Non-verbal Gestures
Non-verbal Gestures is a behavioural correction technique. Common features of corrections (as opposed to consequences) are that they:
Are as low-key as possible – avoid sledgehammers to crack nuts.
Are as positive as possible – strictness doesn’t mean ‘horrible’.
Are directed at specific individuals – don’t correct the whole class when you don’t have to.
Cause minimal disruption to the flow of lesson – make it quick and keep it light.
With this technique, rather than stop your presentation to reprimand a student, you continue, using your body language to recognise and address the misbehaviour. For example:
Making eye contact.
A hand gesture, such as pointing, in their direction.
A nod.
Why use this technique?
Non-verbal Gestures helps the student who is misbehaving (and others) appreciate you have clocked the behaviour and would like it to stop. It fits the ‘corrections brief’ of being low-key, positive, directed at a specific individual, and minimally disruptive to the flow of a lesson.
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?