Hi John!
I agree with both of your comments! I do think that it is an opportunity to help that shy student be able to connect with the instructor and other students. I've always been surprised and pleased when I've reached that student who is withdrawn and doesn't participate.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It lets a student know that even thought the classroom is full, I am talking to each one of them personally. Also, if one student is whispering to another or is otherwise distracted, pointed eye contact tells them that is not acceptable behavior.
Making periodic eye contact with students (2-3 seconds) is enough to create a connection so that you as the instructor know who is engaged, who is not, who is thinking of something else, etc...
i think it makes them feel important,and helps keep them engaged
I think eye contact with most students hold their interest and makes them feel more involved but shy students sometime feel uncomfortable in that situation.
Hi Aaron!
Very astute! You are absolutely correct that students are seeking approval and acceptance from the instructor. It's about connecting with our students to ensure they have a positive learning experience which supports a healthy focus on life-long-learning.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
b/c it makes your lecture more personal. You are concentrating on the students and they know it.
Let all students know that they are important
Eye contact is very important when communicating. Maintaining eye contact lets the students know that you are informed on the topic on what you are lecturing.
Eye contact with students helps an instructor keep the attention of students by making the class room experience personal for each student in the room.
Eye contact can also clam students and help an instructor maintain a healthy classroom atmosphere.
What I have found is that students long for some type of approval from instructors. Instructors are in charge of the class and in a position of power not unlike that of parent and child. Each student, even though mostly unaware is seeking approval from the the instructors like that of a parent. Eye contact can set students at ease by providing, in part, some of that approval - even though it is only a gesture of acknowledgement of their existence in the classroom.
It engages them ... they believe they have your attention and you have theirs ...
Hi Deanna!
I would really like to see you expand your answers. I bet you have some really great ideas!
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Maintaining eye contact from an instructor point of view lets students know "I see you, you are important to me, and I have a vested interest in your education."
Eye contact allows the student to feel like you are having a personal conversation with them while teaching a class. Establishing eye contact is a two way street too. Not only does the student feels like you are talking to them, but you as the instructor can see their comprehension as well. The human body has so many ways of showing understanding. As an instructor you can use these visual clues to determine if students are understanding what you're explaining.
Eye contact reinforces the human connection between instructor and student. This enables the student to feel seen and heard, in the classroom environment. Additionally, if students become accustomed to this eye contact, it should help retain their attention on the lecture.
remain in control of the class
I think maintaining eye contact with the entire class is very important. If you never look at a student, the student may feel unrecognized and unimportant. Eye contact lets the student know you are recognizing them and including them in your session.
Earnest J. Kendall Associate/Instructor
It means a lot to all students to have the attention of the instructors.
Maintaining eye contact with students is valuable, I think students feel as if they can trust you when you look them in the eye.
Hi Candy!
Maintaining eye contact with our students provides with so many indicators about classroom interaction. It's also reassuring students that they are important and valued for the learning process.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
