It is important to move around the classroom to "stake" your territory, i.e., your classroom, which delineates that you are in control in the classroom. However, too much movement does cause "motion sickness" for the students sometimes. It is important to have them be engaged in what you are saying and know that you are walking around and "checking up" on them so they are not surfing on the Internet while you are lecturing.
It allows the instructor to interact/connect with the students. I believe it also keeps the students more aware/awake during the lectures.
MOVING AROUND THE CLASS TELL YOUR STUDENS THAT YOUR INVOLED
I can understand the benefits of floating around the room, but I'm wondering what type of seating configuration is best for this activity? We have rooms that are packed with seats and the aisles are narrow and it is difficult to move around without being unobtrusive. I've tried to do this, but it becomes more of a distraction than a benefit. Any suggestions?
It keeps the students alert. Students get bored if you are in one place. I like to use movement to help transition. For example, when discussing point one, I may stand right in front of the class. Then, for point 2, I may move to another part of the class.
Also, in today's age with the internet, walking around the classroom lets me monitor what students are doing and helps to curb inappropriate internet usage.
Moving around the classroom makes the lecture more personal with the students, closer proximity makes it easier for the student to engage, and also keeps the student engaged.
Hi Scott!
You really do have an excellent environment for moving around in the classroom. But it makes sense that all instructors feel like they have as equally good environment for moving around. No matter the subject, movement in the classroom should be the natural thing to do. It's about connecting with students!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I feel that its important for me to move around my classroom and the lab to keep all my students engaged. Some of my students want to hide in the back and text on their phones or play on their computers and when I move around the classroom they are less likely to try to get away with that.
I teach a pastry class, so it is perhaps more natural for me to be moving around the kitchen/classroom to monitor what my students are doing. I have three groups working simultaneously, and each group is working on something different. I therefore need to be continually moving from one station to the next, to be sure that everyone is on track. Often I will need to to be at one station for longer than usual, if I am doing a demonstration. Regardless, I think it is important that I spend time with each student (sometimes I have to make sure they're not texting or goofing around) and moving around the classroom is the best way to ensure that students are engaged and learning. In addition, the students know that I am available and ready to help them.
In my experience, students remain on-task more readily while I'm floating around the room. Once I sit at my desk, pens get put down and notebooks close... the students start to shut down. Floating also keeps me on top of those students who may need extra attention with note-taking, etc.
Maria, I totally agree, and I remember it being much easier to answer an instructors question directly to them as opposed to possible shouting it from the back of a crowded room. Students are much more at ease when they feel they are answering directly to the instructor, as opposed to the whole class.
Moving around in the classroom or lab allows instructor to make eye to eye contact with each student. Also allows students to feel your presence and know that you are focusing on them as individuals.
I find that with the use of visual aids, such as powerpoint and DVD, roaming up and down the center asile, allows me to observe students, taking notes, following me during my movement in the classroom, or; about to fall asleep.
Hi Colleen!
You make such an excellent point about staying connected with students when you move around. It makes students feel like you - the instructor - are more approachable and that you care about their learning outcomes.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Because our students know we are lecturing for all of them, and they pay more attention.
By moving around in the classroom, the instructor can visualize the powerpoints while making eye contact with the students and non-verbally assess whether they are understanding the ponts being made. The instructor is able to see when the students want to make comments or ask questions eaisier if he/she is moving about and is interactive in the class.
Moving around the classroom keeps students from getting bored just watching you stand there up from. A point was made about how students seem to perk up when you get close to them and this is true too. Also, while it is now more common for students to have laptops, moving around does seem to help reduce the amount of energy they put into any non-class items on the laptop rather than the course material.
I find that if I do not move around the classroom, then only the front row students stay involved with the lecture. Whereas, moving around the room also brings into the lecture the back row students. This way more students stay focused on the material.
I teach night classes that are scheduled for 4-5 hours long. Because of back problems there is no way I can stand for most of the class. I have found sitting close to the students at their level works for the lectures and then I float on and off while they are working on labs.
Moving about the classsroom keeps the attention and focus on the instructor and the topic being covered. I start off at the lectern by the end of the class period I have covered every corner and made some type of instructional contact with all students.
