The classroom x-factor

de John White

"The X-Factor TV programme has gripped the public's imagination and attention, But what is this X-Factor? What magic does one contestant have over another? This book considers this question in terms of teachers. Why is it that some teachers have a kind of magical charisma and charm, an aura which sets them apart? They have the X- Factor. This book will show that this "magic" can be found in nonverbal communication. It will provide a broad and structured analysis of the various forms of teacher nonverbal communication (eg gesture / facial expression / body language etc) and will underpin these analyses with concrete and specific classroom and curricular examples. The Classroom X Factor draws on much of the recent research on nonverbal communication from fields such as psychology and cognitive science and shows how both student and practicing teachers can develop their own "X-Factor" and in so doing increase their enjoyment and efficacy as professionals. The authors reflect upon their wide experience in the field of teacher formative development and ongoing work in classrooms to identify numerous practical and specific examples to help transform teachers' perspectives and perceptions of themselves in the "live act" of teaching. Areas covered include: Types of non-verbal communication,Use of space and physical arrangement of the classroom, Non-verbal communication and differentiated teaching, Learning and pupil motivation, Non-verbal communication and pedagogical approaches, Expression of emotion. The book will also provide a "user-friendly" self-evaluation framework for use by both practicing and trainee teachers. It will offer a detailed outline of how, when and where nonverbal communication can be of value to teaching and learning and will be of considerable use to both practising and student teachers and to schools seeking to develop models of reflective practice. It will also be of interest to curriculum and assessment agencies, policy makers, academics and others whose roles involve the design, provision, support and evaluation of teachers' efficacy in the classroom"-- Provided by publisher. "Why is it that some teachers have a kind of magical charisma and charm in the classroom which sets them apart from their peers? The answer is: they have the 'X-Factor'. White and Gardner's gripping text, The Classroom X Factor, examines the notion of having what the public has come to call the 'X-Factor' from the perspective of the teacher, offering fascinating insight into the use of non verbal communication in the classroom. Using classroom and curricular examples this book sets out to show how both trainee and practicing teachers can identify their own 'X-Factor' in order to help transform their perspectives and perceptions of themselves during the 'live act' of teaching. White and Gardner show that by following simple methods borrowed from psychology and cognitive science teachers can develop their own 'X-Factor' and in so doing increase their enjoyment and efficacy as professionals. The techniques described include some of the following: - Facial and vocal expression - Gesture and body language - Use of space and physical arrangement of the classroom - Pupil motivation - Pedagogical approaches"-- Provided by publisher.