When I am teaching I am on stage as I deliver info-entertainment. My student's learn better when they are engaged in my lectures, demonstrations and my jestures seem to keep them excited as we move from topic to topic.
Moving around in the classroom helps the instructor connect with the student, standing behind a desk or podium places a barrier between the two.
It is important for an instructor to move around the classroom or lab, making his or herself available for interaction with the students. You may be surprised how if you were near a student that maybe he or she will make conversation whereas if you were always seated behind a podium or desk that this chance of interaction would not have been seen as an opportunity.
-Beverly
Hi Gary!
I agree! It also helps keep students involved and interested in what is being said.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Moving around the classroom for many reasons:
1. It helps student maintain eye contact with you.
2. It is effective classroom management (students who are "goofing off" are less likely to if you walk around
3. Shows confidence of the teacher in front of the students.
4. Keeps everyone focused on the material
To involve all of the students and the entire classroom. To keep the lecture flowing and not have it become stagnate and monotone lecturing from a "cemented" point in the room.
I move around the classroom because it seems to feel like I'm part of the class instead of separate from the class.
Moving around the room is one way to manage the class' behavior. If they are using laptops to "take notes" I can see if they actually ARE taking notes; if I'm walking around then students seem less likely to engage in side conversations or to drift off--you never know when I'll be at your side!
My lecture by nature is very hands-on and actually requires me to move from one piece of equipment to the next, and I like it! The students can't just look forward and pretend to be paying attention.
I think standing behinde the desk will give the students a feeling that the teacher is far away from them. but when the instructor moves around and be in a close distance from the students that will make them feel that he is one of them and that will give them more confort in learning from him.
so that the students attentionis refreshed and possibly break the students mind being out side the class room
Hi Leslie!
It's about staying in control of the learning process. Guiding students who otherwise might get sidetracked.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Walking around, using our hands, and gesturing when lecturing to students is important because it allows the students to be more engaged with the speaker and content. When barriers are removed like desk, chairs, and etc. The student and speaker are in a open environment, it allows the students eyes to wander and focus on something new as the person is moving,it also expands their attention span. Thanks
It is important to locate yourself in the classroom because attention spans are short, and movement can help to keep the audience engaged. I always tell my Instructors that they need to be 90% Entertainer and 10% Smart, because if they can't keep the audience engaged, then they won't be able to deliver their message effectively.
Moving around the classroom helps both the instructor and the students. First of all, it keeps everyone awake and more involved. Lecturing and delivering the same material to students can be monotonous, even if the material is very interesting. By moving around it keeps the instructor animated in a positive way and it keeps the students' brains more focused on the material. I teach court reporting and by moving around the room I look at the students' steno notes and I can see if they are typing the correct steno machine shorthand that I am introducing to them at that moment.
Moving around the room allows me to make brief contact with each student. It also allows me to see what they are writing and reading as I lecture.
To be able to pull the students into the discussions more. This provides a more relaxing, yet engaging learning environment.
I've found that by walking around the class as I give my presentation, certain students heads will follow and for some night students who are borderline ready to pass out, helps them to re-focus. I have even gone so far as to take a seat next to a student who has fallen asleep (common on night class) while I continue to lecture, that perks everyone up...
In short, I walk the classroom to make sure texting is not an issue.
In this day and age texting has become a major problem with the younger adults. I now have single moms keeping track of their children in day-care.
I also recognize the need to engage the students. I do seem to pace in front of the class, but I do not think it is nerves! I have taught for 20 years and do feel comfortable in front of a class. I will, however, now try to do less "pacing" and more walking through the class. I can see how my pacing would concern certain students.
There are many reasons, it helps to make sure the students are engaged, it helps the teacher become part of the experience and know if the students are listening and taking notes. If it is a project class you can make sure that they understand the material and can offer suggestions or additional help.
Nothing is more encouraging than finding a way, through eye contact and/or direct questioning, to get a previously quiet student to engage. The day that a quiet or silent student risks verbalizing an answer, and gets the answer correct, is usually a breakthrough day for the entire group!
