Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact is very important. You do not want to turn things into a staring contest but you want the students to know you want them in the conversation (lecture).
I occaisionally have deaf/hearing impaired students in class and have found it is very important to be looking directly at them to allow them to lip read.
It is not a frequent occurrence so I have not learned sign language.
With non-impaired students, as previously mentioned, it allows student to be aware that you are giving them the attention they deserve
When teaching deaf students, half of the conversation takes place with the eyes. Just by expressions of the eyes and face, you can change the meaning of the conversation. Making the eye contact lets you see if the student understands the topic and allows some humor when you make funny faces at them. Keep them entertained and they enjoy learning.
Hi Richard!
I totally agree! It's about appropriate eye contact not about putting someone ill at ease.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
