Get Your Students Hired
Mark,
Right you are. You are the learning leader and you value the content you are sharing. The result is students see that you do not take your content lightly but see it as a essential part of their education. Consequently they read your energy and it becomes a part of theirs as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Martha,
I agree. Coming to class with passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long in way in spreading excitement to students. This is one of the reasons teaching is so much fun. We get to talk about our passion and get paid to do it. This is a win win deal.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Because I'M seen as an authority figure, my energy may make the students feel as though the material is worth listening to.
I believe that instructor enthusiasm plays a key role in student retention. I share information about my work background and my passion for the subject from the first class meeting and encourage the student's to share their experiences as well.
Jeffrey,
So true and so important if the instructor is going to connect with students. Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in helping students to get excited and what is being taught. Thank you for making this good point.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Instructor enthusiasm most definitely influences student retention. An instructor needs to demonstrate enthusiasm for the topics and the program as a whole. If a student sees an instructor being jazzed up about a course that the students have deemed worthy to enroll for they already have gotten a reward and are far more likely to stay.
If an instructor is displaying burn-out or acting as if the topics are monotonous the student will pick up on it and not be motivated to come every day.
I think it makes all the difference. Since I teach math, I have students who hate being their on day one. However, because I am passionate about it and can see the day-to-day connections, I am able to translate that for the learners so they can share in that. If a teacher is excited about learning, it can be contagious.
Paula,
For sure and we need to remember that each time we step in front of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rita,
Yes, they do. It is catching for sure so we need to bring that enthusiasm to class each and every time it meets.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
DANIEL,
This is a big selling point to students. If they know you are passionate about your field and excited about teaching the content in it then you are setting the stage for excitement on the part of your students and expanding their learning opportunities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students tend to latch on to the enthusiasm generated by the instructor. Many want to share experiences and participate in class discussions, when they see their example that is relative to their instruction.
Also, these students tend to communicate questions, and concerns to the instructor outside of the classroom, because they have a magnetic attraction for communication with the enthusiastic instructor.
Rita
One of the first things that I will let my students know is that I am here because I want to be here. That I enjoy what I am doing and that I get pleasure out of passing my knowledge onto others. I believe that this can give the student the idea/feeling that I am there for them and that I will do what ever it make take to help them accomplish there goals, and that together we can make learning enjoyable.
Jenaro,
Good advice for instructors to follow. By following your suggestions instructors will be comfortable in front of the students as they respond to questions and move the course forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students look closely at their instructors. They want to be sure that the instructor is knowledgeable in his area and demonstrates self confidence in his presentations.
An instructor should never "make up" answers to questions that he does not know the answer to. It's okay to say "I don't know" or "I am not positive", but add "I will check and get back to you" An instructor should never get caught in a lie. Tell them the truth. This makes the students realize that the instructor is a human being, who can make mistakes, but is willing to go out and get the information for the students.
this shows the students that you are caring about the subject matter and encourages them to act the same way as you.
KENNETH,
You are right about happiness spreading to students. You bring passion for your field to the class and show them you are excited about teaching your content and they will get excited as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
hi
I enjoy the field that I teach and I'm thrilled to share the fulfillment that receive when a job it completed in a professional manner.
Happiness is contagious, I believe.
Jessica,
Well said because when an instructor has the characteristics you mention in your comments then you have a learning leader that students will respect and want to engage with.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.