To learn how to be a good teacher, it may be instructive to observe other similar public figures. Two examples come to my mind: an orchestra conductor and a candidate for public office on the campaign stump.

 

When the conductor enters the room, after bowing to the audience, he/she looks at the players carefully. He focuses on each player, telling her just what to do. Momentarily the conductor looks at the score, but just briefly; the bulk of the time is spent looking at the players. Although there could be 50 players in the orchestra, the conductor communicates with each one individually.

 

When the President enters the hall where he is stumping, he immediately looks and smiles at the audience. When he stands on the podium, he looks at individual members of the audience, mentions their names, and thanks them for being there.

 

The teacher would do good to act the same way. As he/she enters the room, her eyes should be at the students.

 

SEE THE BOOK FOR MORE DETAILS.