Nonverbal Communication Channels used by Mass Communication Lecturers during classroom sessions with students

Abstract

The art of communication encompasses both verbal and nonverbal communication. Classroom sessions between the lecturers and students are regarded as a vital social and learning interaction in which verbal and nonverbal expressions are component. The aim of this study was to identify the nonverbal communication channels expressed by the Mass Communication lecturers during classroom sessions. Two hundred and forty students (240) of Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at various levels of study were randomly recruited for the study. A well-structured questionnaire highlighting the different channels of nonverbal communication was used for data collection. The findings showed that lecturers of Mass Communication Department use nonverbal communication channels during classroom sessions with students. The preponderant channel of nonverbal communication was kinesics. Since the evaluation of the lecturers’ nonverbal communication expressions were identified by the students, it is important
that the lecturers understand that their nonverbal expression may enhance their classroom sessions or impede the ability of the students to comprehend the learning outcome. The study recommends the need for an official curriculum in nonverbal communication.