Eye Contact
When teaching, I make sure that I rotate my line of vision thoughout the classroom. This method also works to ensure that all students are understanding the topic.
I began doing the same when I was a new instructor and realized a student had fallen asleep while I was talking! Now I can dial up or down the energy as needed.
It had not ocurred to me to use eye contact as a way to forge a connection with and engage students like mentioned in the lesson. That part of the communication was subconscious before but I will try to utilize it now.
I find it helpful also to use eye contact when teaching. It is interesting to here students comment that they knew I was speaking to them when I made certain comments....when in reality, I wasn't speaking to a particular person. The eye contact helps students to feel a part of the class. It's wonderful!!
Zelda,
yes, that aspect really helps draw in each student & make them feel the class is personalized.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have found it easy to walk around my instructional area. My classroom is so big and I have alot of students, so I have to make eye contact at some point with all of my students by walking up and down each row and asking brief questiobs about the course content to get student input. So eye contact is very important in my classroom setting. I also agree with all of the other points.
James,
as I've said in this forum before, the importance of eye contact (in our culture) cannot be underestimated. It is a fantastic tool for communicating many things to the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i found that trying to get students eye contact lets me know if they are getting the material i am teaching or if they are lost
Tony,
yes, the eyes really are the window to the soul in regard to being able to tell if they are getting it or not.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
