Objective
To determine the opinion of nursing faculty and a researcher on the effectiveness of non-verbal communication in the classroom.
Methods
This descriptive study included 11 nursing professors filmed for 220 minutes. Fourteen aspects of non-verbal communication were evaluated. Opinions about the effectiveness of non-verbal communication are expressed as simple frequencies.
Results
Professors identified 71.43% of postures (as coherent, good, effective, and adequate), 62.5% of facial expressions (efficient, positive, and reinforcing/following the speech), 83.33% of voice rhythms (effective, good, and adequate speed), 61.11% of physical energy levels (good rhythm, active, attentive, effective, adequate, and alert), and 78.95% of body postures (kept moving, standing, remaining on feet, using hand movements to illustrate points, attention focused on students, position close to students’ desks). A less frequent inefficient non-verbal communication was seen among.
Conclusion
Nursing professors’ opinions on non-verbal communication in the classroom were general and non-specific, indicating inadequate application of non-verbal communication. Professors identified inefficient non-verbal communication behavior less often than did one of the current researchers.
Communication; Nonverbal communication; Education, nursing; Faculty, education; Teaching/methods