The influence of lecturer non-verbal cues on student perceptions of teaching quality: the role of gender and age

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of lecturer non-verbal cues on student perceptions of teaching quality, considering the moderating effects of gender and age. Non-verbal communication is crucial in instructional settings, impacting students’ engagement, learning experiences, and overall perceptions of teaching effectiveness. Drawing on the social identity theory, the study explores the relationships between specific non-verbal cues displayed by lecturers and students’ perceptions of teaching quality. A quantitative research design is employed, comprising questionnaires. The participants include 614 students from various Technical University education programs, selected using the Google Form. The questionnaires assess students’ perceptions of lecturer non-verbal cues and teaching quality, with Likert scale items (i.e. 1. Strongly disagree to 5. Strongly agree) providing quantitative data. Quantitative analysis reveals significant associations between non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and gestures, and positive teaching quality perceptions. Moreover, gender and age are identified as moderators, affecting students’ interpretations of non-verbal cues and subsequent evaluations of teaching quality; however, students do not place much emphasis on these two variables. The findings contribute to instructional communication theory, advancing the understanding of how non-verbal communication influences teaching effectiveness.

Keywords:

• Age
• gender
• higher education
• non-verbal communication
• teaching quality

Reviewing Editor:

• Serafina Pastore
• Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro
• Bari, Italy

Subjects:

• Higher Education
• Teachers & Teacher Education
• Educational Psychology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Solomon Abekah Keelson

Solomon Abekah Keelson is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Strategy at the Business Faculty of Takoradi Technical University, Ghana. He holds a PhD in Marketing and Strategy from Open University, Malaysia, an MBA in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Prof Keelson also holds a professional certificate in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK. He is a Chartered member of Marketing - UK and Ghana and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants. Keelson is a renowned academic with several publications and taught for over 25 years. He has also worked as theses Assessor (internationally and externally) for various tertiary institutions in Ghana and other countries. Keelson has also gotten industry experience from working with the Electricity Company of Ghana for about 10 years and consulting for companies such as Ghana Rubber Estate and Laine Service. He is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Business, at Takoradi Technical University.

Jacob Odei Addo

Dr. Jacob Odei Addo is a Ghanaian accomplished academician .With a PhD from Open University of Malaysia (OUM), in Business Administration. Currently, a Senior Lecturer at Takoradi Technical University. Has a diverse portfolio of published works which shows author's versatility and ability to explore a wide range of subjects

Ann Dodor

Dr. Ann Dodor, a Ghanaian scholar of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, holds PhD in Management Science & Engineering from Giangsu University, China. She is a Senior Lecturer at Takoradi Technical University; with many publications to her credit and the ability to explore a wide range of subjects in Marketing and Entrepreneurship