Hi Ryan,
I think eye contact shows your student that you have their interest at heart. It helps them to make the individual connection between student and teacher.
Paulette
Eye contact shows students that you are listening, which is important, especially if they have questions.
nutisha,
that eye contact really does open the communication channels & helps to invite the students to participate.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It's a way to engage your students. It shows them that you are interested in seeing what they know.
Jeanette,
this is a great point on both accounts: inclusion of students & conveyance of confidence on the part of the instructor.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Having eye contact with your students lets your students know that they are a part of your class. It also tells them that you are comfortable being in front of the class.
I don’t think anyone feels comfortable when someone doesn’t make eye contact with them when they are talking. If I don’t look at you it sometimes is read as I don’t like you.
ROBBYN,
great point about the cultural implications/awareness. This is an area to which we must be sensitive.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Christine,
this is a great benefit to the eye contact; the eyes reveal much.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think eye contact is important because it lets students know you value what they are saying. If you are not making good eye contact then it may seem like your thoughts are wandering. I also believe it forces them to use eye contact as well. For some students eye contact may be rarely used, I feel it helps them improve communication. In some cultures eye contact is hardly used, in this case I feel you must be culturally aware.
It is so that we can figure the student out. see if they understand the material, or have any questions.
Class size is a factor, but you need to move around which allows for eye contact with those not paying attention
Maintaining eye contact with each student acknowledges that each one is part of the class and part of that days lecture. I believe it helps to keep each student engaged in the class. By making that eye contact sometimes as instructor you can catch a look of confussion or even tell when a short break to regroup is needed.
Eye contact recognizes the student independantly of the class. It also serves well for keeping the class engaged. For an instructor, he/she can use this tool (eye contact) to determine wether or not the point is understood and/or if it is time to take a different approach to the concept being taught. It is also effective in determining if an instructor has lectured too long and sent the students into the boredom/disinterested zone. For myself I have a certain discomfort level with direct eye contact. Yet I have found that focusing on the eyebrow itself is not as discomforting yet yields the same and sometimes better response.
Eye contact helps to know if the student is understanding the topic or not. Helps to detect expressions that can show confusion, or trying to express some ideas, they will feel that we are paying attention to their academic need and are included in the lecture
One of the most important communication skills to utilize in America is eye contact. Making and maintaining eye contact is not only important, it is essential when conversing with someone, especially if you want to be taken seriously.
The value of having eye contact with students makes them feel a part of the learning environment and also lets them know that you acknowledge their presence in the classroom and are glad they are there. In addition, I think that it helps students to focus upon your lecture, as it gives them a feeling of inclusion and that you are speaking to them.
It is the primary tool for gaining the students' respect.
Eye contact creates an opportunity for non-verbal communication, which ultimately accentuates my ability to effectively communicate with each student. The ability to adapt my teaching toward a bored, tired, confused, overwhelmed, or enthusiatic student is greatly improved by communication through eye contact. Additionally, the students are able to recognize my compassion toward them which encourages them to persevere with their studies.
I am sure you agree everyone likes to have eye contact when talking to someone. You feel that person is giving you their attention and will respect your ideas and thoughts. It also gives that person an invitation to feel welcome to participate in class discussions or projects.
