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EDU 5046: CLASSROOM INTERACTION

Lecture 2: Classroom Interaction
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.

explain the meaning and process of interaction,

explain the concept of classroom interaction,
describe the relationship between interaction and communication, &
discuss about the factors that influence interaction.

CONCEPT OF INTERACTION:
(Mary A.Bany, pg 78)
Mary A. Bany (1975): A process that involves reactions of a number of persons to one another (in a
group).
However, it refers to more than mere member-to-member actions and reactions. It includes a range
of social relationships where in there is reciprocal stimulation and response between human beings.
The concept of interaction includes ways in which individuals relate to one another and carry out the
tasks essential for the development, maintenance, and growth of the group or social system.
A study of interaction will direct attention not only to member-member relationships, but to the ways
groups, subgroups, and teachers exert positive, neutral and negative influences on one another.
Individuals influence one another through use of language, symbols, signals or gestures, etc
Conclusion: Interaction is relationship among two or more persons and within this relationship, the
action of each person affect those of the other person in the situation.
A group is not considered as a group unless theres interaction among its members.
THE PROCESS OF INTERACTION:
The term interaction processes refers to the recurrent patterns of inter-stimulation and response
among individuals and groups that result in the development of cohesiveness, structure, norms, and
mutual goals, or conversely, that may lead to conflict and disorganization.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION:
(Mary A. Bany, pg 82)
Interaction is a form of communication.
Newcomb (1953): Phenomena of social behavior that had been assembled under the label of
interaction can be more adequately studied as communicative acts

COMMUNICATION:
(Pamela J. Cooper, pg 8)
A complex transactional process (example: in a 2 people communication, there are actually 6 people
involved)
It takes place between persons, not roles. (Example: see students as human beings, not merely
students.)

Communication is the symbolic means through which we relate our experiences and perceptions to
others.

To relate experiences and perceptions, we must share a common meaning, but there is a problem:
meanings are not transferable. This is because meanings are in people, not in words (verbal).
Like verbal communication, non-verbal communication too does not contain a single or specific
meaning.
Both symbolic interaction and non-symbolic interaction are influenced by culture and environment.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT INTERACTION:
(Mary A. Bany, pg 82)
Interaction is influenced by situation, past experience and feelings towards a person.
The nature of the group organization
The environment the interaction takes place
Other elements: characteristics of the group members such as race, gender, age, group size, culture,
social acceptance, interaction style and practices (eg: leadership style and teachers practice) etc
Example of factors that influence interaction:
Dominative conversation of teachers such as lecturing, criticizing, instructing.
Effects: tense environment, students feel threatened.

CLASSROOM INTERACTION:
Is the interaction between teacher and students, students and students, including the interactions
among individuals, subgroups or the whole class.
Can be initiated by student or teacher (often initiated by teacher)
Influence on Interaction
Teachers perception
Student (characteristics, abilities, self-concept & learning style)
Subject
Teaching method & approaches
Result: teachers behavior and students behavior