I move around he classroom
Because I want to see what the students are working on, and how far they are in the process of the assignments, and if they need help. Also shows I'm there to help if I'm close to someone that wouldn't normally reach out to me if I were in the font of the class talking.
David,
this is very true, the proximity can be a great deterrent to many distracting behaviors/situations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students seem to pay attention just a little better if they know that you may be around their direction shortly. I have noticed as well that a student will be more comfortable in asking a question if you are right next to them rather that across the room. Conversations do seem to go away when an instructor is close by
Danielle,
this is definitely a challenge. In regard to the set up, can you rearrange things to help with this? As for the av equipment, could you have a student advance slides for you or look for places to move when not needing to advance the slides?
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I would like to move around the classroom but the set up is not designed for movement. Also, the AV equipment doesn't have a remote to advance the slides as part of the lecture. How can I add in movement around the room under these circumstances.?
Robert,
yes, there can be multiple reasons for movement around the classroom, the key is to keep students engaged.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree if it is a course such as accounting where it helps to see the students work.
Other lecture only style, movement helps the students focus better.
I agree,I move around the class to keep the students involved in the lecture.Students feel like they are a part of the lesson when they ar involved.
Bill,
this is also a great way to encourage all students to stay engaged with the course & the lesson. Learning is happening everywhere in the room, not just the front two rows.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
That's the way Bill :)
It also motivates a few of them into actually trying to do better. Yesterday one of my students said she was a bit intimidated when I stood next to her while on her computer, I reinforced to her and the students that I'm just monitoring everyone making sure they're 'getting it', and that I'm there to help not intimated.
It's also good to stand between 2 students that are always talking, it shuts them up quick without saying anything :)
I agree. It does provide for early prevention of many situations that can occur. It also keeps the dtudents alert and keeps them focused on the subject matter.
I too like to move around when I am in class. As a culinary instructor, what I like to do is do laps around the kitchen. I am always moving, I stop, help out a student in need and then keep going. I do the same thing in the classroom lecture, I move from the front where my students are all the way to the back. I feel it keeps there eyes moving and they will focus a little more. Just to stand in the front of the class would put me to sleep.
dawanna,
that is a great goal to have & I would encourage you to push out of that comfort zone. It is easier to stay behind the desk & feel protected, but it will greatly help you connect with the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I really struggle in this area. I need to learn how to be secure enough in my own knowledge. I have a comfort zone behind my desk. It is my goal to conquer.
Gary,
I agree that this is a great reason for moving around the room. It provides a way for "early intervention" with certain students if it's needed.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
