Very good strategies, indeed. I teach Algebra and use a Star Board for most demonstrations, so I know I get 'tied' to the front of the room. Saying "I feel left out" sounds better than just "please put that away" ---I have to work at moving around the room -which will help engage more students.
Chris,
this is a great point. As we roam around with purpose we help hold our students accountable.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think there are a few reasaons. It keep the engaged and less likely to get bored. It also makes you look more interested in the course sontent if you move about compared to teaching like you statue.
To make sure you are involving all students in the discussion/lecture. It is also a way of observing students to make sure they are not doing other things that they shouldn't be doing...like on the phone, or facebook ect. It keeps them focused on what you are talking about and keeps them ready to answer if you ask them a question.
Students realize they must pay close attention to the materials being taught, when instructors walk throughout the classroom or lab. Also, students know they cannot use social media devices as readily if the instructor is "floating" throughout the room. Floating may help students focus more and may prevent others from daydreamng and/or falling asleep.
It gives each student a "close up" experience if you move around the classroom. As an instructor you can also tell who is paying attention by watching who follows you in your travels. :)
I believe that it is important to move around the lecture room to maintain interaction with each student to make sure that it is personalize during the class time that the student's have to answer questions on a individual basis.
I think that movement serves a number of purposes, but when teaching in a hands on learning environment I feel that it sends the message to students that you care about their progress.
Walking around as you are guiding students through the material not only keep seach students on their toes (in a computer setting can help to avoid the perpetual Twitter checks), but it helps provide individualized support as student needs it.
Moving around helps to keep the students engaged in the lesson and also lets them know that you are aware of your surroundings and what is going on in the classroom. For the students who tend to get distracted in one way or another it helps them to refocus. I also get to see who is really paying attention and who is not.
Simone,
all of these are great reasons for movement around the classroom. With various devices today (i.e. tablets) the instructor can keep his/her notes with them while moving.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Moving about the classroom keeps the learner engaged in the topic of discussion. It also helps the teacher maintain good classroom management in that students are less likely to wander off topic on their iPads if the teacher is going to come by their desks. I find that I don't do this enough. I will need to implement some of the suggestions in this module to make me more effective in this area.
Moving about the classroom keeps the learner engaged in the topic of discussion. It also helps the teacher maintain good classroom management in that students are less likely to wander off topic on their iPads if the teacher is going to come by their desks. I find that I don't do this enough. I will need to implement some of the suggestions in this module to make me more effective in this area.
Per the information, it is important for the instructor to move throughout the classroom and lab for various reasons. For example, it helps to eliminate cheating, viewing of wrong materials on laptops, it establishes that the instructor is in charge of the class, and it allows them to interact with the students better than they could sitting behind their desk or standing behind a podium. In addition, it shows the students that the instructor is open instead of being closed off or unapproachable.
Overall by moving around, it keeps the students focus on you, the Instructor. It helps you to see student activity, prevents texting on cell phones, and see how well students are prepared.
Angela,
this is one of the primary reasons to keep moving throughout the classroom.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to move around the classroom to keep there attention and make shore there taking notes
It allows you to involve everyone, and it keeps you the instructor involved
An instructor needs to move around the classroom this allows them to see the instructor as well as inform them of any issues, they may have.
Melissa,
yes, it is a good idea to move around while lecturing. I would encourage a wireless presenter mouse so you can be free from needing to advance your slides manually. Also, many tablets come with the ability to control power point remotely as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The entire classroom space and all the students need to be included in the class. As soon as class begins I begin walking around. This way I know immediately if a student is beginning to drift and how I have to engage to bring them back into the group.
