Abstract:

Teacher non-verbal communication (NVC) has been confirmed as a critical aspect of instructional communication competence and an important driver of student learning. This study seeks to analyse dimensionality of this concept in the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and to observe weather it changes in different cultural environments. In particular, it examines student assessment of teacher NVC in three Universities placed in three European countries, namely Spain, Italy, and Croatia. Teacher NVC is studied through five variables that have emerged as critical dimensions of NVC in literature. These are, namely: body language (kinesics), paralanguage (vocalics), consideration of time (chronemics), consideration of space (proxemics), and physical appearance. A total of 428 students participated in the research. Data collection took place in 2017. Results suggests moderate to high levels of NVC assessment. Significant differences are obtained across the three Universities, which means that national culture moderates student perceptions.

Keywords:

Non-verbal communication, kinesics, vocalics, chronemics, proxemics, physical appearance, culture.