Is My Non Verbal Behavior in the Classroom Important?

Non verbal behaviors are critical for the development of effective interpersonal relations within the classroom. We also depend on these behaviors, to supplement our verbal communications. For example, we gaze intently at a student when we want to remind them to pay attention, or emphasize an idea by pointing to something on the board. These behaviors are an essential component of our teaching, and it is important to be intentional about them.

Let’s look at some of the common non verbal behaviors and how each affects the student- teacher relationship.

Gestures and body position

Our use of gestures depends on our level of excitement and interest in conveying information. When excited or explaining an interesting fact, we tend to use more hand gestures whereas we use less when we are bored or communicating simple information. Therefore students perceive us as active and dynamic or boring and unanimated based on our gestures. An active-dynamic teacher is able to sustain the attention of the class for longer duration than a teacher who is perceived as boring.

Our levels of interest are also conveyed by the body position we favor. A teacher slouching while sitting is perceived to be bored in the classroom. On the other hand, a closed body position or upright position may convey that we are unreceptive or unapproachable.
We should also be careful not to resort to adaptive gestures like fidgeting with our clothes, pen etc, as these give an impression that we are anxious.

Facial expressions and eye contact

Our facial expression is related to our interest in the subject. A lack of expression may bore the students and lead to frequent disruptions within the class. On the other hand, smiling teachers are perceived as more likable and interesting.
Head nodding is another behavior to be aware of. Positive head nods stimulate student-teacher communication and is perceived as friendly and immediate. A teacher who rarely nods or uses negative nodding is viewed as unapproachable, discouraging, and closed to student’s thoughts and communication.

Remember to maintain eye contact with students as otherwise; it suggests that we are not interested in them. Maintaining appropriate eye contact enables us to hold the attention of our students, and can also be used to send a warning to a student whose attention may be wandering. It helps communicate to the student that we care about them and what they have to say.

Movement around the classroom

A teacher who is able to effectively utilize the space of the classroom, moving around while teaching is viewed as open, friendly, approachable and helpful. It allows us to call out to students to express their thoughts, to provide assistance and correct any mistakes. However this would not be possible if we were to restrict our movement to the front of the class.

Touch

Touch is one form of expression that is used and interpreted differently in different cultures. While it may be used to show concern, and affection, it is best to avoid using touch as much as possible in the context of a multicultural classroom. Teachers need to discern when it is valuable to use simple actions like a pat on the shoulder. Teachers also need to know the school’s policies on the use of touch in the classroom.

Thus it is very important to be aware and intentional of our non-verbal behavior in the classroom.

Discuss here: Stand in front or walk between the students? Where do you like to position yourself in the classroom when you teach?

Learn more: Take a course