Enthusiasm : what we struggle to create in our classroom and what we crave to see in our learners' eyes...More often than not, it doesn't require much effort to transmit it to them, as long as it exists on us.
For some reason, mostly deriving from observing myself and the teachers I happen to know, I tend to believe that all of us share a considerable amount of enthusiasm.It is the way we apply it to our lesson that differentiates us. Our ability to instil it in our classroom atmosphere, based on our personalities and individual differences varies , but still, teaching English in a classroom and especially to young learners almost never loses its "edutaining" character.
It is not therefore a matter of having it or acquiring it , after a certain point, but a matter of making it last. Enthusiasm, by nature, belongs to the elements that at some point fade away and need constant boost. And by enthusiasm, I mean OUR enthusiasm, not that of our learners.
Teachers have proven their ability not to lose faith in what they do, and this is a period in history when this suggestion appers to be more true than ever before and proves itself every day. I am observing teachers, under the current circumstances facing all kinds of difficulties. Having to work away from their families, not being financiallly rewarded for the work they do ( although for true educators this has never been the case), not having the ability to use necessary equipment at the schools they work due to the current economic problems institutes face, and many more. However, they still enter their classrooms in the morning smiling, having done much personal work at home, teaching with an energy that seems not to be recharged by anything. And I cannot help but wonder, what maintains that enthusiasm.Is it possible that there will be one morning when all of this will eventually fade away?
Don't let me be misunderstood, I am not describing the majority of Greek teachers or Greek reality at schools. Those of you who have seen teachers being indifferent and lazy, don't think that I am on a cloud not realising this side of the coin also exists. Of course I do, and I have also seen it happening. However, the truth is somewhere in the middle, and enthusiastic, conscientious and hard-working teachers with passion for what they do are found everywhere.
Given the obstacles then, the cold, difficult winter mornings, the deprived of heating classrooms and the total and unacceptable disorganisation that prevails the system, enthusiasm is the only thing left to help us do what we love.
And it is enthusiasm that gives the feedback to itself and constitutes the reason that keeps us going and moving on. It just makes a circle over and over again. Do not miss any chance to regain it, then. If you feel it is lost, or it is about to be lost, quickly hold its hand and do not let it go...Enthusiasm is the key to everything. It is the reason to do what we do and at the same time the reward when we have done it. It is everywhere, before the lesson, during it and after it ends. It is the end and the means at the same time.
