Not only do you have the attention of the student, you have control of the class by making eye contact. It makes all students a part of the class and while you have a specific student's eyes it is like you are talking directly to them. It can also help you with those students that maybe don't want to be there and get them back on track.
makes students nervous if too long
It lets them know that you are in the same room with them and they have your full atention
Terry, I wholeheartedly agree! That little extra attention can often change the direction of a students academic direction.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
Some of my student look like they are going to explode if I make eye contact with them for 2-3 sec. For those students I use their name in the next thought some how to let them know that I am mindful of them.
Making eye contact is method to keep students engaged. It is important to note that eye contact can distracting and make a student feel uncomfortable, if the instructor gazes into the eyes of a student. An instructor must be vigilant with students who may use the moment of eye contact to flirt. A student may smile to gain a grade advantage. This smile can be a distraction if you smiles back. If a smile is given, do not smile back. Move on to another set of eyes and continue your presentation.
Having eye contact with a student allows one to create trust, be engaged, and help validate the relationship between the student and teacher. It is important to let a student know that you hear them, see them, and want them to be a part of the interaction.
Greetings Hugo!
I like this approach but I also like to keep them focused on their learning outcomes. I certainly think that eye contact helps with achieving this outcome.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davie
ED106 Facilitator
Eye contact helps you keep students focused and makes them believe you want their participation. It also allows you to better access learning
To let them know that you are paying attention to them.
Maintaining ey contact for 2-3 seconds is a great way to show the student that you are including them into the lecture and it is also a great way to gauge a students by the facial expressions to see if they are really understanding the lecture material or not.
Hi David!
Eye contact is critical to learning as it keeps students engaged.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It also identifies those who are not focused and are distracted.
Keep them in the loop that is the key, I am the focus nothing else.
Maintaining eye contact with a student while he or she is talking, allows the student to know that the instructor is listening and is interested.
making eye contact makes the student feel like you are telling them the information not just saying it to say it gives them a sense of respect that you are making eye contact with them.
Helping to maintain student involvement and knowing which students are participating.
Hi Dan!
A great opportunity to help students understand the team member/player concept. Eye contact is simple a means by which we all stay "in touch" with what's going on in the classroom
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Eye contact is very important
