Walking while lecturing
Walking through the class is a very effective in teaching adults as you can get the students in the back whom usually do not participate to do so. Has this ever confused anyone's students? I've had students ask me why am I walking around.
My classroom is also full of desks, x-ray equipment, teachers file cabinets, etc. It is difficult to move around,float,and stay focused on lecture while dodging the furniture and equipment. However, when possible, the backrow students are more engaged in the lecture.
Hi Patricia!
I figure there is always something that we can do to make the room more conducive to learning. I like your creativity and I like working in the round with students as I think it encourages more informal interaction.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Jack,
I have recently begun teaching and am new to it. Because my classroom was small and not tuned for a lecture because we are in a lab with tall tables I found that students who's back were to me would talk all the time. Finally remembering tips from my master's class about setting up and staging a room I went in the next day and arranged the tables in a horse shoe in which no ones back is to me. Worked great. Solved the talking problems and distractions.
Because the tables were moved I am able to move around the room and be in the mist of the students. Helps give a better presentation. Still working on getting rid of the note book of notes.
Hi Lisa
I like to walk and lecture at the same time
so i can keep an eye on my class while giving
them the information they need, it also allows
my students to see i don't hide behind my desk.
Because I too teach in the evenings and have been working all day, walking keeps my energy up during class and therefore helps me stay engaged. Most of my classrooms provide enough aisle width to be able to walk up and down comfortably. Because I teach mostly in computer labs, my students would prefer I am walking around watching them and providing feedback.
Kristin
Hi Lisa,
I think it's very effective to walk around class while lecturing. I've never had a student comment on why I am. I think it creates more of an open environment and they seem to participate more.
Personally, I find it difficult at times to "move around" the classroom, mostly due to the class set up (rows of desks) or the large number of students. Whenever possible I rearrange the desks in the class to better facilitate movement or discussion. I find a horseshoe shape works best to accomplish these objectives; however, set up and break down takes some time.
Hi Agnes!
I find that moving around in the classroom is particularly useful for evening students. They often have jobs and families as well as being in school - threrfore they are tired whne they get to school in the evenings. Moving around helps them stay connected with classroom activities. When a student is responding to classroom questions, I like to go nearer so that they know that I am truly interested in what they have to say.
Sometimes it can bread down a students learning barriers if they realize that instructors are truly interested in them as an individual.
Makes my job less monotnous as well.
Hope this helps?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I never really confused students in walking, but it definitely is a great tool in classroom management. The rapport of the class is within my control when I walk, no talking, no intimidation present. We start each day with communicating effectively and that means everyone participate, I find that walking to place myself within the scope of the student is a signal to them that I will meet them a least halfway.
What other ways could walking while lecturing benefit the entire class?
