I actually enjoy the ability to move in the classroom, it's a way of better connecting with the student and it sort of engages them with eye contact and personal teaching if you will.
I seldom use my table except for attendance and lab demos. Keeping the movement slow has a bigger impact as well.
It allows me to claim the entire classroom as my instruction area. It also enables me to observe what students are doing especially those who always like to sit in the back of the class.
i feel i can connect better with my students
I found if you spend to much time in one location in the classroom the students become fixated to that one area and they start to "lose attention". By moving around I find that they stay engaged with the information.
It gives variety for my students visually.
They get to see other students in the class.
Also as I move, I move with purpose to emphasize a point as if each
step or hand motion is the next step to take in a process that I
am explaining.
It also lets each student know that he/she is the one I am talking to
as I approach them or their area. That I am interested in his/her learning and understanding. That has even opened up questions or comments from that part of the room.
Moving around the room purposefully is a teaching tool that
is effective for student's learning making each student feel as if he/
she is an important part of the class.
I love walking around the room; it helps me know what the students are doing and not doing; it lets the students in the back row know that they can sit anywhere and I will float over to them; it helps keep the student involved.
I find that moving around the classroom is critical, as I teach College Success, and students often come into my class assuming that they are going to be bored. In order to counter that misconception, I work hard to maintain a dynamic classroom environment, which absolutely involves me moving around the classroom and "connecting" with individual students during lectures/discussions.
As many have already stated, this keeps the dynamic fresh, and helps to maintain their attention. They are also much more likely to interact with me and with their classmates, as they then find themselves to be more involved in the class and the topic.
Thanks,
Karin Eby
Floating in the classroom and lab means the following:
1. accessibility.
2. it avoids distractions and chatter.
3. it shows your enthusiasm to teach and that you have a high energy level.
4. it makes your presence known.
5. it offers feedback to your students and makes it possible to praise their progress.
6. it keeps them focused, motivated, engaged.
Thanks.
Joseph A. Rosales, Jr.
I feel that it keeps my students, as well as myself, interested in the topic we are discussing. When you are standing still you can give off the feeling that you are bored with your subject and if youare bored your students will get bored as well, and you cannot blame them. It keeps me on my toes mentally as well as physically to move around the room.
I have found that moving around the class tends to keep the student interested in the topic.The students have a chance to let what is being said soak in, and be absorbed. I also use this while my students are working on assignments, which discourages unauthorized computer usage and any unwanted chatter.
Moving around the classroom extends your presence throughout the room. In doing so you are able to reach all the students and see what students are currently engaged.
Hi Arlene!
It really is good in so many ways for all concerned - instructor and student working together for successful learning as well as personal outcomes.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Kimberly!
Good for you! Students like to feel as though they are part of the process of learning. When students know that the instructor is interested and connects with them, their learning outcomes are consistently going to be better.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Greetings Linda!
Really never thought about it this way. But a very good approach since Lab is about expanding and experiencing what you have learned in the classroom.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Moving around the classroom allows an instructor to connect with learners. The close proximity to students takes down barriers of the "student" "intructor" mentality. There is an accessibility level between learners and instructors when you move around the classroom. Rather than appearing as the "all knowing" you become connected to the learners.
I agree that moving around shows enthusiasm. It really demonstrates to students you think what you are teaching is exciting. When I have students work in small groups, I walk from group to group and stop to sit with each group. I use this opportunity to offer feedback and praise their positive progress.
I teach lab classes and walking around the class works well for me because I can show them what I'm talking about so that when the time comes for them to practice they are not lost. I also like walking around during lecture because it lets my students know that I care and want to be involved in what they are learning.
It helps with classroom management. It lets the students know that the teacher is approachable. I think that it keeps the students involved also. I do not like staying seated behind a desk or lectern.
I know for my students and the courses I teach moving around the class room gets and keeps them involved in the topic. I feel it also show Enthusiasm.
It is important to move around the room during lecture. But I find during lab time, it works better to alternate moving about and sitting at the desk. Students then have time to develop their capabilites and can then ask for help as you again move about.
