Chuck,
and it really helps pull all of the students into the learning environment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My classes start very early. Moving around the classroom gives me a chance to observe students and the activities that they are doing. It also help keeps the students more alert knowing that I can and will most likely be asking questions, and reviewing subject matter that we just went over.
I have equipment around the classroom, I draw examples of the material on the board in the front of the classroom, I will stop the power point presentation and pass around components that have been dissembled so that the students can touch what they are learning about. I have also asked them to pass any item around in a certain way so that they are able to get the most from what I pass around all of this is done as I walk around the room and interact with each student.
You want to invole all of the students an make the entire envoirnment a learning area
I agree by moving around it keeps students engaged in the class.
It helps you to claim the entire classroom as your territory and keep the students focused. By moving around the entire classroom or lab, you can better observe if students are engaged and make eye contact with all students.
Moving around the class room is important for several reasons. I feel the most important is that it keeps the learners engaged in learning. I tend to move around a lot when I am lecturing. I give the students notes with additional space to add their own thoughts. Me continually moving keeps them focused on me and what I am saying. I pause after each section in the notes and get feed back from them. This allows them time to fill in their own thoughts and what they took away from that section. I also feel it is important to establish the entire class room as within my parameter as an instructor. It keeps distractions to a minimum.
I also make jestures with my fingers to make a strong point.
I was very nervous teaching my first class and I did stand behind the lectern for most of the lecture. My second lecture I began to circulate around the class as I talked and asked questions. It felt more natural and I became more excited and enthusiastic as I taught.
I noticed that the students were more engaged. This movement created a physical closeness to the students.
Do not allow the classroom to set up artificial barriers between you and the students. This was an important strategy for me to learn.
To ensure students that you want them to here lecture and assist them when needed.
Christopher,
yes, the movement around the classroom helps us stay connected with the students in many ways.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
To establish the entire classroom as his space. Also to keep students' on their toes if they are not paying attention, having sidebars, playing with PEDs, etc.
To assess what the students are doing especially in the back of the room. How do you deal with students who are disrespectful ie texting, talking, not paying attention even if you are moving about?
It is important for an instructor to move around the classroom or lab so as to keep students engaged. It also makes the discussion feel like it is aimed at the entire class versus on or a couple of students. Thirdly, it allows for the instructor to read the expressions and body language of the students which will help in determining pace as well as which points to emphasize/review.
I believe that moving around not only draws the students attention it also allows them to focus on you rather than other outside stimulation.
I have found that moving around the classroom provides you an opportunity to keep all of your students engaged. It keeps you as the instructor, engaged as well. You make yourself accessible to all of your students and provide yourself with an opportunity to manage the classroom setting more effectively.
Socorro,
and for all those who want to engage in more interaction, Socratic method, etc the location of the instructor is key to this & the closer I am or the more movement I engage in, typically the easier it is to engage my learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This will make the students understand that you are in control of the class --that you want them to participate actively, reason out, ask question and give honest opinion.
Brian,
great point & sometimes just that presence helps get them back into the game.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
When I walk around the class I know if the students are caught up, and I know who needs more help. Some students get stuck on a problem and I can help them before we move on to another topic.
