Use open and welcoming body language to create a friendly atmosphere and help students feel more comfortable and connected.
Listening to a Student Speak:
As a student shares their thoughts or answers a question, you can demonstrate positive body language by maintaining focused eye contact, nodding in acknowledgment, and leaning slightly forward. This encourages the student to feel valued and heard, fostering a supportive environment for effective communication.
When a Student Says Something Incorrect:
If a student provides an incorrect answer or makes a mistake, you can maintain a positive demeanour through reassuring body language. This might involve a supportive smile to acknowledge the student's effort and a thank you before you go on to correct them. This approach helps create a non-judgmental atmosphere that encourages students to learn from their errors.
If a Student Doesn't Understand When You Ask Them Something:
In situations where a student may struggle to understand a question or concept, your can use encouraging body language to alleviate any anxiety. This includes maintaining a patient and understanding facial expression, using gentle gestures to signal reassurance, and adopting an open posture to convey approachability. Such positive cues help students feel comfortable seeking clarification and assistance.
Utilise facial expressions to convey emotions and attitudes related to the lesson content, and express enthusiasm, encouragement, or empathy.
Let's take a look at some common but important facial expressions:
Smiling: Example: Greeting students in the morning or praising their efforts during an activity.
Encouraging Nod: Example: Acknowledging a student's response or effort during a language exercise.
Open and Friendly Eye Contact: Example: Maintaining eye contact while giving instructions to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Raised Eyebrows (Interest): Example: Reacting with interest when a student shares a unique perspective or idea.
Expressive Eyes (Excitement): Example: Showing excitement during a lively storytelling session or engaging lesson.
Relaxed and Open Facial Expression: Example: Demonstrating approachability during one-on-one interactions or group discussions.
Affirmative Head Nod: Example: Agreeing with a correct answer or positive contribution from a student.
Here are some facial expressions that you should consciously try to avoid using in the classroom to ensure that you students feel comfortable seeking clarification and making mistakes:
Frowning: Avoid frowning as it can convey disapproval or create a negative atmosphere, potentially discouraging students.
Disapproving Head Shake: A disapproving head shake may make students feel criticised or demotivated. Encourage through positive reinforcement.
Raised Eyebrows (Surprise or Disapproval): While raised eyebrows can express surprise positively, using them in a disapproving manner may intimidate students.
Intense or Stern Gaze: An intense or stern gaze might make students uneasy and hinder open communication. Aim for a warm and approachable demeanor.
Eye Rolling: Eye rolling can be perceived as disrespectful or dismissive, potentially damaging the teacher-student relationship.
Open Palms for Inclusivity: When discussing inclusive topics or encouraging group participation, use open-palm gestures to symbolize inclusivity and openness.
Pointing for Clarity: Use pointing gestures to direct attention to specific objects, words on the board, or when highlighting essential details during explanations.
Thumbs Up for Affirmation: Offer a thumbs-up gesture to affirm correct answers or commendable efforts, fostering a positive and encouraging classroom environment.
Circle Gesture for Completion: Forming a circle with your thumb and forefinger can signify completion, emphasising the conclusion of a task or the end of an activity.
Counting on Fingers: Employ finger counting to reinforce numerical concepts or enumerate items, providing a visual aid for learners to associate spoken and written numbers.
Hands on Heart for Emphasis: Placing a hand over the heart while expressing emotions or sentiments adds sincerity and emphasis, aiding learners in understanding the emotional context of language.
Clapping for Encouragement: Clap your hands gently to encourage participation, signal approval, or acknowledge a student's contribution, promoting a positive and supportive learning atmosphere.