Teachers’ Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in EFL Classroom at Vocational High School in Makassar

Abstract

This research aims to find out (1) what kinds of verbal and non-verbal communication are frequently used by the teachers in EFL classroom and (2) whether the teachers’ verbal and non-verbal communication affects the student’s learning outcomes. This qualitative research involved two English teachers at SMKN 10 Makassar selected using purposive sampling technique. The data of this research were collected by observation, interview, and documentation. The obtained data were analyzed qualitatively through data collection and verification, data display, data condensation and drawing conclusion. The results of the research revealed that, (1) there were seven kinds of verbal communication used by the teacher namely accepting of feeling, praising, or encouraging, accepting, or using idea of students, asking question, lecturing, giving direction, criticizing, or justifying authority. There were six kinds of non-verbal communication used by English teacher namely gestures, movements, facial expressions, eye contacts, touch, and distances; (2) The teachers implemented all of them. In teaching and learning process, the teachers combined verbal and non-verbal communication to reinforce what they said. The teachers were aware that successful teaching and learning process blends both verbal and non-verbal communication skills in establishing good rapport with students and this has a direct correlation to the student’s achievement.