To see and discern The learning ability of each student
I think it keeps them more focused on what is being said and it leaves little room for texting and talking to their neighbor.
It is very important to move around the classroom to keep student's attention. It also keeps them interacted into the class discussion.
In lecture classes especially, the movement around the classroom interrupts the constant speaking on the part of the instructor and sets the mode for possible engagement of each and every student.
I like to mix it up when soliciting response from students so that they can anticipate a question is coming their way, but they don't know exactly when.
This additionally allows me to visit each work station and see what the students are doing. Sometimes students are reluctant to ask questions because they feel inferior. Body language may suggest otherwise. By moving around, it doesn't place emphasis on one student.
It is important for an instructor to move around the classroom or lab in order to engage each and every student.
The mobility of the instructor removes their being on stage and into the desired role of facilitator.
Students and instructor alike see the removal of the barrier (i.e. the desk or lecturn)and the openness of the classroom setting.
I move around the class so that I can engage each student personally.
I believe that when the instructor moves around the classroom it identifies to the student that you are in control and comfortable teaching the subject you are teaching.
To move around the classroom creates less risk of losing the students focus than would the opposite, to wit, stand behind a podium. Like most occasions context matters however. In a classroom of philosophers one would not expect the necessity to move about like a gadfly. Juxtapose our room of philosophers to our room of more hands on learners and the need for change of presentation should become obvious. I can think of some classes as a student where if the professor floated around the room, such movement would have caused more consternation than had they remained behind the dais.
While I agree that it is important for an instructor to move around the classroom, I also think there is something to be said for "changing it up". I try to combine walking around the class with sitting at a desk in the front of the room. If I sit and am eye level with the students, I tend to get more engagement from them and can read their facial expressions better. Both are effective instructional techniques and one or the other should not be negated.
I find that moving around the room while teaching prevents me from ever feeling as though there is a "front" and "back" to the room. I don't view my students as the "ones who sit in the front eager to learn" and the "ones who sit in the back to hide." I make sure that I come within close proximity to each student during the class. The students seem to pay close attention. The ones in the front row turn in their seats to watch my progress as I move around the room. I know this helps to break up the lecture for them. Occasionally I will stand in the back of the room against the back wall. This is a great place to lecture! It is unexpected and the students are all forced to turn completely around in their seats which quickly points out the few who may not be engaging in class as much as I would hope. The environment in the room is much different than one where the instructor remains immobile at the podium.
I teach computer based graphic design...
During my lecture class I have to demonstrate the process and skill-set I am covering... The classroom is large enough that there are two projection screens...
I find it important to occasionally walk away from my computer workstation and point out important tools on the big-screen... I also will use a very bright (green) laser pointer to redirect the students attention to key functions on the screen...
But I do also make an effort to walk around the room from time to time using the laser pointer - redirecting the students attention while I take a moment to move within the classroom so that I become part of their space too...
With the two large screens when I am pointing out a significant tool-sets I will sometimes move (run like a crazy old professor) from one screen to the other so both sides of the room get equal attention... but mostly because the students get a good laugh watching me jog around the room...
I sit.. I stand.. I walk... I try to constantly be inclusive of all parts of the classroom...
My role in the classroom is to present a process - then guide the students through the exercise step by step... and then finally let them recreate the project on their own...
It is during the third step (having the students working on their own) that I make a point of moving around the classroom and sitting with each student and helping them - coaching them through the project... during this step I provide one-on-one assistance...
I have to admit that in the bigger classrooms sometimes the students on the outside perimeter do not get as much attention as those closer to the center... also I have a tendency to "put out the fires" - the squeaky wheels gets the oil - I need to pay more attention to the quiet students and those who have a little distance from the center of the room... I'm working on it... Maybe I need another cup of coffee???
I find moving around the classroom refreshing. It allows me an opportunity to focus on many students while engaging them in the subject matter. It creates a free environment for me to lecture and not stand behind a lecturn. I feel more accessible to my students when I move around the classroom.
I find that when I appear calm, relaxed, and comfortable engaging the students without barriers (i.e. the desk or podium), I'm able to add to their faith in me as a subject matter expert. This reaffirmation of my credibility as an instructor greatly enhances classroom participation and interaction, increasing everyone's ability to learn and retain information.
It helps show students you are interested in the topic you are instructing. If you sit behind the desk the student can loose focus.
One of the first things that i lerned as an instructor is that moving around the room, help the student stay focused on the material. One on the thing that I do to help me with class movment is when i use a power point presentation, i try to have it shown on side wall in the classroom, by doing this, when i need to draw or write on the whiteboard, i am forced to move to it and then back to the power point screen.
Movement allows the instructor to see the entire classroom. To see which students are taking notes, to see which ones are distracted. It also allows the students to know you are interested in what they are doing.
I look at moving around the room as the student knows i'm into my material not just stuck to a desk and couldn't care less. when i'm moving around they watch my moves getting a better response its my stand up, my body language im interested in there learning and if I can get excited about then maybe they can
I have found that in moving around the classroom it allows the less bold students the oppertunity and proximaty to ask the questions on which they need clarity. In my own personal experiacne, the classes that I enjoyed the most were taught by instructors that stayed moving. The activity in the learning environment helped match the activity in my brain as I assimilated the presented information and remained engaged in the lecture.
As a vocational instructor, the time during which I am lecturing suffers in its ability to hold the interest of the students, compared to the time spent demonstrating. Movement about the lab is one way to make my lecture more dynamic, and gently prod the students towards greater concentration and attention.
I like your point that moving around the room keeps the students attention and gives an opportunity for eye contact, and you keep everyone involved in the lecture. Students will also be less likely to check their email or text to someone if they know you will be able to see them.
