You are so right. I've also found that it demonstrates respect for the student & in turn they tend to demonstrate more respect for one another & for me.
Ryan
So true Connie. We've all had experiences where people just won't look us in the eye & it feels like they don't care.
Great point about making them uncomfortable too.
Ryan
Absolutely. The power of eye contact to draw a student into the lecture is unbelievable.
Ryan
This is let them know that they are part of the classroom and engaging eye contact lets the student know that you are paying attentioin to them as an individual
It makes them feel like you are investing in them. Making eye contact with your students is an important way of letting them know that you are interested in their education by acknowledging their presence,it is important to do it in a way that doesn't make them uncomfortable.
I think the student gets to feel you are concentrating your attention to them 100% by looking them in the eye. They become part of the lecture at that point.
Hi Mary Jo!
Perfect! People, in general, like to feel like they are important to the outcome of their activities. Such self-esteem building techniques.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Maria!
This is exactly why eye contact is so important. It helps student and instructor stay connected.
Goo job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Certainly making eye contact with every student on a regular basis throughout the lecture, provides feedback to the instructor and I think it also shows that the instructor wants to engage the students.
Students perceive they are important and a part of the classroom experience when they are included via eye contact. They want to be recognized and appreciate knowing the Instructor values their presence in the classroom.
To me, doing eye contact with my students shows them that I am aware of their presence in my class. They are an individual not part of a group. It shows them I know who you are, I know if you are listening or getting it and that I mean business.
Maintaining eye contact is useful for a couple of reasons. First, it can be used to determine if the students understand the material or not. If not, then you can adjust the material to meet their needs. The second is to show the instructor is interested in the students by paying attetion to them.
Eye contact with my students is something I practice at each class. Sometimes I speak directly to a student calling him or her by name; other times I may use a student as an example in a case in the which they can see themself playing the part for for they are preparing. Just recently though, while lecturing, I became aware of a strange feeling; it almost seemed to come from one particular student. He sat apart from the rest of the class to a far corner. I realized not once had I directed any contact toward him and I could feel as if he felt I was leaving him out of the class, like the lecture that day had nothing to do with him. Immediately I changed my direction and shortly thereafter the feeling was gone.
Michael - I ditto that1
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Gary!
I like to think that I am building a relationship with the student that helps them know that I am accessible and care about their learning outcomes.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
To see if the topic you are taking about is reaching the students
Eye contact keeps the student(s) engaged; let's them know they are apart of the learning process and that they are important to you (the instructor), as well as the learning institiution you represent.
Hi David!
It does create positive learning energy and self satisfaction.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It lets them know you are acknowledging them and it will serve to have them pay closer attention to what you are trying to teach them.
It makes the student feel known of cared for ( in the 2-3 second range)
