The Effect of Instructor Nonverbal Immediacy Behaviors and Feedback Sensitivity on Hispanic Students' Affective Learning Outcomes in Ninth-Grade Writing Conferences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to show how instructor use of nonverbal immediacy behaviors influence Hispanic students' affective learning in ninth-grade writing conferences, regardless of the level of feedback sensitivity provided. According to Kluger and DeNisi's (1996) feedback intervention theory, when feedback is direct and targeted on the task, learning is enhanced. If feedback is indirect and targeted on the relationship or feelings, then learning is diminished. Regardless of whether the relational feedback is perceived as positive or negative, learning is diminished because the learner's focus is diverted away from the task itself (Kluger & DeNisi). Three hypotheses were tested using a 2×2 experimental design. The independent variables were teacher nonverbal immediacy (immediate/nonimmediate) and sensitivity of feedback (high/low verbal sensitivity). The dependent variables were Hispanic students' affect for teacher and affective learning for writing. All three hypotheses were supported in that teacher nonverbal immediacy positively impacted students' affect for the teacher (H1), writing conference (H2), and writing process (H3) regardless of how sensitive the teacher's feedback was during the writing conference. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Instructor Nonverbal Immediacy
• Feedback Sensitivity
• Affective Learning
• Writing Conferences
• Hispanic Students

Acknowledgements

This research study is a portion of the first author's master's thesis, which was directed by the second author. The authors would like to thank Jeff McQuillen, Dora Saavedra, and two anonymous reviewers for their guidance throughout the development and review of the manuscript.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura Martin

Laura Martin (MA, The University of Texas—Pan American, 2009) is an adjunct instructor at The University of Texas—Pan American, an English Language Arts Instructional Coach for IDEA College Preparatory charter school in Donna, Texas, and an English Language Arts Content Specialist for Teach for America

Timothy P. Mottet

Timothy P. Mottet (Ed.D., West Virginia University, 1998) is Department Chair, Professor, and Henry W. and Margaret Hauser Endowed Chair in Communication at The University of Texas—Pan American