According to Webster’s Dictionary, etymologically, “enthusiasm” means “inspiration or possession by a god.” Authentic Teachers are actually possessed! They are passionate about the act of teaching. This attitude impacts student learning, as enthusiastic teachers are more likely to engage their learners and instill in them a love of what they are learning.
The questions that come to mind are the following:
Is enthusiasm a prerequisite attitude that some teachers have? Or is it a skill to learn?
How does teacher enthusiasm show in practice?
Actually, some teachers are endowed with the bliss of being enthusiastic about teaching for various reasons, ranging from personal traits to a love of an academic subject or/and a love of the teaching profession.
However, teachers can learn how to be enthusiastic if they are well-coached.
Here are key features that typical enthusiastic teachers exhibit:
a. Showing personal passion in what they are teaching, fostering learners’ interest in what they are learning
b. Facilitating new concepts and ideas by exploring connections with the real world. Learners will be engaged if they see genuine value in their learning.
c. Encouraging learners to cultivate personal views on what they are learning. Learners are more likely to be on task if they feel that their opinions matter.
d. Celebrating learners’ successes. This creates an atmosphere of joy and motivation.
e. Leveraging learners’ misconceptions and errors to explore what they learn. This creates a positive mindset and an environment conducive to risk-taking and exploring alternative ways of coming to know.
d. Authentic Teachers use humor to create a relaxed environment and to explain complex concepts. Humor is magical in grabbing learners’ attention and establishing an affective rapport with them.
Abderrazak Behhar 