Nonverbal Language as a Classroom Management Tool

November 16th, 2009 By: Diane Trim in Articles, Classroom Management

When I was a new teacher, I thought that I had to address my students from my special teacher spot at the front of the class. All teaching and redirection happened from behind the lectern or in front of my overhead projector. It’s like I was on a tether.

An assistant principal suggested that I try move around more and use nonverbal strategies to handle small matters. I found that nonverbal cues are powerful, successful, and they don’t disrupt the flow of the lesson.

Here’s how I used nonverbal strategies in my class:

Redirection. When a student is watching the birds migrate instead of following along in the textbook, redirection is as simple as quietly approaching the student’s desk and finding the place in the textbook. As a teacher, you don’t even have to break your rhythm or stop teaching; just keep talking, put a finger on the correct paragraph, and move on.

Permission. During work time or test time, it’s enough for a student to wave his dull pencil or gesture for the bathroom pass to ask for my permission. I nod my head and the class works undisturbed.

Check for understanding. Students can hold their hands close to their chests and signal their understanding with one, two, or three fingers. One finger means I’m lost, two fingers means I’m catching on and three fingers means I’ve got it.

Group work. I always give students directions for group work while I still have them in their seats. Just before I release them, I ask them to silently make eye contact with their partner or group members and nod. It cuts down on time lost on discussing who will be in what group, what plans everyone has for Saturday, and whether or not anyone saw what happened in the cafeteria.

Praise. Sean was a tough kid who didn’t like me to openly praise him in class. Instead, I’d nod or give him a subtle thumbs-up so he could maintain his hard shell, but he also knew that I approved of his behavior or responses.

Subtle hint. Breanna loves to write, but she focuses most of her considerable talent on notes to her friends. For Bree, a subtle head shake or wagging finger usually works to prompt her to put the message and glitter pen away.

Do you have any nonverbal cues that work for you? Share them in the comments!

Tags: check for understanding, Classroom Management, group work, nonverbal cues, praise, redirection

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Guest 02.11.10 at 6:09 pm	I agree that non verbal cues are a great addition to any teacher’s stock of effective strategies. All of the strategies mentioned in the article help to keep the flow of the lesson going,and actively promote learning. I have found that the facial expressions a teacher uses can also have a positive effect on classroom learning. The face is very expressive and you can can use your expressions to great effect. Smiling is the most powerful facial expression and students like teachers who smile a lot, because teachers who smile send out the message that: * they like being with the students * they are relaxed * they are confident Of course there are obviously times when a more serious expression is appropriate. It’s interesting that the effect of withholding a smile can sometimes send a powerful message to students that some aspect of their behaviour is not acceptable, and is often more effective than any words. Another powerful facial expression is the open, receptive face – eyes open wider than usual, lips slightly apart. The non verbal information here is that the teacher has asked a question, or made a request for information, and is now waiting for the answer, and expects that students will give an answer. Teachers must not to allow facial expressions to betray what might be a strong emotion they are feeling. For example if you’re frustrated by some aspects of student behaviour, that anger can be ‘written all over your face.’ Unfortunately, if students see your anger they may well respond negatively, which makes the situation worse. Every teacher has ‘been there’, but it can and does get better with practice and experience. As well as smiling, a ‘calm, assertive’ expression works well in many situations. You don’t smile, but you don’t frown, you keep a ’straight face’ which sends the message that you’re in control, both of yourself and the situation.

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Guest
02.11.10 at 6:09 pm

I agree that non verbal cues are a great addition to any teacher’s stock of effective strategies. All of the strategies mentioned in the article help to keep the flow of the lesson going,and actively promote learning.

I have found that the facial expressions a teacher uses can also have a positive effect on classroom learning.

The face is very expressive and you can can use your expressions to great effect.
Smiling is the most powerful facial expression and students like teachers who smile a lot, because teachers who smile send out the message that:

* they like being with the students
* they are relaxed
* they are confident

Of course there are obviously times when a more serious expression is appropriate. It’s interesting that the effect of withholding a smile can sometimes send a powerful message to students that some aspect of their behaviour is not acceptable, and is often more effective than any words.

Another powerful facial expression is the open, receptive face – eyes open wider than usual, lips slightly apart. The non verbal information here is that the teacher has asked a question, or made a request for information, and is now waiting for the answer, and expects that students will give an answer.

Teachers must not to allow facial expressions to betray what might be a strong emotion they are feeling. For example if you’re frustrated by some aspects of student behaviour, that anger can be ‘written all over your face.’ Unfortunately, if students see your anger they may well respond negatively, which makes the situation worse. Every teacher has ‘been there’, but it can and does get better with practice and experience.

As well as smiling, a ‘calm, assertive’ expression works well in many situations. You don’t smile, but you don’t frown, you keep a ’straight face’ which sends the message that you’re in control, both of yourself and the situation.

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Nonverbal Language as a Classroom Management Tool

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