Why is it that some teachers have a kind of magical charisma and charm which sets them apart from their peers? This book gives us a fresh and exciting answer They have the classroom X-Factor! White and Gardners gripping text, The Classroom X Factor, examines the notion of having what the public has come to call the X-Factor from the perspective of the teacher, offering fascinating insights into the use of non verbal communication in the classroom.
Using classroom and curricular examples, this book sets out to show how both trainee and practising teachers can identify their own X-Factor in order to help transform their perspectives and perceptions of themselves during the live act of teaching. The book demonstrates how teachers can transform the way in which they connect with their students, whilst also creating meaningful and potent learning experiences for them. White and Gardner show that by following simple methods borrowed from psychology and cognitive science teachers can develop their own X-Factor and in so doing increase their enjoyment and efficacy as professionals. The techniques described include some of the following:
- Facial and vocal expression
- Gesture and body language
- Eye contact and smiling
- Teacher attire, colour and the use of space
- Nonverbal communication and pedagogical approaches
In addition, the book provides a section containing fictional stories that aim to contextualise the findings detailed throughout the text. The inclusion of chapter summaries, questions aimed at identifying the readers own X-Factor, lesson exemplars and a user-friendly self-evaluation framework all work together to make the book a stimls)