International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies ISSN 2520-0968 (Online), ISSN 2409-1294 (Print), March 2017, Vol.3, No.3 155 IJSSES The Role of Passion in Effective Teaching and Learning Mustafa Altun 1 1 Department of English Language Teaching, Ishik University, Erbil, Iraq Correspondence: Mustafa Altun, Ishik University, Erbil, Iraq. Email: mustafa.altun@ishik.edu.iq Received: December 22, 2016 Accepted: February 20, 2017 Online Published: March 1, 2017 doi:10.23918/ijsses.v3i3p155 Abstract: Passion has a motivating factor; therefore, it is a significant need for high quality learning and teaching. Passion is seeking for the new, and experiencing new ideas. Passion is on the basis of effective teaching. Passion which is indispensable for learning and teaching facilitates learning thorough desire and enthusiasm it creates. Passionate teachers via creating effective learning environments endeavor to increase learning potentials of their students. This study focuses on differences passionate teachers make, and points out the effects of passion on effective learning and teaching. Keywords: Passion, Passionate Teacher, Effective Learning and Teaching, Commitment 1. What is Passion? Passion is caring and learning new things. Passion is motivation and seeking for the new. It is the inclination somebody shows towards an activity in which he/she invests time and energy (Carbonneau, Vallerand, Fernet & Guay, 2008). Learning, experiencing new things and passion are closely related to each other. Day (2004) states that passion is associated with hope, commitment, caring and enthusiasm. Passion is a significant factor as it inspires and motivates teachers. It is noteworthy that passion is a contributing factor in education. It not only pushes teachers to teach effectively but also drives students to learn efficiently. Teaching with passion brings about care, motivation, and willingness which are indispensable elements in a learning environment. It is true that techniques employed while teaching make difference in the learning process but the role of passion while teaching influences learning more. Passion has a motivating factor that allows learners to pay more attention to learning. 2. A Passionate Teacher Passionate teachers are characterized by excitement about ideas that can change the world for the better, enthusiasm that can make a difference to achievement of learners and commitment to their intellectual capacities and work performance. Thus, passionate teachers always seek to bring about change not only in their teaching profession but also promoting learning. They like the job they are performing (Zehm & Kottler, 1993). It should be noted that passion is one of the most critical factors for effective education. Passion sustains enthusiasm and energy of teachers for the teaching profession. It contributes to creativity; hence passionate teachers have more thinking skills and can come up with new ideas. A strong connection between passion and teacher commitment has been drawn (Day, 2004). Teacher