Body language and students

Reading your students’ body language
Pedagogy Circle
Nov. 20, 2009
Joanne Chesley, Ed. D.
CETL

Why does this matter?
Teaching is largely about communicating. information and skills (in addition to changing behaviors)
Communication is largely non-verbal.
Understanding the non-verbal communication we give and receive from students improves teaching and learning.

A tiny piece of the research……
“There are two aspects to effective use of body language.
The firstinvolves the speaker’s choice and use of gesture, intonation, facial expression and visual features(clothing, make-up, grooming etc.).
The second aspect has to do with accurate perception and interpretation of others’ nonverbal messages (Goldin-Meadow, 2004; Goldin-Meadow & Sandhofer, 1999).

Thus, each party’s effective use of nonverbal behaviors (gesture,facial expression, intonation, appearance etc.) can play a significant role in the
effectiveness of discussions” (Rüştü Yeşil, 2008, p.895).
Rüştü Yeşil (2008). Evaluation of body language behavior in a class debate.
Social Behavior and Personality, 36 (7), 893-902.

These two aspects are not always complementary. Sometimes verbal and nonverbal messages can contradict one another (Alibali et al., 1997; Goldin-Meadow & Sandhofer,1999).
Sometimes the receivers of these messages can interpret the speaker’s nonverbal messages inaccurately (Goldin-Meadow, 2004; Goldin-Meadow & Wagner, 2005).

So, to what body language should we pay attention?
whole body
torso
legs, feet
arms
hands
Face
Yes, all of them!

Types of Body Language

Aggressive Body Language
signals thoughts of or intent to use force or other form of aggression
can be shown in the face, from disapproving frowns and pursed lips to sneers and full snarls.
clenching of fists , spreading of the body for stability
removing clothing or jewelry in an angry manner
moving into the other person’s space

Attentive Body Language
signals interest in the other person and the message; is usually reciprocated
ignoring distractions (phone, talking, other)
stillness
leaning forward
tilting the head
gazing
furrowed brow
Interest noises
Open body (= open mind)

Bored Body Language
signals that we would rather not be there, or that the material is uninteresting or irrelevant
looking anywhere but at the presenter
doodling
talking to others
staring
tapping toes
watching the clock
yawning, looking sleepy, slouching in seat
face is blank

Closed Body Language
signals that we are feeling threatened, so we place a barrier there for protection
that we need to be nurtured (arms wrapped together)
that we need to hide something
that we are cold
that we are relaxed
Arms folded or crossed (one or both)
Legs crossed
Head is down and away

Dominant Body Language
signals need to feel big and powerful
Making the whole body seem bigger by placing hands on hips to be wider, standing very erect to be taller, chin up and chest out to feel powerful, legs apart
shrug shoulders, smirk
break rules
invade
belittle
frown, sneer, snarl
phallic display
holding a gaze
monopolizing and manipulating conversation
often does not give eye contact (feels others don’t deserve it)

Open Body Language
signals change in feeling or thinking; when we are ready to accept something, when we are being attacked, when we are supplicating and when we are resting.
seen in arms and legs relaxed, not crossed
hands are open (not hiding anything)
face is directed at the person of interest
eyes contact is good, moves away at times (so not perceived as a stare)

Submissive Body Language
signals fear and readiness to submit
hunching inwards; making the body smaller, arms
held in (I don’t want to be seen)
motionlessness (I won’t fight back)
head down to protect neck and to avoid eye contact which is seen as aggressive
hands out, palms up
widening the eyes (like a baby)
eyes are attentive, hanging on to every word

Readiness Body Language
signals readiness to do something
some body part (head, hand, arm, foot, or eyes) will point in the direction of the activity
body is tensed, either holding arm rests of chair, or things in hand are gripped tightly
thumbs in pocket (“I’m ready to …”)
fingers hook clothing
continuing conversation

Evaluative Body Language
signals thinking, judging, and making decisions
hands are closed and touching (praying position) or clasped with fingers down except for pointer fingers which are straight up
these pointer fingers might touch the nose, lips, or chin
pursed lips
peering over top of glasses
chin may rest on one or both palms or on closed hands
body may be open or closed (depending on level of relaxation, or type decision making)

Now let’s discuss this information within the context of your students and your teaching.

Body language and students

by WSSU CETL

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