This practice gives the student a sense of importance, builds a rapport, and keeps them attentive.
Making the personal connection with a student engages them and gets them involved. By making eye contact you establish in the classroom that you are approachable and have genuine concern for their education. Additionally, using body language and eye contact to get your key points across is a great teaching skill and gives you feedback and you can assess as to if a student is "getting it or not".
The student could feel connected to both material and instructor.
Eye contact is looking at each student long enough to make a connection. Two to three seconds is a very effective rule. It helps into the circle of learning by making them aware of their presence and part of the class.
I have found that making good eye contact really helps keep the students focused. They feel important to the discussion and like they are part of the discussion. I also think it holds students responsible if you maintain good eye contact with them.
Maintaining eye contact establishes the personal connection and comfort zone between instructor and student
Hi Tina!
Yes, eye contact is positive reenforcement for student and teacher. It's the instructors responsibility to provide information and encourage learning and when we get that immediate feedback through eye contact everyone wins.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
When you have eye contact with the student they know you are aware and connected with them. Like most people, students like to feel that they are more than just a number, and when you have eye contact it is more personal than just a figure head up in front lecturing.
Greetings Jon!
I couldn't agree more. Students who are borderline for retention or passing the course can get encouragement from an instructor who is able to connect with their students - and eye contact is a very good starting place.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Nicholas!
You are absolutely correct - it is about connecting and staying connected with students. People who are made to feel valuable become even more valuable and self-confident.
Keep up the good work!
jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I couldn't agree more Dr. Stewart!
The other thing is that students are not just more engaged but you can see their self-esteem improving.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I agree that eye contact helps draw their attention into what your saying, which makes you, the teacher, feel good in hoping your students are successfully comprehending the new information.
I believe in performing good solid eye contact.
I feel that once this is established between the instructor and the student, the student will feel that he or she is part of the class and will feel more inclined to participate. I also feel that the student who is now part of the class will feel the need to meet the instructor's expectations
Jon Allen
Excellent Sabrina!
Students should take center stage at all times. And one way we let them know how important there are to the classroom process is by maintaining good eye contact.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed105 Facilitator
Absolutely Lynn! Instructors should employ every communication skill that they can. Very important that instructors are in tune with their students.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Rita!
Eye contact is really a communication system between student and teacher. Students know that they are important to the process and that the instructor values their imput. Further, it provides clues/signals for the instructor so that they know students are iinvolved with class activities. It is definitely mutually beneficial.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Absolutely Sharon!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Naima!
It is amazing what can be said without ever saying a word. I feel like eye contact is such positive reenforcement.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED16 Facilitator
Hi Karen!
I also think that eye contact reenforces positive behaviors and encourages learning. It further reassures students that they are importanct to you and the the classroom process.
Thanks for the reminder about international students and cultural differences.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It is important to maintain eye contact with your students .It establishes your presence in the room.It also lets the student know you aware of what is going on around the classroom
