The Influence of Non-verbal Communication on Learner and its Application to Online Class
Yang Liu1 Wei-shuang Shao 2 Ze-yun Yang1 Ji Sun3 Wei Li1 Pei Sun1
1 Institute of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China 2 College of Science, Qiqihar University, Heilongjiang 161006, China 3 Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University,Beijing 10084,China 4 School of Education Science, Anshun University,Guizhou,561000, China
Abstract:Non-verbal communication (NVC), such as facial expression, eye contact, hand gesture, and body language, delivers extensive information. Online education tends to overlook the functions and undermine the significance of NVC, as teacher-student interactions are minimal and asynchronous compared to the traditional face-to-face education context. The lack of NVC hampers learning efficiency or intellectual growth. The absence of critical elements of NVC may further exert detrimental effects on learners’ attention, engagement, satisfaction, and learning outcomes. This article comprehensively reviewed current evidence investigating the relationship between NVC and student learning behaviors in the online education setting, synthesized differences in NVC between the contexts of traditional education and online education. Finally, from the perspective of interpersonal interaction, suggestions and solutions are proposed focused on the accuracy and interactivity of NVC in online class.