Eye contact is key to effective communications. Part of the problem that we have today is our communication efforts take the form of text messages and or e- mail and there is no personal expression as well as no tone of voice. Because of this many statements and or comments are miss reprsented and unfortunately follow up discussion takes on a whole new purpose. In the classroom eye contact gives legitamacy to statements and information. Not only does it confirm that communication is taking place but also that the message is relayed with the right amount of emphasis and is understood. Eye contact is essential to opening the channels of communication as well as establishing respect between the instructor and the student
Hi Jay, for me having eye contact with indivisual students helps me to stay in tuned with the students. If I never look at them and kep my head and eyes down into a book or podium, then I will not know if I am keeping their attention.
lets them know your interested
lets them know your interested in what their saying
Exactly. I have seen the look of confusion and glazed over look many times, (hopefully less now that I have taken this course...LOL). I immediately inquire about the point I may have been making as being understood, or continue to re-express a concept or point, in simpler terms and then look to see if the "look" I was concerned about has changed, and ask students to repeat in their own words, their understanding of what I was communicating.
Eye contact is a way to connect with each student. It's not uncommon to have classes of 40 students, and in a class that large not every student will have the opportunity to be called on and particpate during a lecture/discussion. Maintinaing eye contact allows me to connect with those students even when they're not answering a question.
It is important to use eye contact in conjunction with all the body language and verbal activities as just one of many components to show interest and focus to each student.
To me the key with eye contact as an instructor, is to be present when teaching, and find that place of true interest in each student you are teaching.
the end result for me is to find the single activity of eye contact a natural activity that ultimately I do not have to think about!
it shows you re engaged with them and are actively interested
Maintaining eye contact with each student is the key that connects instructor to student. As an instructor, you want your students to be aware that you care about their learning experience. You show you care through eye contact. You gauge their attention - they will feel part of the learning process and are more apt to participate. Eye contact should be long enough to make the connection but not too long to cause the students to feel uncomfortable. Maintaining eye contact with each student - each time class meets should be the goal for all instructors.
Hi Patricia!
Isn't it amazing how such a small acknowledgement goes such a long ways with students. Eye contact is such a critical part of connecting with students for their learning.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
having eye contact for 2 to3 saeconds lets the student feel like you are talk just to them but then you look at the entire class to finish the question.
eye contact keeps you connected with all of the students in the class
I understand that different cultures have different feelings about certain things and this must be one of them. Could you please expand on why it is an insult to look a Japanese girl in the eye?
It is very important because it keeps you engaged with the student and vice versa. You can read if a student is not GETTING IT and needs more explanantion.
Making eye contact is so important not only including them in the conversation but see that they are actually understanding the material be delivered.
They know that I am including them in the lesson. It keeps them connected with what's going on in the classroom and communicates that I care about their learning.
The students feels acknowledged and respected.
Names are equally important, i try hard to remember and correctly pronounce student names.
Depends on the students. The biggest mistake a Western instructor can make is assuming that her own cultural mores re: eye contact are universal. Stare a female Japanese student in the eye and discover otherwise. This is important.
It allows you to connect to students on a personal level and also get a read for how they are responding to the way you a re presenting the material. Know your audience.
