In a classroom, there are always two main sides – the teacher and the students. Both can talk, ask questions, give answers, or sometimes remain silent. Ned Flanders studied this interaction and created a system called Flanders’ Interaction Analysis.
He explained that during teaching there are two main situations:
1. Silence : When no one is speaking.
2. Interaction : When either the teacher or the students are speaking.
The Interaction is further divided into:
Teacher's Interaction:
Teacher interaction is the biggest part of classroom communication. It is divided into two types: indirect influence and direct influence
- Indirect influence
1. Accepting Feelings – The teacher understands and accepts students’ emotions.
2. Praising or Encouraging – The teacher motivates students with kind words for ideas, answers and efforts.
Example:
The teacher makes sure that praise is genuine and not hurting others.
3. Accepting student's ideas–The teacher values students’ opinions and uses them in teaching.
Example–
4. Asking Questions–The teacher asks questions to involve students in the lesson.
Example:
- Direct Influence
Direct influence means the teacher is controlling, instructing, or correcting.
5.Lecturing–The teacher explains facts or concepts.
Example:
the teacher expects students to act according to instructions.
6. Giving Directions–The teacher gives instructions to students.
Example:
7. Criticizing or Showing Authority–The teacher points out mistakes, scolds, or enforces discipline.
Example:
The aim is not to insult but to bring students on the right path.
Student's Interaction:
8. Student Response–Students answer the teacher’s questions.
Example:
9. Student Initiation–When students speak without waiting for the teacher’s question.
Example :
10. Silence or pause –When no one is speaking in class.
Example:
It may be thoughtful silence (students are thinking about the answer) or confused silence (nobody knows what to say).
