What Do Adult Educators Say Without Words? /The Value of Nonverbal Communication to Adult Learners
Session Abstract
The purpose of this session will be to discuss the importance of nonverbal communication when teaching adult learners. Discussion will focus on the identification of nonverbal behaviors and the role that immediacy plays in increased teaching effectiveness and student learning. Relevant research, discussion and application will be included.
Target Audience
Educators that work in post-secondary or community college and programs facilitators or trainers.
Session Description
The purpose of this session will be to discuss the importance of understanding nonverbal communication when teaching adult learners. Discussion will focus on the identification of nonverbal behaviors and the role that immediacy plays in increased teaching effectiveness and student learning. Fifty-five per cent of meaning in interaction is derived from nonverbal cues, 38% from vocal cues and 7% from verbal messages. As adult educators we need to understand how we convey our credibility to others and create an appropriate communication environment through our nonverbal communication. We also need to enhance our ability to decode the nonverbal behaviors of others. This session will focus on the communicative methods most effective for the design and delivery of our message. Research will be presented to support the relationship between nonverbal communication, a receptive learning environment, and achievement of desired student outcomes.