Move your face...
Years ago I received two of the best instructional tips to use during a lecture: modulate your voice and move your face. I've found I can keep students attentive during lecture by changing the volume of my voice from loud down to a whisper and back to loud. In addition, I use exaggerated facial expressions as I speak. Students effectively stay focused on my face and concentrate on what I'm saying. I combine these two actions with moving around the room and direct Q&A with students during a lecture. Students stay focused, actively participate, and ultimately retain the material.
I will try this method because it makes sense. It is like a comic or actor who incorporates his/her body. They are usually more effective at holding your attention. I watched an instructor use this method and I noticed students paid attention. Of course preparation a command of the material and knowing the learning level of his students were also part of his success.
Hi Patrick:
This is a great way to get the students involved in the discussion, definitely a fun way of making the class more robust.
Regards, Barry
I know I stay animated quite often. Sometimes its to get a point across, sometimes just my natural movements. I can safely say I have sat in a few of my colleagues classes, and the monotone, boring delivery puts me to sleep, let alone a student!
Hi Georgie:
Body language can be very effective in maximising both the information a teacher wants covered and the allotted time to cover it in. Enthusiam, humor, and preparation contribute to effective attribute.
Regards, Barry
YOUR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND VOICE TONE DUE HELP GET LESSON MATERIALS ACROSS TREMENDIOSULY
I like the face idea, but not sure I would do so well. I might try my version of it. I think I would pay more attention to a changing face. It is the consistancy that allows the sleep factor to creep in. Changing it up has to happen.
My favorite instructor of all times would stop moving, pause his lecture, and turn and hold up a finger. You knew that the next thing that came out of his mouth was very important. It kept you extremely focused on the lecture.
I think theatrical is an apt way to describe it. I learned the technique in a staff training many years ago. The speaker's name was Michael Brandwein. He came from a children's PBS programming background and has developed techniques for all age groups. I've since participated in multiple training events with Mike as the speaker. He's been an excellent resource for me personally. I do think a bit of it comes down to acting. Take an actor like Jack Nicholson, for example. Next time you watch a Jack Nicholson film, pay attention to his face. His face is always moving. I've found I can make my face a visual target. I try to make eye contact with my students. Even if I break eye contact, they continue to follow my face. In return, I can visually track who is paying attention. If someone is looking down or away, I move closer and get them to make eye contact. I ask questions. I respond. They watch my face and I can usually get them to maintain their attention. I also think exaggerated expressions lighten the mood. It definitely has elements of both comedic and dramatic effect.
Patrick - I am not sure if my personality structure will allow me to use exaggerated facial expressions, but I have learned that fluctuating your voice, even to the dramatic, is impactful. I also tend to move aorudn the room a great deal, engaging students one to one in the class, and at times even being theatrical.
