Walking around the classroom.
 I walk around the clasroom constantly and gaze at students papers before them. I can see which students are taking notes or following concepts in the textbook and those that do not.
Hi Catherine,
You get to see what is going on in the classroom when you monitor the classroom.
Patricia Scales
I also feel that walking around the class room give the sudents more of "I a peson to" and not a dectator. And it lets me get to know how I can help with ones that are not getting the work so well.
I agree that this is an effective way to observe students. A observation- an instructor that constantly paces back and forth doing the same jestures and mannerisms can be distracting for students.
I always walk the classroom. Not all the time, just when I see that they are clicking off or getting distracted. I use the walk to check on their work and to let them know that they are not alone.
Dynamic teaching involves all of you, not just speaking.
I can also see if students are messing with their cell phones, sleeping, not paying attention and talking by walking around the classroom.
Hi Margie,
When students know that you are on it, they tend to be more alert/focused.
Patricia Scales
I find leaving the "podium" is an effective way to direct the discussion or engage students in the lecture or other activity.
Walking around the classroom gives students visual stimulation as well and helps keep the class from being too static. I also find that it helps to keep me on point as an instructor as I cannot "settle in" and become blase about any situation in the classroom.
I completely agree with walking around the classroom. It makes the students aware of your presence and they can't zone you out. It helps them keep on track with what is being discussed. I have found that by walking around I can see what types of distractions are in the room. Cell phones, electronic gadgets and other things. I also use walk around the room when I ask questions to check for underdstanding of the material being covered.
