Smiling is not only refreshing to your students but it makes staff feel they can communicate with you in a comfortable manner as well.
I agree with using smiles. When I walk around the school, I tyr to make eye contact with all students as I offer them smiles. I find that this helps even with those who have not yet had my class - they feel a sense of recognition when they enter my classroom.
I always try to have fun in my class while sticking to all that needs to be covered. I have found that if you create a fun and interesting invironment the students will interact more. Not only do they feel more comfprtable in the classroom setting they are more comfortable with me and in turn are more apt to ask questions.
How you manage your class directly effects how your studrents react. I have found that you can get respect if you manage a fun, but controlled classroom.
In addition, to giving smiles to students in my class, I feel a little laughter can also ease the situation when entering new or difficult material. The most important for students to see is the human side of the instructor.
Hi Tom! Thanks for your comment; the smile is, perhaps, the ultimate form of body language. I look forward to participating with you in the discussion forums.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I completely agree, smiling is refreshing to everyone in the room, it makes students feel they can communicate with you comfortably.
Thanks, Jay! It does create the ultimate interactive learning environment when the instructor, leading by example, works along side the students, and even encourages students to teach each other under the instructor's guidance.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I agree with you, Hector. I smile a lot during class and really try to connect with the students, especially when during my demonstrations. I also try to get involved with doing the projects along side the students, so that they can see my techniques. It gives them a better understanding of what they are learning. Thanks, Jay C.
Thanks Samuel, you're right. It's a simple thing, but with lasting effect; it is a part of body language that everyone understands.
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
I respond positively to smiles and understatnd tha my students respond to smiles as well. It is a pleasure to teach them and a smile helps to convey that message.
