Locating Yourself in the Classroom
Moving around in the classroom helps you to connect with each student on an individual basis. Also, this makes it more comfortable for certain students to ask questions to the instructor, if the instructor is nearby.
Why is it important for an instructor to move around the classroom or lab?
When an instructor moves around the class during lecture, it gives them the ability to be accessible to each one of their students. It also will give the instructor an opportunity to see what's going on in the back of the class and also give a prescence to any potential sleeping students.
Moving aroung the classroom can aid in attention and management. The entire room becomes a source for learning. In public schools, bulletin boards even the runner over the chalk boards was used for learning. We create the learning environment, or rather an environment where learning can take place. Moving around expands that environment. For me, teaching math, I'm constantly trying to break free of the board. Even if it's just for perspective.
As an instructor you have to be an entertainer and should create an fun environment. This is the reason that instructor must be moving around the classroom to make sure everyone is engaged and learning. Learning is a collaborative process, everyone should contribute. The role of the instructor is to foster a healthy learning environment. BE ENGAGED.
I think moving around the class room helps the students feel a part of the discussion. It will help establish routine eye contact and this will make the students feel a part of the discussion too. I think that will make the students feel important.
I am tied to the podium!! I love the tips about gradually moving away and having demo material away from the podium. I can't wait to try these things!!
I realize it is important for me to move around the room so the students can refocus and let their brains catch up. I think I do not want to move from the podium because my notes are there and my text book is there. I am afraid I am going to loose my place and be lost. I think the 3x5 note cards will really help me. Thank you for all the great tips. I can't wait to try it and then I will let you know how it went!! :)
Moving around helps to keep the students on their toes and focused. It breaks up the monotony of the typical lecture and helps to engage the students. Asking periodic questions as you are circulating around the room also helps to keep student interest.
I am most comfortable behind a desk or lecturn, I need to make myself move around. I see that this is the best way to get to know the students - getting out in the room. Carry note cards is also best for me when on a walk around the room to help me remain on the class topic.
WHEN YOU MOVE AROUND THE ROOM GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO STAY FOCUSED.
I move around not only to include the entire class, but today we have smartphones. Students are texting, online with facebook, etc. I am there to help them get to the next level and sometimes young adults in this microwave society are all over the place - so I reel them back to me.
Moving around is important to keep the students focused. It is also important when students are learning hands on techniques to work individually with each student to make sure they are gaining the necessary skills.
Moving around the classroom lets the students know that I am fully aware and engaged. They pay attention better and they are less apt to participate in inappropriate classroom behaviors. for example; my students never know where I am going to stand so I don't have the problems with cell phones that some of my colleagues complain about.
Moving around does help the student to stay focused on the instructor, it has always allowed me to better interact with my students, sometimes stopping lecture just to get feedback from a particular student. I find when you move around and ask questions it is a little more personal, almost like a one on one. students seem to appreciate it
I am in constant motion. My favorite teaching is computer lab classes because I will sit next to a student to guide them thru a problem. The student's feel that they are getting the individual attention that the school has promised them, plus, I get to see exactly where they are at in the course and their level of understanding.
Moving around the classroom could help students to focus their attention. In classes where I make it a point to move around, I find that students are more focused on what I am say rather than staring at the powerpoint. They follow my words and what I am verbally emphasizing rather than trying to scribble every word down from the board.
I also find that I have fewer problems with texting and chatting during lectures when I am mobile.
I feel it makes the students more relaxed and encourages them to ask questions.
It allows the instructor to "own" the classroom and spot check to make sure every student is on task. It also allows the teacher to connect with all their students and gauge their attention and comprehension levels about the content being lectured upon. Opens the floor for questions and discussion.
I teach in a computer lab and I want to make sure my students stay on task. In this day and age with technology, you need to keep a close grip on what your students are doing during your instructional time and not wasting it.
I agree with Michelle, demonstrations are times when it is necessary to be in the front of the classroom and all eyes should be up front. But when students are practicing the demonstration on their own, the instructor needs to be 'in the trenches' with them.
