Removing the Teacher's Desk from the Classroom
My philosophy is to remove the desk from the classroom. Get up on your feet and circulate. It is amazing how a shy or quiet student will ask questions if they see you are visible and up and moving around to help them. In the past, I have had veteran teachers ask me how I maintained such an engaged group of students while I was teaching. I told them that I never sit down, I am moving around the room while lecturing, and I stand in the back of the room while they are taking exams. For my online teaching, I make myself available to the students beyond my online office hours. Whenever I am working at the computer, I make myself available through the online chat if they have questions. If I receive an email, I send a response right away and if I need to call a student I do that too.
When I am instructing, I am constantly on the move. It provides a sense of encouragement to the students to participate; shows that I am interested in what I am doing.
At one point, as a young instructor, our DOE actually did remove the "desk" from the classroom and substituted a very small podium.
I feel that I have more control of the class when I am moving around because I am constantly engaging them.
I do not access my computer during class; I have break time, etc. for that. If I am working on a computer, students may get the idea that I am "too busy" to assist them.
I also don't have a desk in class. I have an office for that. I am there to be totally for the students. I move all around the room and it seems to make the students at ease now that they are familiar with it.
I agree with that statement. The more you are up and moving around, the more likely you are to see if your students are, paying attention, struggling with information, or have a cell phone out.
Hi,
I agree with moving around the room, however, I use a combined approach of lecture with key points, the internet, the whiteboard, and sitting among the students.
I'm very ADD and lesson plans and computer technology help me stay on task. I have learned that the most time spent on any one technique should not exceed 20 minutes, or they start to sink in their chairs.
Good luck to all!
I agree , I have to circulate and I go up to each student and try to include them in the lecture . When they least expect it I am standing right next to them and If they are not paying attention try that , you will see how quickly they sit up and are alert . I am very quick on my feet and they never know where in the class rm. i will be . I never sit I feel that is poor class management. That is my personal opinion .
Hi Brenda,
I agree 100%! How in the world can one be effective sitting while teaching? You need to be energized and roaming the room while teaching. A teacher needs to be on their feet so that they are in full control.
Patricia
I agree moving around definately keeps students engaged. Sometimes depending on the size of the class we will make the tables into a circle and all sit at eye level. Great for group collaboration or creative brainstorming. Sometimes when I am at eye level with the students the shy students open up to everyone more, they feel less intimidated.
I think all of these ideas are great. I DO have a desk in my classroom, however I always stand and lecture, walk around the room to see who is paying attention and see who might call on me for assistance as I walk by that normally dont. It definately helps the shy students to feel more comfortable approaching me and asking questions.
I agree with all. I move around the room throughout my 5 hour class time. I can see what each student is and isn't doing. I believe while I am moving they are also more attentive. I cannot understand how an instructor can sit to teach/lecture.
