Tamikah,
the use of strategic movement by the instructor can be a great way to really keep the class engaged & moving forward with you.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
While you are moving around the room, you can accomplish several things that can make you more effective as an instructor. One, you can establish a presence with all of the students because you are moving by them and can bring them into the class information. Second, you can observe what they are doing in the form of note taking. Sometimes you can enhance your lecture by seeing what they are getting and can repeat important points. Third, while you are moving around, you can utilize training aides to show and demonstrate systems to individuals without obstructions to their view. And finally, it seems that their attention span improves with your movement in the room.
I think it is important for the instructor to move around the room to keep the class enagage.
As I lecture I tend to ask student's questions about the topic at hand or ask them to read what is on the powerpoint slide.
It's helps in the instruction of the material to move around the class and let them know they are acknowledge in the learning process.
She continues to remain inquisitive and engaged for each new class, especially now that she is entering hands-on training and courses with a lab.
Barbara,
I like the remotes for power point as well as it gives that freedom. Wow, be thankful for that student, I wish more saw their education in that way!
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I began using a remote during power point presentations to lecture from the back of the room, based on a student complaint that others had "staked out" the seats in the front of the room and made it very unwelcome for others to move closer to the front. She stated that she was paying the same tuition and felt she was stuck in the 'bleacher section" at the back of the room, getting less attention. It has worked well to satisfy this complaint, and to engage those who sit in the back to become invisible as well.
I agree, that can be a problem especially when the lights are down for a slide presentation, there are back packs and bags in the aisles and on the floor everywhere.
Moving about the room is something I have a very hard time doing. The rooms are packed with chairs and tables and it makes it difficult to get around the room. Some room are very small so that if I take 10 steps, I am already at the back of the room. I feel the room setup distracts. I have to concentrate on getting by the students without tripping. I try to walk about the room some when they are testing. I have often thought that putting the tables and chairs in a U shape might help.
I find that moving about the classroom performs several functions for me
1) It defines my edcuational environment.Students can expect me to move to any part of that space at both predetermined (like demonstrations) and non-predetermined times. It adds a sense of mystery. The entire room becomes my whiteboard
2) I begin the class behind the desk to set the tone, and authority of the class. However I quickly move from behind it. I will greet my students individually by going to them. Thereby individualizing the learning environment. Giving a non-verbal cue that I am willing to meet them at least half way.
3) As I lecture, or even demo- I may choose to sit amongst the students as we have discussions. I keep the seating height level even, until I need to make an important point, and then I will stand. once the point is made, I will move to another area and repeat.
4) I have white boards on all 4 walls, and will move about the room to each board as the lecture progresses, so the student will have to physically follow me- changing their position and renewing energy in the room.
I consider the educational environment to be a growing/ living entity, as the dynamics of the class develops. The physcial environment may remain static, but certainly the happenings within the classroom will change each and every day.
Movement shows- action, excitement, energy, and progression.
Thank You
Sherrie,
this is great self-awareness & a great way to help you make purposeful moves.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I tend to pace the classroom for several minutes at a time. I really DO like to place objects used for demonstrations around the room. Not just to allow me to move with a purpose, but to get the student's interest about the subject.
Cynthia,
I agree with all of your statements here & I also feel like it helps me to be more enthusiastic & engaging with the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I couldn't imagine a class where I was not moving around the classroom. Not only does it allow me to see reactions of my students, I think I can connect better with my students when I'm not hiding behind a desk. Added plus, students will continue to listen when you are moving around.
Bryce,
yes, movement can be a great way of keeping the attention focused in the right place.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
moving around gives students a way to focus and makes it easy for those not paying attention to then start paying attention.
Brian,
it definitely helps keep attention & also helps those students who might be a little bit sleepy.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel it's important because it helps to keep the student involved. If they have to keep moving their eyes and heads to follow you, it helps to keep their attention.
Allows you to view the entire student body and provide you with information on how well students are prepared to take notes, how well they can spell technical terms, and you can prevent texting on the cell phone. Students will be more involve in class and the lesson at hand!
Yes that's a good reason Also, it creates better contact and rapport.Students feel more part of a group rather than an instructor Throwing knowledge at them.
It lets the students know that the entire classroom is "your" room. It also removes the negative spacial division of a classroom, the instuctor's space and the student's space.
