Marcus, great point. Mirroring can be just one way to connect with a student and start to build rapport. There are several different ways to mirror too.
Dr. Jean Norris
Interesting point Joseph. Based on your experience, what has happened with you model that positive language with your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think a combination of both mirrioring a student's body language and modeling a postive body language are benefical. However, to choose one, I would chould modeling positive body language. If the student is discouraged, I may positively impact them. Being aware of the student's body language and what they are convieving is important. I think if I want to influence the student I can bring to the conversation my postive attitude. I also need to keep in mind and be empathetic of what they are saying in their body language and how to respond accordingly.
In order to establish a sense of connection with the student, it is most effective to mirror the body language of the student. This is due to the presence of "mirror neurons" in the brain.
Have you ever been speaking with someone and realized that you just did the same gesture that they did, but with the opposite hand? That's because mirror neurons were in play, and there was a sense of connection during the conversation.
I remember this from my Interpersonal Communications class. It is best for me to model positive body language at all times when working with a student or anyone for that matter. Whether your student is have a good day or a bad day, positive body language can give comfort your student and even rub off on them.
I believe that mirroring my students body language can help communicate better with the student. It shows that I'm listen and understand what the students is going through and will not reflect a negative message to the student like I don't care. This does not mean that I have to feel the same way and also will allow me to be able to commmunicate to the studnet the next steps without student being upset.
Modeling body language is definitely more effective. Mirroring body language is usually very obvious to people, and comes across as irritating and not genuine.
I feel that modeling positive body language is more effective. Mirroring may not always be the best method because a student may have a negative posture at the moment. When you model, you have the chance automatically display a positive posture.
It depends upon the student's body language. If they are exhibiting positive body language, then mirroring might be effective. If they are not, then you will need to model positive body language in the hopes that they will mirror you.
I would think that it would depend on how far you are in the conversation. Mirroring should be used later on and only if it is a positive. i would never mirror a negative.
Mirroring body language can often lead to modeling good body language. If you are aware enough of the other person's body language you would have the opportunity to try and change it if it is negative. If it is positive and you realize that, then you know you are at least aware of what is going on. Instead, often we are so quick to get the information across that we forget to check either person's body language.
I believe that they each have an appropriate place and time for this in the communication process.
When I have been the student it makes it akward when someone is modeling each move I make. Likewise, it is akward when they are stiff and not focused on their awareness of their own body language.
I think that it needs to fit the personality so it's not forced, but also need to model the behavior if the situation calls for it.
Modeling is more effective especially to begin with because you set the tone for your interaction. If you mirror you might increase any of the negative feelings your student may have.
My communication with students is over the phone. It seems like it would be more important to model positive body language. I guess this could be applied to modeling positive tone. I do see how I need to adapt my call to the caller.
I feel that modeling positive body language is more effective for communication . Effective communication with a student should be encouraging and uplifting. Slouching, not looking them in the eye, or crossed arms will give a student the impression that you are not interested. If their body language is conveying this, it may be as simple as they are not comfortable with you yet or they are not sure if they trust you, etc. By doing the same thing back to a student only worsens the situation.
I believe positive body language is more effective because you do not want to mirror your student's body language because the student's body language may not be positive. You always want the student to sense a positive feeling from your body language.
Christina, interesting point. It's all about what helps you and the student feel comfortable and natural too. Maybe there is something else you could try mirroring like rate of speed or pitch.
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe positive body language madeling is the more effective. Simply because the mirroring behavior can be seen as a sales technique to the saavy student. I had it used on me by an ad executive and it really felt weird.
Katherine, thanks for sharing this. It sounds like you want to portray a professional and positive image with your students. I'm curious, what has been your experience if you are working with a student that doesn't follow your modeling?
Dr. Jean Norris
Modeling positive body language, because mirroring could be positive or negative and I want always be a good example with my communication skills.
