I use eye contact to see who is ready for questions. You can tell who wants to answer or not.
Jacqulin,
Yes, you definitely want to take the culture of a student into account regarding eye contact. Some cultures discourage eye contact, especially with someone older or an instructor as that would be a sign of disrespect.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Roy,
Definitely true, eye contact is definitely not a solution to all situations nor is it a guarantee for being able to read all students, just one option among many.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Should we concern here with this guy's culture in relation to eye contact? Could that be the problem?
Eye contact convey to the student that the instructor is actively listening. It also conveys support and caring.
That maybe true, but some students do have poker faces
Roy,
As they say the eyes are the window to the soul or mind in this case. By looking our students in the eye we can often tell if they are "with us" or not.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Having eye contact with students lets the students know you notice them and that they aren't invisible. Which may help them get more involved in the class.
Eye contact can help you make sure a student or students are understanding and being part of the class lecture. It will also show you are into the lecture and that you want to get the points across to them
Maintaining eye contact with your student to me lets them know that you are right there with them. Also it makes them feel as though you are talkin directly to them and makes them weant to listen.
Maksuda,
You are exactly right. When we, in our Western culture, are desiring eye contact with a student, we need to make sure we understand their cultural background.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It helps students feel that they are being spoken too directly, that they matter. And, too, it helps with immediate instructor feedback, the instructor can see he/she is getting the topic across.
Steven,
It is always amazing to me to note the power of good, strong eye contact. As you said it does show our students that interest as well as making them feel like a person.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Eye contact is very important, but there are some cultures in which eye contact is disrespectful. Therefore, if a student feels uncomfortabl, its important to not give them direct eye contact.Eye contact shows students that they are important and they are a part of the class. This way the teacher can also see if the students are understanding the topic or not.
Having good eye contact with your students, shows that you are interested in them and what they have to say. It also shows that you are a person that is aknowledging them as a person.
It lets the student know that you are paying attention to them while they speak or are aware that they are in your classroom whether participating in a discussion or not. It can let them feel included.
Rodger,
Yes, eye contact is a powerful way of drawing each student into the class & as you said making him/her feel like they truly are a part of the class & does help them stay focused.
Dr. Ryan Meers
andrew,
Absolutely! I'm working with an individual right now (a part time teacher) who just can't seem to look anyone in the eye while he is teaching, or even in 1-1 conversation. This really is getting in the way of his effectiveness.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Eye contact acknowledges that the student is a part of the class. It also keeps students focused on the lesson plan.
I feel that eye contact lets the students know you care about thier learning and it is easier to respect someone who can look you inthe eye. I once had a manager that would not look anyone in the eye, to me it is impossible to manage people if you can not look them in the eye, the same applies to the classroom.
