moving in the room
While lecturing does it hurt to move around the room, not a lot but kind of a casual stroll around different areas of the room?
William,
Thanks for sharing this example. It to made me smile. Having taught for many years I have been through a number of different challenges to engaging students. In the good old days it was simply trying to keep students from sleeping while today we have all kinds of technical challenges. In the end it still boils down to the desire of students to learn and be successful in a course. Some want it and others don't care or feel entitled to receiving an A because they paid tuition for the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This answer brought a smile. The first time a student brought a laptop to class (many years ago!), I was impressed that he seemed to be taking down every pearl of wisdom that dropped from my lips. When I wandered to the back of the room, I noticed that he was playing Donkey Kong. Without missing a beat, I unplugged his computer from the wall socket. End of problem. (Granted, swiping students' batteries out of their iThings nowadays would present more of a challenge.)
Phyllis,
I call this "owning the classroom". I want my students to know I can see them and I want to interact with them and so by moving around I can reduce their use of items that I have asked to be put away.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree when I'm moving around the room it is much harder for students to hide theri non-class activities that are ocurring; ie texting, reading kindles or even falling asleep. When I see their attention wandering I ask them questions to engage them or ask their opinion on the subject.
Mary,
As the learning leader you are owning the classroom and the course by moving around and engaging all of the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find moving around in the room allows for students to focus on the subject and also allows for those in the back of the room more attention.
Shawn,
You have to "own" the classroom. By moving around you are sending a very clear signal that you are the learning leader and that no matter their location in the class each student is expected to listen, interact and contribute to the class. Plus the side benefit you mentioned of reducing their Facebook time while class is in session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think students are prepared for you to stand and deliver. So, when you walk by them, even though they have situated themselves purposefully in the rear of the room, it surprises them a bit--it may also get them to close their browser or minesweeper or Facebook!
I think students are prepared for you to stand and deliver. So, when you walk by them, even though they have situated themselves purposefully in the rear of the room, it surprises them a bit--it may also get them to close their browser or minesweeper or Facebook!
Debbie,
Good plan because by moving around you are letting the students know you "own" the classroom and that no matter where they sit (front or back row) they are expected to be a part of the class and contribute to the discussions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is very boring and less interactive to the student if I just stand, or sit, behind the podium. I like to wander around the room and "look 'em in the eye" so they know I am interested in them, especially those in the back! I also like to use the whiteboard and point out details in my power points.
Cathy,
Right you are. The instructor as the learning leader needs to make all of the classroom his or her teaching platform.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that if you don't move around and you just stand in front of the class, not only is it tiring for the teacher but only boring for the students to see you in one place at all times.
By moving in the room, an instructor can purposefully change his proximiy to the students and stimulate them by making himself/ herself the focal point or allowing a supporting media become the focal point to keep the students from losing interest.
Marilyn,
Studies have shown that by moving their heads and eyes students "reset" their brain functions and stay engaged in the learning process longer. In addition, by moving around you are showing the students you "own" the classroom. Many students that locate themselves at the back corner of a classroom feel that this is their space and that the instructor will not trespass on it. I want my students to know that as I move throughout the classroom that the room is my space as well and we can share it together if they will conduct themselves appropriately. (Translation: "I can see you texting!")
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do move around the classroom while lecturing. I find the students are more attentive in this way
Cynthia,
Good advice and information for instructors. You have to be who you are and then be flexible enough to adapt to the current class situation. I currently have a class of 5 as well and it requires so planning to get the discussion going since it is such a small group. It is a fun class to teach and I am enjoying getting to know my students really well. Later in the evening I have a class of 70 so talk about a contrast in terms of my planning. One thing for sure our jobs are never boring because we always are getting new students and new situations to which we have to respond.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michael,
I think it is a good strategy to move around while lecturing. Moving around helps you to own the room. By this I mean some students that locate themselves at the back of the room feel isolated and that you cannot see them. By moving throughout the room and "owning" the room you show them that they are a part of the class even if they are trying to hide. Mentally we increase the engagement of students if they have to move their heads and eyes to follow the instructor and this increases their focus. The key is movement that is slow and deliberate not nervous pacing. The results will be enhanced learning by your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am constantly moving around the room when I lecture!
This semester I only have 5 students in my class, so I can walk around and ask each one a question and just try and get them to interact. So far it's been successful. Next semester though I will have 20+ students. I'm hoping I'll be able to walk around and have the same kind of interaction, but I don't know if that will be physically possible. I think in the end if will depend on the class personality and the actual set up in the room.
In the end, I think it may sound cliche, but you really have to go with what is comfortable for you. If you're not comfortable walking around, then don't force it. I know one of my fellow professors who will not start class unless there is a podium in the front of the class because she likes to stand there and be able to spread her notes out.
The one thing I don't recommend is sitting behind a desk for the entire time. I hated that when I was a student, so I won't do that for my students.
