I agree with all of these responses, but wonder what to do with the student from another culture who avoids eye contact. I understand it's cultural, but could see potential problems in the future with employers thinking he is being disrespectful.
Eye contact shows tends to give students a sense of "he's watching me" and helps to ensure they pay attention.
-Jeff
Eye Contact keeps the students involved in the topics
I believe strongly to have I contact with each student as this tells the students that I am engaged in their understanding of the concept and it is a good way to see if they understand the concept.
I try to look at each students as much as I can during the class and I believe that this keeps the class attentive and engaged.
I work very hard each class to make direct eye and verbal contact with each learner. Itestablishes an educational 'bond' of sorts that brings the teaching to a more personal level.
I have always thought that eye contact with my students gives them a sense of I know what I am doing. By doing that they feel comfortable with being in the class and that I am going to help them learn.
one advantage is controling attention to the subject and eye to eye is one of the best ways to do so .
I feel that having eye contact with the students builds rapport as well as keeps the students engaged. It also lets the students know that you are paying attention to what is going on in the classroom.
You can tell alot by the eyes, if they are not underztanding something you are talking about you will be able to pick that up in their eyes
Greetings Shanon and Sadie!
Thanks so much for the posts about maintaining eye contact.
And - one other thing that I found is that it builds students' self esteem. Those students who otherwise have not been interactive, now have the confidence to really be part of the learning environment.
But what you didn't say is how does it make you an an instructor feel?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
To maintaining eye contact with students let them know you care about what they are learning.
good eye contact helps to remove anxities the students may have about entering a new path in their lives,i believe the student feels like you care about them as individuals.the instructor then projects confidence in the subject being taught.
I understand the value of eye contact, but as an introvert, it is something that I have to work at each class period. I find that I am constantly reminding myself to keep good eye contact around the classroom as I speak. After many years of speaking to groups I have been told that my eye contact is natural and that I do it very well. However, I continue to remind myself throughout any lecture or presentation to keep good eye contact.
Most students does respond well because it makes them feel as though they are important to the instructor. Well others can feel a bit intimidated.
Great points everyone! Eye contact can definitely make a student feel involved. However its imoportant that we dont over do it as it can also make them feel uncomfortable. I know as a previous student It felt wierd when my instructor kept looking at me its as though I stood out in the class and I would always look away. So I was more focused on why she was looking at me than what she was talking about.
Good eye contact shows you are sincere. It reflects your interest in the students and that you interest in your topic.
I agree good eye contact helps establish a rapport with our students. I have to remind myself to mindful of seeking eye contact with students who are more quiet and reserved. It is often easier for me to engage with the students who are more outgoing, participating and seeking discussion.
Having eye contact when speaking to your students is an added value because it relaxes the students and they feel as if you are speaking directly to them.
I like maintaining eye contact with my students throughout class because it makes them feel important and included. Also, when they are answering a question, the eye contact shows them that I am interested in the answer or what they have to say.
it helps them feel involved
