Theme Eye Contact

Gruppenkombinationen des Fünfecktisches von EinrichtWerk in Panketal

Indispensable for effective learning

Eye contact is a fundamental social skill that supports learning and co-operation in schools. Through eye contact, children train the necessary brain areas to empathise with others. Prof. Dr Leonhard Schilbach emphasises: “We use eye contact to coordinate the flow of conversation and make sure that the other person is still listening. When you’ve finished speaking, you look at the person you’re talking to, signalling: Now it’s your turn.” We look for clues as to whether they agree with us and clarify early on who is speaking and when without using words.

The human eye has an unusual structure; compared to animals, the white of the eye is very pronounced. This makes it easier for humans to recognise where their conspecifics are looking. “This is the base of our social co-operation”, says Schilbach. Among other things, he and his team are researching when social interactions are successful.

The base of our social co-operation: Eye Contact.

“The tendency to seek eye contact is innate.“

Dr. Leonhard Schilbach

Advantages of round table arrangements for group work

Round table arrangements are ideal for group work and discussions as they allow unrestricted eye contact. This not only promotes respectful interaction, but also prevents hierarchies within the group. Everyone has equal rights and teachers also become part of the group. Perfect lines of sight ensure that all participants are visible and that no one can avoid the discussion by simply leaning back.

“Views are the most important social stimulus.”

Dr. Leonhard Schilbach

An example from practices:

Teacher Laurent Bescond from Strasbourg reports on the impact of the students’ willingness to cooperate with each other: ‘The flexibility of the 5-Sided Tables is part of my everyday life. Everything was going well for my students and for me until one day we changed the classroom... to return to a ‘traditional’ classroom... I then realised how much my life and practice had changed over time. I was very surprised by the discomfort in a ‘classic’ classroom (with the same space), the lack of mobility, space, flexibility and movement... I noticed changes in my students, who were much less inclined to cooperate, help others, share, but also in myself.'

Conclusion: Promoting social interaction

Create a flexible learning environment that allows students to customise their environment according to their needs. This not only encourages co-operation and respectful interaction, but also significantly increases learning potential. Our perfectly designed, flexible school furniture forms the centrepiece of this environment and creates optimal conditions for effective learning and social interaction.

EWT.5 5-Sided-Table

An exclusive product from EinrichtWerk.