Teacher Body Language in the Classroom
“The ability of a teacher to establish positive rapport with students is a critical aspect of the teacher-learner relationship,” explains Ron Benner, a school psychologist in Bridgeport, Connecticut. “The successful teacher blends both verbal and nonverbal communication skills in establishing good rapport with students and this has a direct correlation to student achievement."
- Stand Near The Door When Classes Start -This close contact sets up a naturally occurring single file line that calms them before they enter the classroom and enables a positive learning environment before they even sit down, according to body language expert Chris Caswell.
- Command the classroom from the start -Greet the class with a loud, clear, upbeat voice. If you look frazzled, you seem vulnerable. Lack of confidence is a read flag to students.
- Stand up straight -Poor posture—slumped shoulders, stomach sticking out—is not only physically unhealthy, but it can convey a whole range of attitudes and degrees of interest and respect.
- Avoid folding your arms, standing behind a desk, and using barriers -These behaviors “simply sends the signal that you don’t want to make contact,” says Caswell. It blocks you off and makes you appear unapproachable. Don’t cross your arms or shuffle papers that aren’t related to the lesson, and refrain from looking at your watch when a child is speaking.
- Use The Whole Classroom- Walking around the classroom establishes your ownership of the space, establishing your authority inside it. Stride confidently from end to end, take laps around the entire space and so on. Doing this puts students on their toes — something you’d probably want if you value their full and undivided attention during lectures.
- Use Your Face- Be expressive with your face. Facial expressions can be very helpful for communication. Since you’re in charge of the room, your facial expressions can dictate how students will feel about what’s being discussed in class. Wear an open, excited look and they’ll take cue.
- Adopt different poses when you want your students to respond in a particular way.
- Move Slower-Don’t rush through your motions. Instead, make your movements deliberate, whether you’re walking across the room, writing on the whiteboard or demonstrating a pose. Be particularly conscious of slowing down your hand movements. Fast movements, especially ones that appear nervously rapid, are unsettling for students. Remember, they look towards you for how they will feel — if you act like you’re nervous, the more likely they are to respond in a similar manner.
- Hand on Chin- Your hand on your chin encourages students to think about the answer and shows you’re waiting for their answer.
- Hands out and palms up shows that you’re open to questions and answering in a nonthreatening way.
- Observe wait time- don’t stare and rush them. Appear relaxed and ready to listen.
Video Tape yourself during one of your lessons with your students. Review the session and look at your own body language as well as that of your students. Did you use any of the signals/gestures here? How did it work/not work for you? This is by no means an exhaustive list. What other non verbal cues do you use in your classroom?
The author of this site does not claim to be a professional in body language. Information provided in this site came from various sources and personal observations. Sources and additional reading material are included.