Using the entire classroom
I use the enitre classroom to my advantage. I like to be interactive and I feel that it transfers over to my students in the classroom. Student engagement is very important in the Sociology class I teach because we discuss current societal issues that students can actively particpiate and share personal stories. I walk around the room so that everyone feels invovled and so I can be connected to each student, even if they do not like to participate. I do not know how to be still for longer than 3-5 mins, but I do not pace. I like to consider it "working the room."
Hi Michell!
I like moving about the classroom as well and try to include some learning activity in different areas of the room. i.e. One area may be specifically for discussion, another for review, another for vocabulary, another for powerpoint. The idea is that I do something different so that students don't know what to expect next.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
My personality is more like Ben Stein at times. I suffer from Social Anxiety, so also at times it takes me a long time, if at all, for me to 'work the room'. I am rather effective during the times that I am able to.
I will never forget a high school teacher that never left his desk, talked "Monotone" (like the actor Ben Stein in the clear eyes commercials). I also move about my classroom, but do not pace. I know it helps to add a bit of mystery that keeps students alert for "What coming next"!
I feel the same. I think that 'working the room' is an excellent way to look at this. I do the same things. I like to let each student know they are a valuable part of each class. People who believe they are worthwhile usually do better.
