Hi Arlene!
I do believe that we have to be sensitive to cultural differences, but I am of the mind that everyone in a classroom is treated the same. Keep in mind that we are assistance of learning.
Very good point - good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I was really excited when I read this topic because it is something that I have personally practiced for a long time as a face to face educator. By maintaining eye contact with my students, I am sending them the message that are important and that I have incorporated them in the lecture. It helps them to remain engage in the class and in the discussion. But more importantly, it helps them to feel like an important part of the classroom culture. It weaves them into the lesson and helps them to remain on task and actively participating. It also sends the message that there needs as a student are first and foremost the most important thing to an instructor.
Actually, eye contact is invaluable to both the students and the instructor. Eyes are the windows to our soul and believe it or not, I can discern some issues that may be happening with some of my students upon direct eye contact.
Students find it reassuring to know that they are important enough for an instructor to look at them directly in the eye. It helps them to know that their presence matters to the instructor and it allows other classmates to know that the instructor thinks that way about all of their students. I ensure that I look each of my students in the eyes every time that we meet. I am sometimes surprised at how a face may lighten up or one may be encouraged by my direct eye contact with students.
This certainly true. It was very insightful for the material to decribe that some cultures are uncomfortable with direct eye contact as I was from that culture. Although I'm sensitive to this fact I have found it extremely valuable to maintain eye contact
Well said Mr. Johnson. I also feel it is so important for the student to know that you really care about their education. Eye contact is one of the tools we have as instructors.
The value is that it will show your authority as well as keep the students attention.
Hi Neelam!
Eye contact certainly helps keep everyone connected and alert.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It is very important to keep eye contact since it maintains alertness of student and they feel that someone is looking at what they are doing
It makes the student feel you are talking directly to them making them feel a part of your lecture.
For me, I feel that you're exposing yourself to the student in a positive way. The eyes say a lot about a person along with their facial expressions. Students can make direct eye contact with you and grasp your intensity, enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter. At the same time, your grabbing their own attention and keeping their interest up. By moving around the room and making constant eye contact, without falling into a pattern, the class knows that you will be "calling" on them soon, not verbally, but just through simple eye contact. This simple tactic keeps the class motivated to pay attention.
To make them really see that someone is actually listening to their thoughts and are actually focusing on what they have said.
It helps us as an instructor gauge whether the student has understood what you are saying. You can read their expressions. Eye contact is important. Make sure you make eye contact with each student on a daily bases. It shows them that you aware of their presence and that they are part of the learning process.
Maintaining eye contact helps to keep the student engaged in the learning process.
Eye contact with students helps me to know who is getting it and who isn't. It also makes the student feel important because I am specifically talking to them for those 3 seconds.
Hi Christine!
I would call this confirmational learning!!!!
Good job!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
I can have many different results from just a glance. I can quiet talking students to getting students to move quickly. I agree that you don't want to stare at any particular student but body language and the right look can accomplish things without even uttering a sound.
If the ‘eyes are the window to the soul’ then the eyes can reflect what I, as an instructor, am doing right or wrong. I’ll have to admit that when some learners would not look me in the eye for cultural reasons, I was taken back, and assumed that they did not want to learn what I was teaching. I try to use a nod, head shake or shoulder shrug when it appears that a learner is not showing signs of understanding. Most of all it shows that I care about their success and understanding of the material and it’s application.
I think it is imperative to have eye contact with your students. Not only because it makes them feel as though they are apart of your class, but because it also engages professionalism. I understand someone better when they are looking and speaking directly at me versus reading out of the book. I also get a feel by their facial expressions if they are absorbing the material we are covering or if they are totally confused.
I like to have eye contact with my students. It lets me know if they are listening. Also, when I ask a question and I am listening to their answer it let's them know I am listening to what they are saying. I then repeat it back to them but in my terms. It's a big help.
