Minor Concept Summary: 6.11 Non-verbal correction

ED 304: Ed Psych and Human Development

Author: Emma Canann & Everett Spellman

Validated by: (Tegan Ross 2/4/23) (Emily Walton 2/7/23)

Disclosure: ChatGPT3 was used in the creation of this resource.

Summary:

Non-verbal correction is used by the teacher to redirect undesirable classroom behavior or affirm positive student behavior. This includes facial expressions, gestures, body posture, and position. It is most effective to correct the students' errors or behavior as soon as possible. By doing this they will recognize sooner that the behavior they were doing is not desired and they are less likely to repeat the behavior. One example of a non-verbal correction in the classroom would be using a frown or a sad face to show disappointment with a student’s behavior. Another example is using a gesture, such as holding up their hand, to signal that a student should stop speaking.

It is good for students to learn the nonverbal cues from a teacher but the teacher can also set up student nonverbal cues. For example, in a classroom, you can have six raised hands from students but answering each one of them could take lots of time for just simple things like needing to go to the bathroom. It is a good idea for teachers to have hand symbols so when a student raises their hand and puts up a peace sign, for example, you know they need to go to the bathroom. So making eye contact with the student you can nod your head yes or no without interrupting the flow of teaching.

In summary, non-verbal correction is an effective way for teachers to manage behavior and communicate expectations in the classroom without interrupting the flow of instruction or relying on verbal correction.

Quiz Questions:

Which of the following nonverbal cues is most commonly used to indicate disagreement or disapproval?

1. Smiling and nodding
2. Raising your eyebrows
3. Tilting your head to the side
4. Frowning and shaking your head

Which of the following are common uses of nonverbal correction? (select all that apply)

1. To communicate disapproval or frustration with someone’s behavior
2. To reinforce desirable behavior
3. To make your students feel important in the class
4. To provide emotional support to someone

Which of the following are examples of non-verbal correction?

1. Raising an eyebrow
2. Tapping on a student's desk
3. Saying “No”
4. Shrugging
5. Singing

Read More:

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320711188_The_role_of_non-verbal_behavior_of_teachers_in_providing_students_corrective_feedback_and_their_consequences

• https://busyteacher.org/3964-5-non-verbal-ways-to-do-error-correction.html