I find some students have a hard time keeping eye contact
Making eye contact is a good way to get to know the students, and sometimes brings their attention back to the lecture.
I absolutely agree this comment! I try to make eye contact with all the students and i think this really helps to make them feel involved in the class.
Isbel
Hi Carolina!
When you call someone by name it says we care about you, we want to know you and support your classroom efforts. There nothing worse than someone not remembering your name or calling you by the incorrect name.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I agree with the importance of eye contact especially knowing that they get it or they are lost.
Hi Steve!
That non-verbal communications is often more clearly stated than what we say!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
An excellent approach! Validates and reassures students that they are on the right track!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 facilitator
I agree... I had a group of students a few months back who told me their previous instructors had not even bothered to learn their names. How depressing! So I now make it a point to memorize their names by the end of the first class. I use lots of eye contact, and if I say their names to them while I look at their eyes (a few times), then I've got them memorized. It makes a huge difference.
It is important to have eye contact so your students know that you are talking to them and that you are acknowledging them so they feel comfortable in your class
for 2-3 seconds they are feeling recognized without feeling "put on the spot"
I have always made it a habit to pay particular attention to the eye contact I make with my students. It goes a long way with making a quick conection! Students usually warm up immediately and know that you care about them and their education.
It also helps to determine if there are disconnects.
My students feel that they are a part of the discussion when I am looking at them. When looking at individual students for 2 - 3 seconds each, I make sure that within those moments, I smile, I nod acknowledgment and then move to the next set of eyes. Sometimes, when going over discussion points, I see some confusion in the eyes. I then pause, look around a bit, and address, across the classroom, if there is a confusing point, or something someone does not understand. This way, I do not put that particular student "on the spot" or cause any embarrassment, and can clear up any perceived fuzziness. It works every time, and my students breathe sighs of relief! So rewarding...
Keeps them engaged in what you are saying, they feel important when receiving attention.
There are several reasons in having eye contact with a student. Eye contact is an indication that you are serious and that you know and understand what you are talking about. It displays confidence as an instructor which will in turn instill confidence and respect from your students. Eye contact also shows your interest in hearing what your students have to say and that you respect what they are contributing to the class.
Eye contact with the student sends a message that you are open for indications of understanding, interest or questions.
I agree you need to have eye contact for a few seconds and call the student by their name. Thank you Jeannie
Maintaining eye contact with students is very important, I believe it makes the student feel valuable and part of his or her learning experience.
Maintaining eye contact helps the listener engage in the conversation/material being spoken about.
it lets them know that you are speaking directly to them and not nervous... confident
