You acknowledge that they are apart of the class.
That you respect them.
Kundukisa,
you're right about this. Making eye contact demonstrates that we are in control in the classroom & also helps establish that connection with our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It demonstrates your interest in the student and makes your message more important.
Eye contact shows your interest in the students as individuals. Also, gives non-verbal feedback as to understanding. If the student has the "glazed eye look" either they are not understanding or they are not interested.
I agree eye contact is essential it allows an instructors to read the faces of their students to see if they are engaged as well as understanding the material. This gives the instructor a chance to see if students are confused or excited about what is being taught.
Eye contact helps the circle of learning by connecting with them through eye contact.
Brenda,
I too have found that looking into students' eyes helps me to see if they are "getting it" or not & this helps to redirect as you said.
Dr. Ryan Meers
it also tells the student that you care enough to focus on him or her. This creates a sense of belonging.
Eye contact is a valuable non-verbal communication tool that helps establish a management role in the classroom.It helps create rapport with students on individual bases.
Along with identifying with my students, and validating them as individuals of worth, eye contact allows me to see if they are understanding the concepts we are learning. If I see a puzzled look, I can back up and rephrase the information, or the procedure. Some students are hesitant to raise a hand, because they think they are the only one not "getting it". If one is not understanding, there probably are more.
Patricia,
lots of great comments & reasons here. I especially like your point about validating the students as an important part of the class. This is so important!
Dr. Ryan Meers
Suzanna,
I agree that the eye contact really does help demonstrate to our students that we care & are interested in them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like to make eye contact with all of my students for a number of reasons:
1) Eye contact validates each student as an important part of the class.
2) Eye contact helps me to remember students' names (especially during the first few classes of the quarter).
3) Eye contact allows me to read the faces of the students. I can tell if they are "getting it", confused, or "completely in the dark" about concepts we are covering.
4) Eye contact allows me to gauge class flow; giving breaks, moving on to new subject matter, or repeating a previously discussed topic.
It reminds the student you are paying attention, you are interested in their well-being by being attentative to body language/visual cues. Eye contact reminds them to stay engaged.
Timothy,
I too have found this to be true. It is much more difficult for the students to check out or disengage if I have first connected with them through eye contact.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The true value of maintaining eye contact with students is to make sure that you truly involve the student in the discussion. The student will feel like you are speaking to them, instead of at them.
Yes, It can really be a motivator to get that eye contact and look of comprehension. I strive for that in each of my students' faces. :)
The importance is to hold your student's attention and shows your individualized interest in them.
Eye contact is important while lecturing in class, this keeps the students engaged. If your asking a student a question the student will know your intested in what they have to stay when you maintain eye contact.
Eye contact is the same as asking a student a question. It holds them accountable for information being given. If they know your just not up in front reading to them and that you are actually acknoledging them with your eyes they become involved in theclass.
mark,
there are definitely generational differences that must be taken into account in every classroom. I've found if I keep after it, even the younger students will do better with eye contact & responsiveness.
Dr. Ryan Meers
