This document discusses the importance of understanding body language in teaching, highlighting that non-verbal communication significantly influences learning and interaction. It outlines various types of body language, including aggressive, attentive, bored, closed, dominant, submissive, and evaluative signals, each conveying different messages and emotions. The effective interpretation and use of these non-verbal cues can enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

1. Reading your students’ body languagePedagogy CircleNov. 20, 2009Joanne Chesley, Ed. D.CETL

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. So, to what body language should we pay attention?whole body

7. torso

8. legs, feet

9. arms

10. hands

11. FaceYes, all of them!

12. Types of Body Language

13. Aggressive Body Languagesignals thoughts of or intent to use force or other form of aggressioncan 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 mannermoving into the other person’s space

14. Attentive Body Languagesignals interest in the other person and the message; is usually reciprocatedignoring distractions (phone, talking, other)stillnessleaning forwardtilting the headgazingfurrowed browInterest noisesOpen body (= open mind)

15. Bored Body Languagesignals that we would rather not be there, or that the material is uninteresting or irrelevant looking anywhere but at the presenterdoodlingtalking to othersstaringtapping toeswatching the clockyawning, looking sleepy, slouching in seatface is blank

16. Closed Body Languagesignals that we are feeling threatened, so we place a barrier there for protectionthat we need to be nurtured (arms wrapped together)that we need to hide something that we are cold that we are relaxedArms folded or crossed (one or both)Legs crossedHead is down and away

17. Dominant Body Languagesignals need to feel big and powerfulMaking 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 apartshrug shoulders, smirkbreak rulesinvadebelittlefrown, sneer, snarlphallic displayholding a gazemonopolizing and manipulating conversationoften does not give eye contact (feels others don’t deserve it)