Work

Exploring classroom interpersonal communication skills of English second language teachers in Nigeria

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The teacher-student relationship is an aspect of classroom interaction that could be developed through interpersonal communication among classroom participants. Fostering such a relationship is the function of a positive and collaborative environment marked with mutual respect, understanding, and friendliness that motivates students’ learning. This paper examined the influence of the interpersonal aspect of teacher-talk on teacherstudent relationships and student verbal participation in classroom interactions in Ekiti State in Nigeria. The study employed a mixedmethods approach, involving both quantitative and qualitative analyses of eight recorded lessons. The findings revealed that all the categories of teacher-talk identified in the study could be used to facilitate effective classroom interpersonal relationships among teacher and learner participants. The interpersonal aspect of teacher-talk only allowed for limited interpersonal relationships between them and the students because the interaction was teacher-biased. It is recommended that teachers be encouraged and trained to understand their roles in addition to imparting academic knowledge, as facilitators in a stress-free learning environment where students can feel a sense of belonging and develop good interpersonal skills, as well as achieve academic success. Fostering a sense of shared relationships in classroom interactions requires considering students’ personalities, individual variability, freedom of expression, and personal development.

Source: Perspectives in Education

DOI: 10.38140/pie.v43i4.9007

Authors: Oladunni, O Deji-Afuye, Sindiso Zhou

Institution: University of Fort Hare

Language: English

Topic: Communication in Education and Healthcare

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $190