated. I agree with the life experiences. Sharing some of my own and allowing students to share theirs is enlightening for everyone.
I agree with you 100 % however, I like to use the example that Instructors are like "Coaches" while my clinical group is a team. This provides the atmosphere of teamwork and the objectives as the game plan in the clinical setting. This allows us to discuss topics about thier clinical practice and by the end of the shift they feel accomplished at the same time they had fun. I assess each student in the same manner and intervene as needed so that by the end of the rotation they are all at the same level of competency and skill. This is when I feel I have met my overall objective. To see the confidence in thier faces at the end of rotation is like " We Won this game"
I whole heartedly agree! Over the past 25 years I have found that great teachers are concerned with a student's well-being and honestly care to see them grow and develop. Such a great teacher believes in their abilities to affect change, believes in the possibility of making a difference, even if it is only in the life of one. Such a teacher is not satisfied with superficial relationships with their students, with simply covering objectives and delivering content, but in mentoring, encouraging, and lighting a fire deep within their students.
Linnie, students can easily tell if their instructor is there for a job or if they are passionate about their subject matter and teaching others.
James Jackson
I like to let my students know that learning could be fun and i try to allow them to have fun with the lessons that are plannned for the course . I feel that when they are having fun they are more relaxed and open mind to the subject matter and more willing to participate.
I also find if I really show some excitement on a subject or just look happy, the feeling is definitely contagious throughout the classroom!
That is the way I present my material. Life experiences that can relate to the subject is more life like and they can get a better grasp on the subject. Dennis
I agree that being enthusiastic and passionate about the subject keeps the students engaged. Also,referring the material to the field gives the student that immediate sense of value with the lesson and makes them more personally invested.
Robert, OUTSTANDING! A topic many in our industry do not fully understand. Students pay to receive your best effort EVERY DAY. Instructors are like athletes and we need to bring our "A" game into every classroom. Leave your personal life outside the classroom doors and when you walk into your classroom, your students should feel you have a perfect life. Some say this is not fair but life is not fair so get over it. Our profession of being an instructor requires that we focus on our students first and any of our needs are far down the ladder. As your students achieve the desired learning outcomes, many instructors notice positive benefits to their personal lives as well. Focus on the positive and above all and as the song says, don't worry, be happy. : - )
James Jackson
I teach at a Culinary School and I will say a positive attitude goes along way to motivating your students, and also your cakes! When I teach my class I check any issues I might be dealing with outside the classroom at the door, and walk in with a smile on my face and an eagerness to bake up something delicious!!! I teach pastry by the way :) This goes along way to motivating my students just by the enthusiasm I show over what we're learning today. Plus we get to eat it when we're done!
Diane, attitude by the instructor can play a major role in how students perform and achieve the desired learning outcomes.
James Jackson
I agree completely and would like to add that if you enjoy the subject matter you are teaching your enthusiasm will become contagious, and make the learning experience fun.
Students are more willing to learn if you have a great attitude about the subject matter you are teaching. This make the students get more excited and more engaged and then they feel good about themselves and more confident about what they have learned.
That is true. It is necessary to provide enthusiasm about the subject material since I feel enthusiasm is contagious. Also helpful in establishing this is the correlation between the classroom and the clinical setting. My students seem to find more relevance and enthusiasm when I relate a particulat subject matter to real life experiences. Seeing the applicsation of the principle ties up the loose ends and instills a feeling of confidence.
