On Pacing
I tend to pace in front of my class while I lecture, what is a better way to use that energy?
Lorraine,
I completely agree. While the movement around the room is good, we never want to look like the proverbial caged lion.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have found that when the lecturer paces it distracts me and I am unable to concentrate on the lecture. I have developed a method of roaming around the classroom but not pacing. Moving to quickly around the classroom could have a negative effect on the learner. I think it inhibits learning instead of enhancing it.
This is great, those breaths really do help. Also, keep in mind to slow down your pace overall, but don't be afraid to speed up in some places. There are natural ebbs & flows in all conversations.
Ryan
I try to take a deep breath before I begin so I can pace my self slower
Pacing is a nervous habit that can draw attention away from the topic. I have found that walking around the entire classroom greatly reduces the tendency to pace but still burns nervous energy.
If you use power points, you MUST use a remote when walking around the room. If you don't, you are just running to the computer to change the power poit and you do not appear to be in control.
Relax, be enthusiastic, have professional and yet fun interatction with your students ... the tendency to pace will probably go away.
