Communicating In A Multicultural Classroom: A Study Of Students Nonverbal Behavior And Attitudes Toward Faculty Attire

Abstract

Economic and market globalization in the United States has engendered a multicultural learning environment that challenges both faculty and students. Diversity in the classroom is further complicated by nonverbal communication, which impacts on students attitudes toward faculty members. Because todays classrooms are changing and undergoing rapid shifts in composition, culture, and orientation, the nature of learning is also changing to be more participative, interactive, and team-oriented. To ensure that effective learning is taking place in global/multicultural classroom settings, an improved faculty-student nonverbal relationship is critically important. This study, therefore, emphasizes the importance of appropriate dress/attire in a diverse classroom setting.