As we have all learned from childhood, making eye contact is a sign of respect; honest people make eye contact...that notion is directly translatable to the classroom. Not only can I make an assessment as to the comprehension on the student, they will feel more comfortable to ask a question if they feel they are getting some individual attention.
When you make eye contact with a student it makes them feel that you care about their progress and they will be more likely to respond to questions you may ask.
Hi Jamie, thanks, good eye contact certainly creates a connection with each student without being intimidating; it helps "personalize" the learning environment and also demonstrates that the instructor is confident.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
They all not only want to feel included, but need to know they are acknowledged. I feel when you make eye contact, it opens the students up to discussion more often.
It gives the student a sence of sercurity, also that the instructor knows their subject matter and also wishes to be in the class to educate them.
Students feel connected when you look them in the eye. In our society, in normal conversation, it is considered rude or odd not to look the person in the eye, at least for part of the time. It makes the person feel that you are really taking to them, on a personal level. Students stay engaged and interested if you actually notice them and maintain eye contact for a few seconds at a time.
certainly this action is to engage and involve the student learner. An act of inclusion. Again, the maturity and experience of the instructor should dictate the nonverbal expression and length of time. Some students, depending on emotional inteligence, may feel intimidated or singled out.
Students feel through eye contact that you respect them and they are worth your time. It helps you gauge if they are understanding the material as well.
for the student there is a moment (or several) of connection, and they feel included. For the innstructor (or for me at least) it helps me learn students names and connect them to faces. They also realize that I am aware of whats going on and I don't miss much, by including everyone.
