Even though I do like to move around the room, during a lecture it is risky to move away from the front of the room. Actually some students need to read your lips even though they may not be aware of that fact themselves. I was taught that it is important that everyone be able to see you and so I tend to move around the front of the room while I am delivering a lecture, which by the way I don't do a lot.
It is important to me to get close to all of my students at some point during the class. They need to know that I am aware of their presence and am available and approachable.
According to the reading it also expands the learning area which is to say that they are not limited to learning in one part of the room. This keeps the process from being boring and keeps students alert during class sessions.
Hi Curt!
Very nice strategy! It's about staying connect with our students, isn't it?
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Greetings Leonard!
I really like you affirmation about this is "your classroom" and that you aren't just visiting.
I was an evening student for so many year and I found that many instructors were just visitors.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It is important for an instructor to move around the classroom or lab to capture and maintain students' attention. By moving about the classroom, the students won't become fixated on a lecturn or other stationary object when they become bored with watching an instructor that is stationary! Students need to see enthusiasm from their instructor regarding the subject matter; by moving about and maintaining eye-contact with the students, the enthusiasm for teaching the subject content is evident. Moving about also provides the instructor with the ability to assess the students as they learn to see who may be having a difficult time or who is not paying attention.
In each of my courses I stress the importance of coming to class prepared. In order to be prepared class participants need to purchase the appropriate text(s) and bring them to class.
By moving through the class I can note whether all participants have their texts out on their desk and open to the particular section we are discussing.
As well, by moving around the class you offer a shift in focus which is much needed as students try to maintain their concentrate across a 50 minute plus block of time. To stand at a lecturn or stay seated behind a table for the entire class period is asking to be ignored -- unless you're President Obama who's visiting as your Guest Speaker for the day. :)
My class is set up in rows so I like to walk the row while lecturing. By doing this I can see if the students are taking notes.It also keeps there eyes on me when moving thoughout the class.
Before I enter the classroom I say to myself, "this is my classroom." It is an afirmation: this is my space, I "own" it. I have given this advice to new instructors before and they have found it helpful. We have all either been in classes or seen classes where for all intent and purpose the instructor was little more than "visiting".
When I lecture I change my position in the classroom frequently. Sometimes I will sit with all the students in a round table for discusion. I might walk around the classroom. I find that by walking and standing next to a student that might be distracted by say, a cell phone and simply touching their shoulder is a much more effective than a curt lecture or admonition. moreover, it is much less disruptive to the class as whole. Also,by moving around the class you eliminate those back row hideouts.
Our classroom is fairly large so there is a lot of room to roam around in. It helps for them to focis on the instructor instead of other students and things. I also think that it keeps them more alert.
I enjoy moving around my classroom it makes me more "in tune" with my students. I see what they are working on and also I believe it gets them more involved in my lectures.
I teach classes that hover around 60 students each for a five hour lecture session each day.I have to maintain student involvement in what ever activities are going on or there will be no learning.Moving around the room while teaching,using the various training aids that I've strategically arranged previously allows me to better monitor the students involvement level(ie:talking,text-messaging,sleeping,etc.)I can shift attention to different areas of the room as necessary and use students to aid in my demonstrations randomly.This helps to break up the boredom of monotonous lectures from one focal point.The students don't know what to expect,so they are more interested in finding out what going to happen next.It also keeps me more alert to my classes' needs and therefore I feel I do a better job of teaching.
Great Nancy! It's about staying engaged and that's for both the student and the instructor.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I like the concept of making the entire class your space that you claim/own. Although I shift from desk to lecturn--and do the stand to the side--I like the variety of a chart elsewhere, having the students follow me. Very efeective device that I can't wait to implement.
Moving around the room, I have found, is valuable to keeping the classtime dynamic. I agree that this helps to break the monotony of the "classic" classroom setting and encourages people to be more engaged in activities/discussions, etc.
Hi Deb!
I actually had a good experience this week in student orientation. Each person who spoke stood in front of the group. After and exhaustive number of speakers, the new students were almost comatose. So I decided that I would speak from the back of the room and it was very effective. It created new energy in the room and students were much more alert.
Keep up the good work!
Jane David
ED106 Facilitator
Moving around the room provides energy to the environment. I'm not someone who is comfortable sitting still for long periods, so moving around gives me a natural release of energy. As the instructor moves, students also make minor adjustments to their positions, giving them a minor release of energy. Moving towards different groups of students is also a great way to draw in their attention.
My classroon is long and narrow. My voice echos off the walls usually. When I first started teaching I use to write everything up on the board and then walk around. Now I put the topic/section on the board and walk around talking about it and then write key points of that topic on the board. During free work times I walk around the classroom, to check on everyone, if anyone needs help and also to ensure they are working on the given assignments. If there is anything I noticed from this is students love it when your moving! I have done some crazy things, stand on chairs, on tables etc. It keeps them stimulated and engaged.
By reading the posts, it seems we all face the same issues and address them in nearly the same manner.
Moving around the room changes the "dynamic" and keeps the class engaged. We have an interactive classroom in the horseshoe configuration so I can also check to see who is playing games or doing email on the computer versus taking notes and referencing the material. By moving about the room, I project from different areas and keep the class engaged.
Greg
Hi DeVara!
Making class fun is a great incentive for student retention. People learn when fun is involved.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It is important to move around the room to discourage monotony. It allows the students' eyes to focus on something other than the same ole thing. IT can also keep them awake LOL. They will never know where you will end up, sometimes I end up sitting next to them, sometimes I end up on the desk showing a posture for a reclined patient. It makes the learning situation fun.
