facial expressions body language
these two give the most rememberable experience to me. I smile all the time. why ? because when I was in school one of my teachers used to roll her eyes or let her breathe out real fast when you asked questions, or didn't understand. I make sure I don't do those things. I present myself as it's the first time I was asked that question even if I had just answered that question. I might answer a little ndifferently because it is evident the student didn't understand the question or answer.
I do the same. I pay close attention to facial cues of my students. Reading their facial expressions allow me to assess whether they had some or no understading of what I just talked about. If it seem that they have a balnk stare or maybe a quizzical look on their face then, I re-emphasize key points of the previous lecture.
A teacher should not be afraid to be a goofball. It will certainly make teh class less boring and when the goofiness is focused on making a cpntent piece indelible, the students dig it.
As the instructor you are also a model for there success. I am always conscious of my mannerism such as smiling, gestures and body language.I approach students with an enthusiasm and interest for there success and education.
I'm with you on this one! I move, gesture, smile alot and use gestures in story telling. Having a Southern accent in California promotes a lot of smiling and they can make fun of me which they seem to enjoy.
I enjoyed this section. I also think body language and eye contact is so important in all relationships including those with students. I feel fortunate to have an Aussie accent as the students love it (not sure why) but they hang on every word! When someone smiles at you there is an acceptance.
I constantly use body language & eye contact. It keeps the students aware, awake, & involved.
Hi Steven, excellent! I'm animated as well; when students can see our excitement and passion about a subject, it further engages them in the process. Sometimes, I like to catch students just a little off guard (non-threatening, of course) - to your point, it keeps their focus as to what's going to happen next.
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
Eye contact and facial expressions, both from the instructor and from the student can set the tone of a lecture or discussion. I am very animated when in front of a class. It keeps the students busy watching what I'm doing next and is a good primer to what information I may throw out for ingestion.
Hi Olga and welcome to the forum discussion!
You're right about teachers who, through their body language, actually discourage questions. Not only, as you referenced, do questions help to clarify and reinforce points, but they are wonderful tools in expanding on the topic at hand.
Sometimes when a student asks an unrelated question or makes an unrelated, but acceptable comment, I use the "parking lot" concept - the question or comment goes into the "parking lot" (written, for example, in the side space of your whiteboard) to be answered after the present topic or content is addressed; that way, no question is really ever irrelevant and your presentation stays on course.
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
I totally agree with you. I used to hate even asking a question because I knew what the teacher was going to do. I, like you, try to smile and never huff. I don't want my students to stop asking the question because they are afraid of my reaction. Also I do enjoy students asking questions because it tells me what they didn't understand and gives me an opportunity to reinforce "key points" of my lecture.
Hi Samuel! Yes, eye contact is crucial. It helps you to better observe the pulse of your classroom and shows students that you are definitely and genuinely interested in their questions and responses. Thanks!
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
When a studnet does that, i think; a he does not get it, b, was not paying attention, or I need to direct the answer in another way.
I use a lot of eye contact and facial expressions. I also use eye contact to attempt to ascertain the effectiveness of my points during lectures.
That is very true but the bottom line is we need to do what ever we can to make sure students under stand and I have them show me and explain to me so I know I got thru to them. Thanks
Hi Christine, and welcome to the course! You're right on the mark about facial expressions; they show so much and are crucial to the communication process. Observing students while you are presenting, facilitating activities, or working with student learning groups, is the key for keeping a pulse on the class. I can usually tell as well if students have questions simply by the looking in their eyes.
Thanks, Cecil! I have found also that sometimes a student will ask a question that I just answered. I have to remember that not all students are auditory learners, so I also treat each question, even repeats, with equal importance. Visual aids help a lot as well.
Jay Hollowell
ED106
This is so important, it's amazing what facial expressions your students will make. When you make good eye contact with them you can really tell if they are lost or right on board.
