This presentation focuses on nonverbal messages, also known as body language. The material was developed for an online course in Interpersonal Communication and as accompanying material for a chapter in a textbook. However, the textbook is not identified. The module contains an online lecture regarding nonverbal messages as a component of an overall interpersonal communication course. The submitter has noted that the lesson received an honorable mention in the 2012 SoftChalk Lesson Challenge.
Type of Material:
Presentation
Recommended Uses:
This material would be a nice companion piece for a lecture on nonverbal communication. The author utilizes it in an Interpersonal Communication course. However, it could be utilized in a number of courses such as Human Resources and Personal Selling. Instructors could use this as reference material, too, and cherry pick examples and other material to include in their own lectures.
Technical Requirements:
Internet browsing capabilities and the ability to play audio files.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The learning goals are clearly defined by the author:
1. Recognize the diversity of cues that combine to create interpretations.
2. Sort different types of nonverbal communication into categories.
3. Correctly identify different kinds of nonverbal behavior.
4. Interpret different types of nonverbal behavior and analyze how verbal messages interact.
5. Describe the factors that influence the accuracy of your own interpretations of nonverbal messages.
6. Practice recognizing microexpressions.
Target Student Population:
This seems most appropriate for undergraduate students. However, the material could be utilized at higher and lower levels.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
The lecture is embedded in an overall course of interpersonal communication, however due to its relatable content, it can be used in a variety of subject areas. No specific prerequisite skills would be necessary. There is no pre-requisite knowledge necessary to understand this material.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The presentation is very easy to understand and covers all aspects of nonverbal communication such as body, facial, and eye communication. It also addresses paralanguage, spatial language, and artifacts and temporal communication. The presentation utilizes interesting examples and links to other materials for those interested in learning more on a given topic. The information presented closely aligns with a textbook chapter the author is using, however as a review of material, it presents an excellent basic source. Topics are nicely covered, with plenty of examples, interactive activities and links to additional information to foster understanding. Although several years old, the content remains relevant due to the nature of the subject, and can be used to support classroom work.
Concerns:
My only concern is that the presentation quite often refers the user to various pages in a textbook. Without knowledge of the book that the author is using and without a copy of this book, the value of the material is greatly comprised. This is not a stand alone tool. Some of the links to additional support material were not accessible, and would need to be further researched if interested.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The presentation does a good job of explaining nonverbal cues and engaging the user while doing so. The examples are well chosen and appropriate. As a review, the presentation provides excellent information and would greatly support in-class learning. The author’s conversational style and appropriate depth of information (for this format) would allow students to not only be reminded of content, but also see examples of it and/or test knowledge through various exercises.
Concerns:
The textbook is referenced at times, however is not specifically mentioned – as a review this module would be helpful, but still needs adaptation if used as a core resource. Additionally, some of the examples to test knowledge did not work on this reviewer’s computer.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The presentation is well-designed and easy to navigate. Students should have no problem working through the material. The embedded activities, including sound, quizzes, links, etc., are helpful to increasing understanding and lends to an interactive feel of this presentation.
Concerns:
None
Creative Commons:
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