Meagan,
yes & that communication can be in the simple looks as we can gauge whether or not students are reading us or not.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It keeps a two way communication even during lecture. Additionally, students are more likely to stay on task when they know the instructor is watching them.
Jennifer,
I'm sure it does. The eye contact helps engage them & it's also a great way to demonstrate the care you have for your students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel like it brings the studetns into the lecture or conversation and personalizes it when good eye contact takes place. I have great rapport with my students and I think the eye contact has a lot to do with it.
Charlene,
and this is a great way to really pull them in & get them engaged with the course.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
having eye contact with each student lets them know that you have a one on one understanding of what you are trying to explain to them.
Eye contact is a very powerful way of engaging each student personally and a way to hold them individually accountable for the material. "I see you," helps to bridge the gap between the student and the teacher and the student knows you are there for them.
Maintaining eye contact with students serves several functions. First, it alerts students that you are fully aware and present, not just lecturing but watching. Second, the 2-3 second rule allows you to make a brief connect to show students that they are important and not just a number. Third, eye contact establishes cultural sensitivity. By that, an instructor will be able to determine if the behavior is offensive to a student of another culture by their response. Finally, maintaining eye contact is a form of non-verbal communication-which, in essence speaks louder than verbal communication.
Clay,
and this eye contact really helps them feel a part of the group, feel respected & listened to.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Maintaining good eye contact is a great example for students to learn effective communication skills they will need to begin their careers. Using yourself as the example, have students give feedback as to how they feel when there is and is not eye contact.
It breaks down an invisible barrier between the instructor and the student while opening a line of communication. Eye contact, body language, gestures all play an important part in the learning experience.
Eye contact with my students is especially important in my classroom. Not only am I making eye contact during lecture, but also with face to face instruction. With eye contact, the student knows that I am talking only to them.
Keeping eye contact with students keeps the students engaged in the lecture. I also shows that you care and want to make sure the students understand the content. I have found that looking a student in the eyes can help me determine whether or not they "get it".
lisa,
eye contact, in Western culture, is also a way to show respect & caring.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Maintaining eye contact is very important. It shows the student they are part of the discussion. It may also keep their attention focused on what is being said. So that they don't loose interest.
Absolutely important! Just as important as the content of what you are teaching is the way your deliver it.
It is a means to let your student know they are a part of the class. That they matter.
I am currently taking classes and I know how it makes me feel when my Professor makes eye contact with me during her lectures. I feel more involved. Like I'm connecting with her.
Shawna,
yes & often just through the eye contact a student will feel more willing to ask those questions & open up.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Shawna,
yes & often just through the eye contact a student will feel more willing to ask those questions & open up.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Hi Ryan,
I think eye contact shows your student that you have their interest at heart. It helps them to make the individual connection between student and teacher.
Paulette
