Small Classes
I find that my tone of voice is more important than movement in keeping my students engaged. I do move around the room, but am limited by the fact that my seminar courses generally have only about 10 students. I feel like too much movement is distracting for them. I do, however, sometimes sit in front of them or with them (in a circle). This really seems to engage them. Do others with small classes have this experience as well?
Lisa,
I very much agree with your post. I typically teach classes of 5-7 students, and I have also found that too much movement is distracting - especially during presentations that are primarily powerpoint-based. Class often feels more comfortable when I sit with students and then move during natural or planned breaks/transitions in the presentation.
Lisa,
I would consider what you are doing by changing positions/posture movement. Movement does not have to be pacing, walking, etc. It simply means you are not allowing yourself to be trapped behind the podium.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I prefer to be near the students, as we also have small groups (5-10 students. I will come sit near them at the desks, or sit on the desk top.
Have a remote advance device helps tremendously with the PPTs. But I still have to run to the board to detail out specific points :)
I have had some classes recently with just 3 students. I find this more challenging then a large class as I don't want to single anyone out during moving around the room or making eye contact.
Steven,
I would agree & to me with a class of this size, I don't think movement is as important. You have the connection just by the small numbers so not as vital to move to engage.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with the small class comment and movement being a distraction. I have found myself that with small classes, it works better for me to create a more intimate climate such as a circle and I sit and talk with the students. In my larger classes of 25 or more, I find that movement is essential. Lack of movement can cause great harm to the overall atmosphere of the class.
Zelda,
I would definitely agree that movement around the room is best reserved for those larger classes as it helps to get the close proximity you already have with the smaller classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree. I've found that a small class (seven students or less) lacks the dynamics needed to create a stimulating learning atmosphere.
There's not enough diversity. Also, it's easier for one student to either dominate the class, or just the opposite, one student can easily be identified as the weakest student.
Small classes are not always better! A varied mix of abilities, experiences, and backgrounds is needed.
With smaller classes, it is imperative to keep the students engage. I have six student now and I am very creativewhen it comes to engaging. I assign them an exercise and then have the students to start the discussion session, which really makes the students engage on the topic.
