ATUL,
yes, when we can connect with them in that way it is very helpful.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Eye contact improve students focus and they learn better.
Eye contact with students can help the instructor assess whether or not the information was understood. Additionally, eye contact makes the student feel contected to the learning process. Just two days ago when I was giving a lecture I thought to myself that my eye contact is not what it used to be. After this module I realize my need to improve my eye contact.
Students feel like you are more engaged and listening to what thy have to say if you maintain eye contact from time to time.
Dennis,
this really is a great way to gauge their engagement & their understanding of the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Eye contact lets me know if I'm keeping their interest.
Eye contact is crucial for instuctors. It keeps the students focused on what you are saying while also demonstrating repor with each student during the class.
Angela,
eye contact definitely helps us to establish that rapport.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
To have a good conection with your student.
yes I agree, there have been times that I noticed that a student was not focused so I iniciated the eye contact breifly and walked up to her, she then knew that I was trying to make her interested in my lecture
I agree that some students/people are uncomfortable with eye contact; keeping the contact very brief initially to gauge the students reponse is an important factor in this technique.
For me the eye contact piece is twofold, I also want my students to learn to use eye contact in their professional interactions as well, so using it in the classroom setting gives the students a chance to practice giving and receiving eye contact in a safe setting.
Bette,
this is a great statement to make. It really is that matter of our students wanting to be seen as people.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think students want to know if you see them as a student or just in the classroom spouting verbage.
Eye contact lets the student know they are included in your presentation and you wish to have their acknowledgement.
tracy,
I agree, especially with the demonstrating of confidence aspect. It is so important that our students know we are confident in what we are saying & in the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
to me the value of eye contact is that it helps you to reach the student with the lesson and also shows them that you are not nervous. it also helps the students to participant in the lecture too. when you have eye contact with them, it makes them feel that you are teaching them and not ignoring them. It will also get them to listen clearly and ask questions when they are confused with some of the lecture.
Jennifer,
it really does help the students feel connected to you & to the content.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like having eye contact with students because I think it makes them feel like I am paying attention to them and assessing their understanding of the topic.
This might be the case with most other students, but I can say from my own personal experience as a former student, it did not work that way for me. I preferred to blend into the background (I learn by observation).
I understand this theory about engaging the students through eye contact and I do employ it in my classes.
Just putting in my two cents that this is not an absolute, guaranteed thing that students will be okay with it. Some students are different and don't necessarily want eye contact.
Ann,
this is a great reason to establish that strong & effective eye contact.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
