Walking around the room
What a valuable tool! It is amazing how such a subtle response to a difficult student can yield such drastic results. When words sometime fail, simple proximity can work great. Walking next to their desk, flashing a smile while lecturing has been very useful for me. But, what about the student who doesn't care? The rare student who continues to talk, text, etc? In the adult learning realm what do you do with extreme behavior? Send them to the principal? This is a dilemna that I have fortunately not run into yet, but have wondered about for awhile. Any thoughts on serious behavior issues?
This is a great idea and one I have not thought of so I am thankful for taking this course as I will try it next time I have difficulty with a student. It's an easy subtle way to influence a students behavior without embarassing them in front of the class.
By walking around the classroom, it grabs the student attention and helps them interact with you doing class time. I find class participation has goes up because it not lecture anymore, It a discussion.
Serious behavior issues can be a daunting task to manage. I would recommend always stay cool and in control. Students are very perceptive and can sense weakness or lack of contol from an instructor. Recently 2 students beegan to argue in my classroom. One student is notorious for being obnoxious and at times harsh with his words. I spoke with him about it and developed a behavior plan. On this particular day one of the other students lashed out and told him that he was rude and inconsiderate and the student with behavior problems raised his voice after another student tried to help him. I removed both students from the classroom and we discussed the issue with the program director. I addressed the class whem I returned. It was a difficult situation to manage.
Yes I strongly agree with everyone here! When you walk around the room you are making the students more aware on the surroundings and the lecture that is taken place.
I couldn't agree more. Walking around the classroom is a great idea to get students attention or atleast get them to pretend to pay pay attention. I want to try the "minute paper" idea. I think by having the sutdents present what they have learn by the end of the class will keep everyone engaged during the lecture.
Hi Robert,
I love your outlook! As an instructor you take full responsibility for managing your classroom. I like how you do not pass the buck to administration. You hold your own.
Patricia Scales
Hello Patricia,
I think that classroom management to me means, "I control the class, I try everything in my power to keep it in the clasroom. I document everything but try not to rely on the administration to be the "heavy"
I agree! I never realized how valuable this is until I started doing it. Towards the end of a long day, I tend to get tired and the urge to sit or lean is very strong! However, I keep not only the students but also myself focused and involved by moving around the room quite a bit.
Absolutely Rebecca! Proximity as we call it is a very useful tool with all learners. It helps them reclaim their focus, redirect inappropriate behavior and informs them that the instructor is attentive to the classroom environment.
I have experienced a very angry student who was agitated by me walking around the room. It was an interesting dynamic.
I think walking around the room can be used to get and keep the attention of a student because it keeps them attentive, but I think standing by their desk also is very good. I think this is also good because it feels like you are interacting with the students and a good way to keep students from falling asleep.
Hi Rebecca,
Let students know that you will not tolerate serious behavior issues. For the first offense, warn the student privately, yet firmly. If there is a second offense, get administration involved and suspend the student. Always document everything.
Patricia Scales
I walk around the room I make sure each student is confident and safe when using the equiptment in the Megalab at Tucson College
I find walking around the room also makes the students turn their heads and they seem to stay focused better. The difficult students seem to calm down when you walk by them and involve them in the discussion.
