Hi Patricia!
Good job - all very valid reasons for moving around in the classroom.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
To ensure that we have all the students attention.
I find moving around the classroom keeps my students alert. I enjoy standing near a student if they are answering or asking a question. This shows them that I am alert and interested in how they perceive the new material.
While the facility I teach in is fantastic, the giant windows in my classroom onto interesting parts of Hollywood create challenges keeping my students attention on the lecture at hand. I find that the more I move around the classroom, the more I can divert their attention from the outside to the inside. In addition, if there are students talking, moving to where they are sitting creates a subtle pressure to stop talking. Without disrupting the whole class.
I, too, do not like the podium. I use it to place my materials on and to take attendance. OTher than that, I think that it is a waste of classroom space.
I like to move around the classroom because I can make direct eye contact with those students who like the back row. The learners understand that each one of them is important to me. Also, I get the opportunity to keep everyone's attention. I believe that some students enjoy the "extra" attention.
Movement causes the student to become engaged in the subject. Students may become board and disconnected if the instructor hides behind the podium. With movement, an instructor can walk to any point of the classroom and talk directly to a student. This technique allows the student to feel connected and gives the feeling of a personable setting. In addition, the instructor can see what the student is doing. Another technique is to sit in the audience as the video presentation is playing.
It is good to move around so you are involved with the entire class and not just giving attention to the front row. It makes all of the students feel like they are a part of the discussion.
Very good analogy, Earl!
When I don't move around in a classroom, I feel as though I have not prepared well enough as I begin to rely on my notes. Moving around keeps the class guessing what's next if an instructor uses it to their advantage.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think of the classroom as a small stage and I need to move around to keep the plot moving.
I think it is important to move around the room abd get everyone involved in the classroom discussion
i am in a kitchen so it better if i move around so i can make eye contact with each student
I think it keeps people active....although you are the one moving, they pay attention to where you are, and are more active in their attention span and are better prepared to listen and learn
I feel it is important to let students know you are not focusing on one group or student.
First of all it helps you claim your classroom as your own territory and exhibit your confidence. Secondly it helps to command the attention and focus of the students throughout the class period.
I find that there isn't much room to move around in my classroom; however, I have developed a way to maneuver to the side and through the aisles which really keeps the students attentive. They never know where I'll go next or who I'll have participate.
Good job Lenore!
You and I must have had the same instructors.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
By walking around the class, I try to keep the students more active and participate more. It helps me to get to know my students better.
Christine - I agree with you comment about "imaginary barriers". I find a podium to be an "imaginary barrier", which is why I avoid using podiums. "Floating" is a much more effective teaching strategy to keep students engaged and motivated!
Mark McMullen
To engage the class and students and to keep them focused and excited about learning. I always practice the "floating" method of instruction and regularly move around the room while lecturing and taking student questions. This teaching strategy helps to keep students engaged!
Mark McMullen
