Tom,
this really is a great way to help the students feel like they are part of the class & the instruction, rather than passive observers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Carla,
the more we can physically or nonverbally demonstrate that we want to connect with the students & engage them, the greater chance we have for success.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have always found that if I move around in the classroom it keeps the students engaged in the lecture and encourages questions.
It helps the students understand the tone of the classroom. It also puts them at ease. It keeps them engaged. It lets them know that the instructor is also interested in what they are saying.
By locating oneself in the classroom one helps the student to remain alert as he follows the instructor. Also one minimizes the possibility of one student observing another's paper, especially during a quiz.
John,
you have a great point here about uniting with the students. What we dont' realize is that often when we stand behind our lectern or by our desk we are creating a barrier or gulf between us & the students. This makes it easier for them to disengage & so we must keep them engaged & moving helps with this.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Moving around is essential for my teaching style, as I like to pantomime and use props and physical demonstrations to keep student attention. I think that it also helps to unite the students and instructor into a group on a common mission instead of a collection of individuals listening to a presenter.
It used tobe awkward for me to move around the classroom. However, now, it's awakes for me not to move around the classroom. I'm more confident in the material I am teaching so it is less drone and more conversation. It's important because staying still is stagnation and it's boring. It's important to keep students engaged
Nancy,
this is an excellent idea as it really does keep the entire class engaged in the learning & feel a part of the process.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Help instructor observe themselves as to how the students except them or students behavior when instructor is present
I often use the back of the classroom as the front and lecture from there. It does two things. It lets the students who sit at the back of the classroom know that they cannot "check out" and need to be valuable class members and it also keeps some of the focus away from the powerpoint presentation. The students needs to look away from the scree at the front of the room to look at me as I lecture.
It has made a difference in my confidence moving out into the class room. I feel more supportive of the students, rather than feeling like the dictator.
Velma,
just these simple movements can make a big difference in engaging the class, glad you were bold & stepped out.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Dr. Meers,
I found out that it really is not as bad as I thought moving from behind the podium. I find also that the students are moe interractive the closer I get to them.
Velma
It is very important for the instructor to move about the classroom. Moving about may keep the students engaged. Having their focus in a different direction will redirect their brains and help them to regain focus. The instructor will also be better able to engage all of the class participants by going to where the students are. Standing close to a student and responding to the student may draw that student into the presentation to become more engaged. The instructor will also be better able to manage the classroom by having their presence prevent some issues from surfacing such as personal discussions between students, or inattentiveness from texting or doing other things. Recently I have become less attached to the podium and find that as I move students will move with me, and classroom engagement has improved tremendously.
Velma
It is very important to move around the classroom. It keeps the students motivated and allows the instructor to include everyone in the classroom by being able to observe every student from the front row to the back row. I like to rearrange the classroom tables every week so they have a different view on the classroom. Standing behind a desk when instructing puts a barrier between the students and instructor. Moving around and using hand gestures keeps the students engaged.
Vanessa,
all of these are benefits & it also helps the students feel like they really are part of the learning environment & not just passive participants.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
to keep the attention of the classroom throughout the lecture.
Moving around the classroom helps the instructor to remain engaged and helps to keep the students engaged as well. It also helps to deter poor behavior such as texting during class or talking. It gives the students a sense that you are talking to each of them.
Helps with better instructor-student interaction
