Floating and Eye Contact
I believe that floating and eye contact are two key essential tools that instructors should utilize in the classroom. I've noticed that floating helps because students seem to stay alert because of the movement while speaking. Utilizing eye contact with students help me to determine if students are understanding what I am saying. Puzzled eyes let me know if I should elaborate the information more to make sure students are understanding the material.
Mignonne,
this is one of the great benefits of making eye contact with the students. It also helps to pull them into the class & keep them engaged.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have found that when eye contact is maintianed with students during my lectures, it makes it easier for me to assess the level of understanding or puzzlement of the students. The fact that I'm moving throughout the classroom, keeps their eyes focused on me and the two concepts together works well for me.
It also discourages cheating on tests
William,
often that eye contact helps students be open outside of class time as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
MS Stewart,
I have noticed from trial and error that I am more effective for the reasons you state. In addition to what was already stated, my students feel as though they are involved in the lecture. Each one feels as if I am speaking directly to them. Also, I find it helpful to foster student involvement. Students have told me that they feel like I am in the same place as them when I float. This has been a real great tool for my classroom experience.
greg,
yes the floating & eye contact is a great way to keep the majority of students engaged with our lectures.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I also find to engauge the student with eye contact keep them engauged and do a check up with questions. All the time while moving about and keeping them involved with conversation and interst in the days plan.
Wes,
I agree that the more exciting & engaging we can make our lectures, the better chance that our students will learn from us.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I found very early in my teaching career that movement and contact with the students is very effective and important. I was enrolled in far too many courses where the instructor would park at a lectern and rarely look up from his/her notes. No pauses, no eye contact with students, and no engaging body language. I pulled on my sales and presentation skills to strive to NOT be one of those instructors. In a way, we are "selling" the students on the merits of the course material so why not make it exciting for them?
Michael,
yes & it most likely keeps them on their toes which helps them remain alert & engaged in what they're doing.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have a lot of hands on lab in my class and use floating and eye contact to keep my students active and thinking when they are doing their lab assignments. They know I am keeping an eye on their progress but also am there to assist them if they need it. Also a very effective tool to keep control of the class.
Theresa,
and when we provide that opening I've found students will often take the chance to ask a question.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Julie,
I agree that floating is a great tool for management as well as helping students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
You are very correct with puzzled looks. I have noticed at times students will have that look but be afraid to ask questions for whatever the reason. When I am able to make eye contact with them and ask them about questions I usually find out they are not the only ones.
I think floating is very important for a classroom. I like to wonder around and while I make eye contact with each student I am able to observe the body language and get a feeling of how they are doing in the classroom. If they look concerned I can address it with each individual student so they do not feel like they have to look stupid in front of the classroom for not understanding.
Brian,
Yes, the movement & eye contact are great for both of these reasons.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I float and make eye contacy because it lets me know that student are paying attention and it also helps keep them moving as they follow me around the room.I also can make adjustments or backtrack on the info a little if I begine to see the deer in the headlights look.
I have very important rule in my class room everybody have to seat up front so I can see their face expiration and help my students as best as I can. My class my say so.
It is very important to float around the class while lecturing. The students know you are keeping an eye on them. Students want to feel important. It is critical to have eye contact with each student.
