"Floating"
Does walking around the room while lecturing work?
Dorothea,
I like to float around the room as well, mainly because (as you said) it provides a surge of energy for me & as a result for the students. I've found it keeps all of us more engaged & lively.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Floating around the classroom allows a surge of energy flowing throughout the classroom environment. Make quick 2-3 second eye contact to let student know that are having a constructive conversation with them. No-one likes to be lectured to. Students want to be evolved in the learning process. Floating works if done properly.
Steven `,
yes, while we may not them moving a lot, anything that gets them to move even a little can help break the monotony & reengage them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It works great in my classroom environment. I get them to turn in their seats and this gets them to move, stretch, and pass items around as well. This gets the blood pumping and the heads off the desk.
Glenn,
I agree that the floating helps the class feel more like a whole unit rather than just a bunch of isolated learners.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I believe it does, not only to monitor student activity but also "pull" the class together.
Lavetta,
yes, this is a great way to monitor without hovering.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with the floating process. Teaching computer classes, I float quite frequently - both while talking and when they are working on hands-on projects. By floating, I can observe that students are actually working on projects and not on facebook, etc.
Kevin,
yes the floating helps to monitor our students & remind them that we are available as needed.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Ann,
I agree that the floating is a great way to keep the attention of our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I will walk around the room to engage the students. I also find that it make the students engage more as they feel that I am actively trying to encourage participation.
I think it really helps on a number of levels. To begin, floating allows me to observe the students and how (and what) they are working on. Additionally, it allows me to change the pace of the class and further facilitate discussion
yes, its natural for me to float while teaching. This keeps my students engaged and I can more evenly distribute my attention among the students.
Mike,
I personally feel that it does. It helps keep attention from locking into one spot & also helps students realize that they are part of a whole learning environment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
