2.1 Sight in the Classroom

[Niko]

Importance of Sight in the Classroom

Sight plays an important role in effective classroom learning. Sight is more than just ensuring the classroom is well lit.

Sight factors to be considered within the classroom are:

1. Distance from the whiteboardsight for classrooms
2. Legible handwriting
3. Lighting
4. Classroom props
5. Colour and illustrations
6. Body language

1. Distance from the whiteboard

Particulary in Asian countries, students' eyesight can be somewhat less than western countries. Students who wear glasses or who have trouble seeing should be placed to the front of the classroom. Small classes of 5 or 6 students probably wont require classroom changes, however problems start to arise when the teacher has 30 or so students in the classroom.

2. Legible handwriting

The teacher needs to write clearly and in the correct writing order. Adults generally use a lot of shortcuts when writing. Bad habits as crossing the t's from right to left or crossing all the t's at once must be avoided in the classroom.

A teacher's writing is observed by students, hence be sure to write in the correct style, and enforce this upon your students.

3. Lighting

Fairly straightforward. Ensure adequate lighting and no flickering lights.

4. Classroom props

Classroom props include such things as posters, English toys and games, puppets and so forth. Props are more important for children classes.

Learning via sight repitition is very powerful and requires minimal effort on the students' behalf. Labelling classroom objects is also another idea for building English vocabulary.

Props can also add to the theme of a classroom, allowing the student to enjoy their studies in comfortable surrounds. Eg: Use of Xmas decorations in the classroom during the month of December.

5. Colour and illustrations

Choose text books, posters and other learning materials that are bright, interesting and cheerful and with plenty of illustrations. Black and white print does little in motivating students to study English.

6. Body language

Gestures, postures, and facial expressions allows the teacher to communicate non-verbally with students.

Body language is an effective means of communication where there are language barriers involved. Students will hear directions and know the meaning by looking at the teacher's body language. After time, body language can be reduced and only the directions are spoken and students will continue to understand what is required of them.

[rwall7943]

I love to hang new and different things around the cleassroom to give the children something really different look at and, ask questions about. I try changing the things out for new one's once every month.