Sara,
all of your points are well made & I especially like your third. Movement does help students to know that we are approachable & available, not just the "lecturer" at the front.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It is also useful sometimes to see the whiteboard that I have created from the back or the side of the classroom - gives me a different perspective on my own presentation.
Another point - I wear hearing aids while teaching. One night I forgot them and found it useful to have the "excuse" to have to move close to whoever wanted to speak. Now I "forget" them on purpose from time to time!
When I move around the classroom it makes me feel as though I'm building a connection with the student(s) whom I may be standing near. Moving aroung also helps make you aware of what's going on with your students in the classroom.
Not only are you in "monitoring" mode, but you are encompassing the entire class. I've found it makes the students aware that they are ALL involved. I especially do it to involve the students that sit in the back.
It is important for the instructor to move around for several reasons:
1. To hold the students attention.
2. Keep track of what is going on in the classroom.
3. And to show comfort level between students and instructor.
Jennifer,
I agree with you & have this to be true too. The more I move around, the more energetic & "connected" I am with the lecture content.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Joseph,
great point here! When we act nervous about speaking in the classroom that is often translated as lack of knowledge or expertise in the field. We have to be aware of what we are communicating.
Dr. Ryan Meers
David,
this is great & I too have found this to be true. While I haven't taught online in this way, I have done this when on lengthy conference calls.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It is important to move around in the classroom as an instructor - it helps the students feel like I am ingaged in their learning as well. I can also take a peak at what they are doing - note taking, notes, cell phone use, etc...
When I am on the move I feel engaged with the lesson as well.
In moving around the classroom, you do many things that are usually not even thought of. Here's a few: As you move about, students get the impression that you're in charge. The more easily you move, as you speak, you're automatically seen as someone who's done this all his life. And when that impression is stamped on the brain, you are immediately perceived as the authoritarian on the subject matter. This serves as "Instant relaxation therapy" for the students. And when that happens, you seem to automatically connect with each person as an individual. You present an aire of confidence. Each student just seems to know that, "If anyone can get this 'stuff' through to them, "You're the man"!
Hazelyn,
yes this is a great observation. Even if the students don't have questions it lets them know that we're open to their questions.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Demarcus,
this is very true. I would say that I have found certain topics or situations are aided by my having a seat on the same level as the students. These are rare & really I think, as you point out, it's the variety that really helps.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Henry,
very true. I have also found that it helps me to be more energetic & excited about what I'm saying which in turn helps the students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Timothy,
you've pointed out a couple of great reasons to move around the classroom. Whether it's behind the desk or podium, we seem to be more detached if we're not moving around. Also, it really does help us pick up on certain difficulties that students might be experiencing with sight lines, visuals, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
while I teach online I use a headset with microphone so that however I move either my head of self I am consistant with sound levels - here is the unique thing - I actually move around and gesture a I lecture - I find it forces me to be more involved in what I have to say and makes me deliver the same way a in-class professor would
It makes the students more attentive in class as well as the instructor. I also find that when instructors go around the classroom, it makes us open to students for questions or guidance with their work instead of slacking off in class, esp in a lab setting.
Moving around in the classroom increases the opportunities to make individual students feel engaged as well as to provide opportunities for the instructor to monitor students. Additionally, standing or sitting in front of the class can become boring for students as there is minimal stimulation from the instructor as a person.
It is important to move around in the classroom so that the student's stay awake and interested in the lecture. Staying active by moving around is a great way to keep students up on their toe's.
For several reasons. For one, it shows the students that you are eager to engage them and interested/passionate about the subject being matter being taught. It's difficult to convey your sense of interest if you're sitting still behind a desk. Secondly, I think it lets you back away from the board a bit and perceive the class from the students' perspective. Making sure that they are all comfortable and can easily see the board is important in ensuring that no one is being left behind.
Because you have now made the entire classroom your instructional area. You can engage the students and grab their attention from anywhere in the room.
