Just as actors reserve part of their consciousness to observe the audience, teachers need to be aware of student reactions. If kids lose focus, take time out for exercises. Before class, rearrange physical space, putting desks in a circle to create more openness and energy. If you lecture in front of the class, try exploring students' physical space. At different times of day, change your normal ritual to grab the students' attention.
Some actors develop a core of other actors who watch performances and give feedback.
As teachers, we're pretty protective of ourselves. It would be valuable to develop, as a group, a way to guide each other and give feedback. Three years ago, Susie Olesen brought her passion for networking with other teachers to the Internet. That's when NEA created Works4Me, a free weekly E-mail that features practical teaching tips. Olesen, a classroom veteran, volunteered to help launch the program.