By passion I mean a powerfully strong emotion that one struggles to contain, and others clearly see and feel. In a compact ebook I recently published “7 Most Important Characteristics of an Excellent Instructor Based on Learning Science,” I express the significance of passion as being part of the important characteristic of being personable as well as tying in with the characteristic of being motivational (Anders, 2020). While it does fully belong to both of those aspects, passion is so much more.
Researchers Crosswell and Elliot (2004) have looked at instructors’ “passion” for teaching as an important variable in teacher commitment and engagement. Their findings led them to state “Given the core role that ‘passion’ appears to play in conceptions of teacher commitment it is reasonable to assume that any reforms deemed desirable by schools and systems are only likely to be successful if such reforms are interpreted for teachers in a way that relates to their passions” (Crosswell & Elliot, 2004, p. 11). This holds true in observations of instructors and students from international academics as well (Mart, 2013). I would agree that one’s passion for teaching would lead one to be more committed and therefore be more motivated to teach, but what about the effect it has on students and learning.
Research has shown that teachers’ passion has a direct influence on students’ passion which then affects students’ motivation and achievement (Gilal, Channa, Gilal, Gilal, & Shah, 2019). These benefits, as well as improved student and teacher persistence, hold true both in online instruction and face-to-face modalities (Greenberger, 2016). Teachers that are passionate about what they are doing express enthusiasm and give off a special type of energy that students pick up on, it is a contagious type of positiveness.
In addition to how being passionate in the classroom makes us more personable, Dr. Robert Fried (noted research author) expresses another important aspect, “The greatest value of our passionate concerns is that they invite students to feel emotionally alive in our presence” (2001, p. 27). It’s also interesting when we realize that “passionate” and “compassionate” sound so similar and in reality are very analogous when it comes to our interaction with students.
A great example of the value and importance of being a passionate teacher comes from Joe Ruhl’s popular (2 million views) TEDx inspirational video entitled “Teaching Methods for Inspiring the Students of the Future” (TEDx Talks, 2015). It is very much worth watching:
One more great quote from Dr. Robert Fried excellent book, “The passionate teacher: A practical guide”
As teachers, we have only our passions to guard against students’ inclination to find things adults care about boring and not worth remembering or putting to use. But it is not enough to focus on our passionate interests. We must show our students what it means to be passionate learners as well. Fried, 2001, p. 25
What are your thoughts on the importance of passion for teaching and learning?
Reference
Anders, B. (2020). 7 Most Important Characteristics of an Excellent Instructor Based on Learning Science. Emporia, KS: Sovorel Publishing.
Crosswell, L. J., & Elliott, R. G. (2004). Committed teachers, passionate teachers: The dimension of passion associated with teacher commitment and engagement. Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) Conference, November 28 – December 2, 2004. Melbourne, Australia.
Fried, R. L. (2001). The passionate teacher: A practical guide. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.
Gilal, F. G., Channa, N. A., Gilal, N. G., Gilal, R. G., & Shah, S. M. M. (2019). Association between a teacher’s work passion and a student’s work passion: a moderated mediation model. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 12, 889.
Greenberger, S. (2016). A comparison of passion and teaching modality. Journal of Educators Online, 13(1), 172-193.
Mart, C. T. (2013). A passionate teacher: Teacher commitment and dedication to student learning. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 2(1), 437-442.
TEDx Talks. (2015). Teaching methods for inspiring the students of the future | Joe Ruhl | TEDxLafayette. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCFg9bcW7Bk
Passion in teaching and learning is extremely important.in that it can create and nurture the students desire to learn because the teacher’s enthusiasm and commitment in delivery will trigger the students’ minds to accepting learning as something readily possible.
I really mean that the teacher’s enthusiasm and commitment in teaching will invariably create a reciprocal commitment in the student for learning.
I thought enthusiasm is the father of excellence. Then I knew passion. In this article I learnt passion in teaching. Now today passion in learning. Three Cheers!
Yes, passion plays a big role and it all ties in with motivation! Thank you for your comment.