Without communication our species could not more forward. We would not have created the wide variety of societies seen across the world and throughout time. This interaction is not limited to strictly verbal communication. After all, even a small child knows that a phrase could have its entire meaning changed by a hand motion or facial expression. So a teacher must not only know his or her subject but also be able to communicate it effectively to the students.
Overall, the teacher I have observed these past few weeks has maintained a steady set of verbal and non-verbal ‘messages’ throughout his classes. For example, there is no apparent difference is how he speaks to each student based on gender, ethnicity, or background. However, it is evident that in one of his classes, which he described as ‘more academic’, he speaks at a higher level. I have noticed he asks more questions require elaboration and connecting of ideas in this ‘academic’ class rather than his mixed level class. Although, at times I have doubted whether the second class mentioned is more academic as both he and I had to prevent ourselves from laughing, although the class made no such attempt, when during a current event presentation meant top connect a modern event to a historic one a student made an interesting comparison. She compared the fame and power or Alexander the Great to Justin Bieber. The sheer fact that, even as the other students laughed, he was able to remain calm and kept the comments he had about her choice of topic to himself until after the class was dismissed is just one example of how he can control his verbal communication with great skill.
The non-verbal messages he send are just as important as the verbal ones. For example, he always appears relaxed in his classes which show how comfortable he is with his topics. In contrast, a nervous teacher sends a message of uncertainty and lack of knowledge. Physically, this teacher presents a sense of professionalism. Every day I have attended his classes he has been dressed in slacks and a sweater or button-up shirt. He also has a short haircut and is clean-shaven. This sends the message that he is educated and takes care in his appearance, thus showing a level of respect toward the school and students.