eye contact
Eye contact is very powerful. My students have told me they love my expressions. It seems to be a great tool for me to get their attention back.
Great approach Ronald, subtle, but direct, thanks!
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
When I lecture I always make a point of making eye contact with the class. Sometimes I'll even walk up to a student who is surfing the web and talk right to them. That usually causes them to return focus to the class.
Shaista,
Keeping eye contact during discussions with students is absolutely necessary, even for longer periods of time.
When lecturing, trying to keep eye contact with all the students is crucial. Looking at one or two students makes others feel left out.
Hi Alan! I took the liberty of mentioning again your quote about the value and personal nature of eye contact - I think it says it all! Thanks for your comments!
"You might have 50 eyes looking at you but they have only two looking at them."
-Alan Rado
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
Eye contact is imp to show both that they are paying attention & than that we are involved as well. Keep the contact to minumium so it doesnt look like we are staring or singling out a single person.
I've found eye contact to be a useful approach in keeping the students attention and retaining focus. Through eye contact, I see (no pun intended) a more personal connection between the student and I. They seem to feed off of your confidence and excitement from your lecture. You might have 50 eyes looking at you but they have only two looking at them.
I do agree however I am concerned about those students that think you are signaling them out if you look at them.
If you are having trouble or are a little shy, try this: Look at each student as you are making a point. Then for a new point, look at a different person. It will be just like having a one-on-one conversation!
Shows the student that you are passionate what you are teaching
The eyes can communicate so much. During lecture as well as in the KITCHEN, eye contact for me is my way of capturing if the message has been received and in what way is receive.
Eye contact is also inspirational, as an instructor when I see the eyes of my students eager for learning motivates me so much.
Thanks, Hans, for your comments. I have found as well that eye contact creates the opportunity for more connection with my students and also helps me to keep a pulse on the dynamics of the classroom or lab.
Jay Hollowell
ED106
not only will eye contact show my confidence but it will bring me to a "personal, more approachable level"with the student.
Eye contact is important because it shows students that you care. When they know you care the show more effort and care themselves.
Eye contact show to the student how confident you are when talk with them.
Hi Jana! Excellent observation! We can say so much with our eyes to encourage attention and refocus. I also have found that my eye contact with students usually yields eye contact in return from other students - it is really a way to connect directly with the learning environment.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
