Controlling the classroom
Maintain good eye contact with your students. Hold the eye of the student for no longer than 5 seconds- 2 to 3 is generally the best. This eye contact will let the student know that you are aware of their existence and that you want them to cease their behavior or that you are available to help them. I feel it shows your level of interest in the subject and it allows you to judge the students level of interest as well.
We are a technical college and tend to have a lot of students who have not been taught professionalism, so this is a constant struggle with me. One thing that I did a few terms ago that really helped was kind of give the control to the students for a few minutes. I did this activity as an ice breaker. What I did was give the students a note card. On one side they wrote their expectations of me and the course. On the other side, they wrote their expectations of their class mates. Then they went into groups and make a top 5 list. I don't think I even had 5 things for me or the course. However, the student side was packed. This kind of helped everyone see how other students were viewing them and how they acted. It really seemed to help.
Hi Laurie,
I typically have students that are very respectful. I hardly ever have any discplinary problems. I make a presence on the first day, which is friendly, yet firm.
Patricia
I place myself at the front of the classroom where every student can see my face and hear my voice clearly. I oftentimes have to shush the little whispers that disturb the others, but for the most part, my adult students are attentive and respectful.
Laurie
Yes, eye contact is very important and making your authority known.
Eye contact is very effective when dealing with one student or a small group. I found that letting the whole class know that before we can learn WE must have a learning atmosphere and any individual or individuals are not going to spoil it for the rest of us. It is supprising how well peer pressure can work.
Hi Michael,
Eye contact is very important when pertaining to conrolling the classroom. Eye contact is really the unspoken words. Your eyes can really let students know what you are thingking, and they will react based on your eye contact.
Patricia
