go beyond words — training and development for educational, corporate and personal effectiveness

Research published by the National Education Association states that 82% of our communication as educators is nonverbal.

We’ve designed a classroom management program that trains educators to use nonverbal communication systematically. Nonverbal classroom management:

Creates More Time for Teaching

Using nonverbal techniques in the classroom reduces the time spent in management and allows teachers to focus on curriculum. Teachers report a decrease in management problems and increase in available teaching time after implementing the skills.

Ensures 100% Communication

When teachers are moving while at the same time asking students to stop what they are doing, only 18% of the message “stop” is communicated to students because the teacher is nonverbally indicating “go.” When teachers match their verbal message (STOP) with their nonverbal (teacher has stopped moving) students are more likely to cooperate because the message is clear. Congruent communication leads to increased control, which means less management problems.

Increases Influence

Using nonverbal techniques in the classroom allows a teacher to manage from influence, not power. Although compliance can often be gained from a student when managing from power, managing from influence provides a safer classroom environment for student AND teacher.

Preserves Relationships

Managing students with nonverbal techniques preserves relationships. Teachers are able to separate the person from the behavior and most negative interactions are avoided. Teachers report less stress after incorporating nonverbal classroom management skills into their classroom.

Increases Visual Capacity

Nonverbal Classroom Management trains teachers to “go visual” in their classrooms through visual aids, instructions and management devices. Students in turn become more visually oriented: finding instructions on their own, following directions without guidance, and increasing their visual capacity. This creates a more productive and quiet atmosphere.

Is Culturally Sensitive

Cultural differences often lead to communication problems in the classroom. Managing nonverbally creates a common language amongst all students in the class. A teacher who manages through nonverbal cues is seen as fair. Limiting verbal management reduces the possibility of misunderstandings.

Is Easy to Do

The skills learned in the trainings are easy to implement. Teachers see results immediately and are encouraged to implement more skills throughout the school year.