I have used this technique as well- I have also used a square with very small classes and I have become part of the square. The students loved the setup and it helped them to participate more easily with each other and listen to instruction as a partner as well
By having the instructor move throughout the classroom, it keeps the student stimulated by continually following the instructor. It also allows the instructor to keep an eye on extracurricular activity such as texting, computer facebooking etc. If you end up standing next to that student they are embarassed so all that is necessary is a look not a verbal reprimand(usually) and that behavior is not repeated. This gives me additional control over the classroom that I never knew that I needed before.
Redirect. By floating around, the students hear and see you from different parts of the room! Just like surround sound! you keep their attention
My classroom set-up is similar and although I do not sit directly next to a student I do have "pit stops" around the room I will move to and from located throughout the room. This helps my direction and ensures I am not blocking students from visual material while we discuss.
My classroom is laid out in rows, I am never behind the podium lecturing. I wonder around the room continuously, I find that the students pay better attention when I do this. Not to mention that it gives me a chance to look at what they are doing on their laptops.
Hi Thomas!
Sometimes I feel like instructors are becoming adult baby sitters! We're managing behaviors when we should be providing learning opportunities. It can be frustrating at time so what can we do to minimize taking on this role?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I feel that moving around the classroom or lab allows you to become more familiar with your students. It also gives them the sense that you are a part of the entire classroom/lab area which in turn allows them to become more comfortable with you personally. The placement of the power role is eliminated. You place yourself at their level. It makes for a more comfortable learning atmosphere.
I move around to keep students on their toes and not falling to sleep. it also cuts down on the cell phones coming out.
I am a culinary instructor and I feel that it is important for me to move around the classroom or lab for several reasons. First, I like to move around the class to let the students see that I am active and not just hiding behind the desk. Several students have informed me that they like the fact that I walk around the labs. They stated that several instructors for which they have had do not and as a result they find that they don't pay as much attention to them. Second, I walk around the lab to see which students are taking notes and make a mental note of the ones who do and don't. Later when the students don't understand a concept or don't do very well on a test, I know how to help them or to explain to them why it was important for them to take notes. Thirdly, I walk around the lab because I am very animated when I lecture and by walking or moving around the lab, it helps me to convey my message or lecture better because I have more room to move and express myself.
I love to move around the classroom; it mixes it up for the students, gives them another view. it also reminds them that i am paying attention to them, and i will get into their space (gently) if they are drifting or un-engaged and not paying attention.
I enjoy relocating myself throughout my lectures so I can draw the slinet students into the lecture. It helps me with my delivery of the information I am discussing.
It's important for me to move around the classroom because I can bring students, who won't normally volunteer, into the discussion. It keeps them alert and attentive to my lecture.
I also feel closer to them and can pick up on any confusion they might have.
It is important for me to move around the classroom because I want ALL students to feel involved in the class and not just those who sit up front. I focus a lot of my attention to students who sit in the back because they want to be unnoticed.
Hi David!
Thanks for pointing out some very good reasons for moving around in the classroom.
Keep up the good work!
Jane David
ED106 Facilitator
In my situation, floating around the lab is the only way to see if the students are succeeding in the competencies. I teach culinary students, and even if they are doing a "good job", there is always something you can find to point out; recapping on an older concept that they should be advanced on, adjusting the way they stand at their station so that they don't become fatigued, making sure they are on task. It's also important for those students sho are'nt so assertive, who don't come to you when they are having a problem or are confused.
Floating allows you to learn as much about your class as they should be learning from you.
Hi William!
I like the way you put it - rigid and static environment. I have definitely had instructors who acted like robots behind the podium. Much more to be gained from an interactive classroom.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED160 Facilitator
moving around helps keep the classroom from being such a rigid and static environmentment. I keep in close contact with all students this way
My classroom is filled with training aids, and informational posters. By moving around the class, not only can I maintain attention, but I can also make the lectures more personable. When an instructor stands in one spot at the front of the class, he/she seems to be preaching and not teaching. When an instructor moves around the class, it not only shows a level of comfort but also increases student contact time.
Hi Kym!
It sounds as though you read the needs of the class. Instructors should be able to notice when it is time to move around if for no other reason than to re-engage students.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I feel it is very important to move about. The student's never know where you are going to end up. They are turning around to follow and to listen and it helps to keep their attention on the instructor. I sometimes will sit down next to a student and teach from the seat. It also gives me the students view of the room and I sometimes see things from their perspective and can make changes to enhance the room.
