I feel like people pick up more on the body language in front of them , looking at the clock on the wall and tapping your feet like you can't wait for the conversation to be over, is going to let anyone know you do not care about what they are trying to tell you or what there needs are.
Benny, sure. Having good body language is important and shows that you are interested and respect the student. I wonder though, is there something else that you could match with the student?
Shannon Gormley
I agree we should always show good body language. I a student shows good body language then the interaction will go smooth. I feel if the student shows bad body language. That student has the chance of changing his life and making better decisions about their future.
Michael, sure, modeling positive body language is important and shows professionalism. I like what you said about mirroring the positive postures or bahviors that a student displays as well. This will help you start to build rapport with those students.
Shannon Gormley
I would a agree that using positive body language is most important. However, I also find it useful to gauge a situation by the students body language and then mirror any positive postures that they may display.
Judith, great point! Yes, modeling positive body language shows respect to your student. I wonder, what have you done to help a student exhibiting negative behaviors to adapt their approach?
Shannon Gormley
Using positive body language is more effective, no matter the students' initial body language. I believe once they see that you are taking the meeting seriously and treating them with respect then they will rise to a more positive posture.
Rachel, intesteting point. Yes, you can do both with students. How have you used this technique before?
Shannon Gormley
I rather model positive body language. It will help motivate others if they see the positve enthusiasm and energy, and the attention you're giving them
I believe that its best to do a little bit of both because you should model you students body language but you should also model positive body language
I like to mirror postive body language of the students and ignore negative. By doing this I am reenforcing the postive. When I have negative news to share I model postive body language and tell them the news as frankly as possible with an open posture. Lorri Brown
Great observations, Irene. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the group. It's amazing what a smile can do, especially on a tough day. I get the sense that you do your best to remind yourself to put your best foot forward to ensure your students and colleagues have a positive experience when working with you. Keep up the good work!
Shannon Gormley
Modeling a positive attitute helps you gain confidence and patience, try your best to keep a smile on your face, specially if you are having a tough day. It also helps disconect from problems. Modeling negative attitude when having a tough day can transfer to others and result in trouble and/or negative situations.
Irene,
Isn't it amazing the impact choosing to display a positive attitude can have on you and others? I get the sense that this is something that works for you. What tips might you give to another professional on modeling a positive attitude, even if they're having a tough day?
Shannon Gormley
To me modeling positive body language is more effective. If you show positive attitude no matter what, others around you will end up imitating you and showing positive attitude as well. You are not opening any doors or giving any chance to negative attitute.
David, thanks for sharing this. It is certainly easier to mirror and model when the student is using a positive approach, right? I wonder, when you have modeled the positive behavior, have you ever had a student not follow suit?
Shannon Gormley
I believe both are as equally effective and one of same if the student is modeling positive body language. If not, it is clearly more effective to model positive and engaging body language. A proper perspective from you might change the student's approach or at least facilitate a more positive exchange and impression.
I would try a different approach. As we learned in the training, sometimes their body languauge can be misinterpreted. If I'm getting a negative feeling overall then I will try my best to re-evaluate what their goals are and try to find common ground. Otherwise I would try to read into other signals their body language may be sending me and make sure it is in fact negative.
Thank you for sharing your insights, Jeriann. As educators, we do have an amazing opportunity to help our students choose a different way than what they've always known. It's also important to recognize that some of what we're teaching or modeling may be new to the student, so patience is absolutely essential.
Thanks for sharing your observations, Faye. It is helpful to demonstrate positive body language to your students in hopes that it sustains their enthusaism about starting school. I'm curious, what might you do in a situation in which your postive body language seemingly has no effect on a student's perceived negative body language? How might you adapt in that situation?
