When To Sit?
Is it sometimes good to sit down? Maybe when encouraging classroom discussion?
Mario,
and the proximity itself is a great way to help them stay focused & engaged with the content.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
well i like to walk the class while giving a lesson, in the morning classes students like to drift off to sleep. so this is when its a good time to sit right next to them and project your voice. it will wake most of them up and keep them alert to where you are in the class.just a way to have fun with the students while establishing some respect.
William,
this is an excellent point. When coming to help a small group or individual student, I don't want to "lord" over them so taking a seat is a great idea.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
When I am working with one of the "table" groups, 3 students, in a class and they are having problems or just have questions and need help, I always try to sit down at the table with them when assisting them. I get down to their level, I notice that they feel more at ease.
I totally agree that sitting creates a more relaxed environment. Especially when its a "student lead discussion". At that point you want them to feel comfortable so that is a good time to sit in the midst of them, and allow them to lead. This also builds confidence in the students. As long as we have control and class room management down pat, it's ok to do this from time to time.
aimee,
yes & working in the variety of moving around the room & occasionally sitting helps to emphasize certain key points.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I move around the room constantly. I do sit when we are going over a topic that takes their focus and attention. I think then they naturaly turn to you and are focused on you as well. Such as the example of classroom discussion
Depending on your classroom setup, sitting down can also help to create a more relaxed atmosphere in the classroom. Especially if you have a new class of students. I will usually start off with my new classes by rolling my chair out to the middle of the front of the class (where everyone can fully see me). Then we will go through our introductory discussions. I find that this often helps new students to fell slightly more relaxed and to connect with you easier. Once the lecture begins though it's on your feet and moving around.
I often sit down when I am facilitating a discussion as it takes the focus away from me and enables me to facilitate rather than over power the students, they then can follow each others comments and engage in the situation more efectivly, when I am standing I am in control and giving the knowledge if you like, very much the main focus , when I sit it changes the focus from me to the class.
Stephen,
I would say yes to this. While standing & some movement during lecture helps, the sitting position also can really help with the discussion as I move out of the "power" position.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
