3B- Body Language and Communication

Of the videos we were provided, the second presented some of the most valuable material for me to consider. Though the skit was clearly scripted to present a rather extreme case, it wasn’t wholly unrealistic. A lot of students are busy and are forced to grab meals whenever they can, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to bring food to a session. This student didn’t look particularly rushed, but instead seemed like he didn’t care if he was being rude or not. From wiping his hands on his shirt, to talking with his mouth full, to tapping his pen, he projected an attitude of casual disinterest. It was interesting to note the tutor mirroring the student’s fidgeting with his pen. Whether this was a deliberate attempt to show the student the effects of this behavior, or if the tutor was just as bored, I can’t say.

The student made it clear in several ways that he wasn’t invested in the tutoring session. He often avoided eye contact with the tutor by staring at the table. Rather than demonstrating a cultural deference to an authority figure, this seemed like an expression of boredom. At the end, when he rested his chin in his hand, he appeared particularly bored. Overall, his posture and facial expressions projected a dismissive attitude.

Forgetting to turn one’s phone off beforehand is understandable, but you should turn it off if it rings. Answering it, and then starting a conversation, shows a lack of respect for the tutor and the session. The student went on to dump his papers all over the desk and rifle through his things, indicating that he wasn’t really prepared. In all, he didn’t seem to care about getting help, and just wanted the session to end. The tutor obviously picked up on these signals, and seemed pretty irritated.

Watching this video has made me much more conscious of what my body language says to others. I guess I slouch a lot, but I do that whether or not I’m interested in what’s going on. It’s the only way I can sit comfortably, but I need to make an effort to sit up straighter and lean forward. The most effective sessions I’ve observed at the Writing Center almost always involve both participants modeling this kind of attentive behavior.

The third video presented a more idealized version of what a tutoring session should look like. Both the consultant and the student sat upright, leaning towards each other. They kept their attention focused on the paper and one another. Periodic gestures and head nods indicated that they were engaged with what the other was saying. Unlike in the second video, where the participants sat across from one another, these two positioned themselves more side-by-side. This created a less oppositional atmosphere. I will have to make an effort to model this kind of behavior during future sessions.