As a student I can remember "tuning out" the fixed object(teacher) at the center of the room who after a short time seemed to drone on and on. At this point I am sure I yawned to stay focused. On the other hand, I remember a rather short instructor who would go over to the coat rack at one side of the classroom and see if he could touch the hanging pegs with the top of his head. I definitely was not bored but totally engrossed in his funny behavior. I try to avoid the "T" zone(middle center isle and the back role) as much as possible by walking around the classroom. I approach the student who is answering my question and keep eye-contact as if we were carrying on a personal conversation. This works well for me.
when i first started teaching, i found i was staying behind the desk or podium. as i became more conforatble, i start moving around the room without thinking about it. when i get into the material, i don't even think of being nervous. This helps the students focus better on whta iam talking about at the time.
Hi Angelina!
It's about engaging students, isn't it?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I move around the class a lot (during lectures and during tests) so I can engage the students on the first row,but also the the ones at the back of the classroom,so everybody participates.
This is important because it makes the whole class pay more attention I noticed. I used to stay in one place but I am a very physical person and staying in one place does not work for me. I noticed when I would move around and was able to get closer to those students who did not sit in the front of the classroom I was able to engage more into the discussion and they all would pay more attention.
I like to view my student from different areas of the classroom as I lecture it allows me to see who is engaged.
So true Earl!
jane Davis
ED106 facilitator
Hi Earl!
I just had a thought! I haven't ever suggested to my classes that during the presentation part of a project that it would be OK to move around. Actually a good technique for students to learn in delivering a presentation.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Linda!
Moving around makes perfect sense in your area of training. It is so important to keep students engaged as well.
Good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Michael!
The career college where I work recently had the usual orientation. The students sat through the "long" talks of faculty and staff. So when it came my turn I reversed the focus of the room -literally. This is a divided room where the wall can be collapsed so it has two ends. It created quite a stir but engergized the room.
So - surprise is good!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Lynn!
Moving around in a classroom is so important to staying connected with students. I also feel like it keeps me more engaging as well.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
This is so true. Many students who sit up front assume that they will receive most of the attention. This is why positioning yourself throughout the class fully engages everyone.
This is needed for adult students as well. Just stating classroom rules are not enough. Sometimes making examples as they occur might carry more clout.
Moving around the classroom allows the instructor to engage the students from various perspective. This will requie students to take a more active posture by locating the instructor thus being more attentive.
It is important for me to move around because my students need to be able to work when people are in front of them, behind them, looking over their shoulders. There will be times when the defendant might be sitting right next to them in a small courtroom. They need to hear me talking from different areas too. The students are taking down on their steno machines everything I say and by me moving around the classroom, it helps them to be able to concentrate all over the room. It also shows the students that I am involved in what they are doing.
For me it helps to have the students follow me as I keep talking. They seem to be more attentive. I alway are asking questions of them about the topic and there view point or there experences on the topic. I get better responce with me all over the place in the class room. They never know who I may ask the question from!
The site is small and there are about 20 students in the class. Moving around the room lets me interact with the students directly and indirectly. Movement also allows me to observe who is retaining the material and who is not and provide different examples.
Hi Stephanie!
An excellent way to learn more about new students. Good job!
Jane davis
ED106 Facilitator
Yes! Especially when you want to observe each student in the begining of a course. Getting to know them and their study habbits includes how they take notes, pay attention and do or do not socialize while you are lecturing.
I teach computer courses mainly. If I do not stand and move around the students get lost behine the computer monitors. If I can't see them they are more apt to just sit there and not participate. When I move around the room I notice more students following the book with me and then more questions are asked and more interaction goes on.
