Verbal and nonverbal cues are needed in the classroom. Communication is essential for directing a student’s behavior. Words and body language matter as much as the tone of voice. Both verbal and nonverbal cues work together to help students understand the message.
Verbal communication includes oral, written, and sign language. Nonverbal cues include body language, gestures, hand signals, and eye contact (the ‘teacher’ look). All is intended to create a calm learning environment. Nonverbal cues reduce the need for repeated verbal instructions.
Verbal vs Nonverbal Cues
Nonverbal Cues
Nonverbal cues help teachers focus on a lesson. They reduce distractions in the classroom, creating a calmer environment. Nonverbal cues also support students with disabilities and auditory processing challenges. As students respond to these cues, they develop responsibility and self-regulation.
Developing nonverbal cues in the classroom takes little effort. First, identify the specific behavior to be addressed. Introduce the cue as soon as possible. Role-play so students understand and respond. Remember that consistency is the key to effectiveness. In the beginning, silent cues should be used with verbal instructions, then gradually phase out the verbal instructions.
Verbal Cues
Verbal cues are used in the classroom to direct focus for classroom management purposes. Younger students need guidance in learning social cues. Therefore, verbal cues are necessary and tend to be more effective than nonverbal cues for younger students. Older students might see verbal cues as childish. However, cues for older students include responses such as “this is important,” “this is key,” and “listen.” Sometimes, it is necessary to highlight a concept; thus, students need to be alert, respond, act, or give feedback. All these strategies help students with a language impairment.
Student attention is important. Effective classroom strategies require verbal and nonverbal cues. Studies show that the more teachers utilize verbal and nonverbal communication, the greater the academic progress of their students. When using cues, where a teacher stands makes a difference. Standing next to a distracted student is a cue for the student to stay on task.
Cues save time in the classroom and minimize noise. They promote silence and active listening. Cues set a mood in the classroom and are designed to get attention. There are many types of cues that get attention from students. They are in any form, from sign language to music. Cues elicit cooperation from the students. Using verbal and nonverbal cues in the classroom helps to maintain a calm learning environment for students.
