Body Language
Part of active teaching is body language and facial expressions. Simple nodding of the head with some arm movement can enforce the importance of a point to be made,
or, credence is given to the importance of a point. Smiling then can further underline group
approval of the point being made.
Hi Scott,
Boby language tells us if students are grasping or not. An instructor should always check with a student when their body language is saying they don't understand.
Patricia Scales
I also use body language in my teaching and get quite animated with expressions and gestures.Student also use body language that helps show things like comprension and intrest.
Hi Lynne,
This assignment will make others knowledgeable about different cultures. This is a great idea.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jorge,
I bet you are not a boring lecturer! Body language helps make the lecture fun, exciting, and interesting.
Patricia Scales
A really important topic - especially in terms of cultural differences in the classroom. We must be aware of cultural influences in how we present topics and give examples of their application. Also, if there the classroom is multi-cultural then a great way to actively involve students is for them to give feedback of how their culture deals with topics or to have them give a presentation actively reflecting how they deal with it in their culture.
It seems like I wrote this topic. I completely agree with this, I utilize all my body to express my thoughts and ideas... students follow every movement as I incorporate examples and gestures to all scenarios.
Hi Thao,
Change your voice, by utilizing various volume and pitches. Students do not enjoy a monotone instructor.
Patricia Scales
I also agree. Intonation and volume of your voice makes a huge difference during lecture.
Hi Robert,
If you read a student as needing help or having some type of problem perhaps, follow up with that student. Your reading is probably right.
Patricia Scales
One needs to continually adjust his/her "readings" of students and run a self-check to find out if one is relating accurately.
Hi Robert,
As hummans we will always be read. We need to go with our observation and check with the student to ensure everything is okay.
Patricia Scales
Hi Mike,
I too teach like this! You can really know what is going on with students through the use of their body language. I also use body language in my teaching. I am extremely animated, changing my voice, making facial expressions, smiling, laughing. I get all into it. I use every ounce of engery I have daily with my students.
Patricia Scales
Students are usually not aware of the reality that effective instructors are continually "reading" students, both active and passive ones. The students are aware that they are attempting to "read" the instructor. As with all "reading," one can err, so both instructors and students must be open to admitting that both are fallible, and with all reading--books or persons--few are infallible.
Reading body language takes practice, yet, when effectively done, can aid both in word and body communication.
I agree. I too teach with a lot of body language, voice changes and movement in the classroom. I also tend to train my students to look for particular tones as to what might me be more important. Also, I try to read their body language as well. It can tell you if they understand and are ready to proceed or are having trouble. Picking up on their cues can really be a connection to understanding students in a class. I try to make eye contact with everyone in class as much as possible to let them know I see them and they are valued in the class.
Hi Geoff,
I teach with a lot of body language, gestures, and facial expressions. Students know when my voice changes and I get that serious look that is information they will probably be tested on.
Patricia Scales
