Locating Yourself in the Classroom
Why is it important for an instructor to move around the classroom or lab?
I have found that walking around the classroom keeps the students engage in the lecture. I also, can watch what they are doing during lecture time to prevent them from being distracted by their electronic toys they all have today.
To get on the same level as your students
As a fairly new instructor, I find myself using the podium as a safety area. I prefer that an instructor walks around the room but it is definitely a little out of my comfort zone. Some of the anxiety relates to lack of confidence. I am planning on getting away from the podium at least twice in class so that I can get out of this bad habit.
I believe that moving around the classroom can aid in keeping the students engaged in the lesson that is being taught. With them being more aware of where you are in the classroom, it may help to refocus the students who have possibly stopped paying attention or lost interest. You never want to stand in one place as doing this will prompt the students to venture down the road of "he/she cant see what I am doing".
IT IS IMPORTANT TO MOVE AROUND THE CLASSROOM TO PROVIDE PROXIMITY TO STUDENTS. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS POSITION OF THE INSTRUCTOR HELPS WITH CONNECTING TO STUDENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
ATTENTION
INTERACTING
RECOGNITION
it provides as a breaking point
Moving around the classroom helps lets he student focus on something other a presentation.
It keeps my studnets more engaged and it keeps me more in touch with them. I teach writing classes, so it is especially helpful to be able to cathch frustration early on.
what is the best possible way to relocae in the classroom if the room is small
I feel it keeps the students on their toes...paying attention. It also helps me to see if they are taking notes, on their cell phones, or daydreaming. I also direct questions to particular students that seem to be drifting...and then re-directing the question to another student if they are unable to respond to the question.
It keeps the classroom active. I have students that work. They tend to relax if you are not active.
I move around in my classroom so the students tend to pay more attention to my lecture. Their books are on-line on IPADS now and there is always a few that will be not in the class on their IPAD but looking on-line somewhere else.
Jennifer,
especially in a larger room, the students in the back can feel disconnected, so if we can move toward them & help them feel included it's a plus.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
For me, this accomplishes a couple of different things. It allows me to utilize the entire classroom during lecture while keeping students paying attention. It makes the room feel smaller even and more intimate in ways. It also keeps me motivated and alleviates being lethargic from sitting or standing in one single spot.
It keeps the students on their toes, keeps cellphones away because they dont know where your going at all times and keeps them engaged in my conversation, which means they are completeing paying attention to everything that I am saying.
It lets each student feel I am paying attention to them and not just the students sitting in the front few rows. I want all the students to feel I see them, and know they are there and make eye contact with them. Also when I call on them for something I often like to walk back to them, and make them feel we are having a personal conversation, to help them relax a little s times.
It is important as it allows an instructor to manage the classroom more efficiently. Also, it helps to build a closer bond between student and instructor.
The first time a student brought a laptop to class (many years ago), I was impressed that he was taking down all my words of wisdom. Then I wandered around behind him and realized that he was playing Donkey Kong (without missing a beat, I unplugged his computer from the wall, and he took the hint). I've been "floating" ever since.
I set ground rules on the first day of class about cell phones and only allow them where they can be reached when heard vibrating, not on the desks. I also roam calmly around the room when I lecture so I can engage my students and let them feel less intimidated. I sit at the edge of a table, pull up a chair and move towards someone who needs assistance and stand by them to assist. I creat an atmosphere of trust and relaxation, while monitoring student interest and activites at the same time. Win-win for all. Smile as well, it lets them know you are pleased and sends the message be happy and enjoy the learning experience.
