Moving around the room
I enjoy moving around the room. However, I find that classroom equipment is becoming more difficult to dodge. I also have learned about new computer write boards. Any suggestions?
Hi Benjamin!
Moving around definitely helps students to stay focused and alert to what's going on in the classroom. It also helps the instructor to do the same.
Kepp up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I found that moving around and coming up to the student and read a line or two out of ther text gets them fully involved. Not to single out one student and the moving around keeps there eyes moving which means there listening.
Hi RoQuanda!
What a great approach! You have engaged students and made the experience fun and interesting as well. Keeping students involved in their learning experience is important to their outcomes. It also sets the stage for student's love of life-long learning.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 facilitator
I agree. When I teach, I use several different color marks. I usally start the diagram in one color, then walk around the room. I then call on a student who add more information to my diagram in another color. Then that student call on another student and the cycle continues. This way everyone gets a change to write on the board and move around.
I agree with you moving around the room help keep them invoid. It can also help with state changes.
Hi Oliveria!
I do the same thing. It's not just about keeping them focused but about connecting with them in a way which says "you are important".
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I like to talk as I move, and gently touch the learner's shoulder, just to know I'm there. I don't know if that helps, but I hope the learner's feel that I'm just there to help them.
It is possible to move around the room even while using the write boards. Write the main topic then walk around the room, which makes the students feel like part of your message, and stay away from obstacles in the room. This keeps the students engaged, I think.
The different seating arrangements in the classroom can definitely make an impact on how you move. I feel that in a larger class, it becomes more important to make sure you float. More students in the room means more room for them to "hide." In smaller classes, its easier to keep an eye on any extra activity (texting,etc) from the front of the room.
Hi Matt!
Good question! I usually try to move closer to a student who is asking the question. I find that my attention to the student helps the class become more attentive. It also validates that students interest in the topic. Then I will repeat or have the student to repeat the question for drawing the entire group into the conversation. The goal is that students engage in conversation and that I do not answer the question but be there as needed. Sometimes I move away from the student and others I stay near. Sort of depends on what's going on at the time. But I am very mindful of maintaining the synergy of the class.
You will develop you own technique over time as you experience what works best in your classroom.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
When a student has a question, do you find it advantageous to move towards that student and then move away and repeat the question to the rest of the class or just stay near that student and speak louder to cover the class?
I prefer moving around the room to being static in one spot. Sometimes I will even have a student go up to the front of the class to present information or lead a discussion. I will then move to their seat and conduct class from there...I will add a little humor and comment or respong the way the student might in a given situation. I find it keeps class moving and motivated. Eliminates as the lesson suggested those areas where even good students can become a little lost of off track in their own little side distractions. As for clearing the room...I highly suggest doing so. I have the tables set in a half arc configuration and this allows me to place my chair at the same level as the students and interact during both lecture and general discussions. Keep them on their toes...State changes...Education should be alive, moving and fun.
I move around the room as well, the problem I have is as mentioned in the reading, I begin to pace.
I think it is important that you move around the room as much as equipment will allow. Perhapes set up the classroom to make it easier. As long as you don't move to much, many times I have seen instructors who just can't stand still, and it really takes the focus off the topic. However if you manage to make your movement flow with the topic and mode of the class, it allows the students to focus more and allows you to interact with the students as well, which really keeps thier interest. When using the new boards, you can still do this and return to the board and use it to make a point or highlight a topic whech really works well to keep thier attetion. All to often now to, we see instructors strapped to the computer where as it use to the podium.
I like to use multimedia and presentations, but the mouse is stuck to the computer. I like to move around, but I need a clicker to work as a mobile wire-free mouse.
I move around the room in order to keep students focused on material and at the same time provide one on one instructions .
