When teaching in the classroom, instructors’ bodies are on display for students to critique while they are delivering lesson plans. The current study examined the influence of teacher perceptions of their body image on the instructor’s self-efficacy, emotions, and perceptions of their own credibility in the classroom through a mixed methods questionnaire open to teachers from multiple countries and at any level. Preliminary results demonstrated that teachers were concerned about their weight, age, height, and ethnicity in the classroom. Further, the qualitative comments showed that teachers often worried more about their appearance before teaching. While they were teaching, however, many of the instructors stated they did not think about their body and put it at the back of their mind. Before teaching, many of the participants talked about how they made sure their appearance was professional and appropriate for teaching, which helped them to feel more confident when teaching. Some participants did note they thought about their body more when teaching if they had recent changes in their body (e.g., weight fluctuations), were teaching topics related to health or personal appearance (e.g., public speaking and health related courses), or had students comment on their bodies in previous instances. The results of the study demonstrated how teachers own bodies influence their teaching, including their feelings of self-efficacy and credibility. Further, given that more teachers are struggling with burnout and mental health challenges, our study hopes to provide insight on how instructors’ view their role of their own body in the classroom.

Authors:
Caroline Waldbuesser, Sam Houston State University, United States
Katie Webber, Roanoke College, United States
Melissa Weller, Ohio University, United States
Amanda Arp, Central Methodist University, United States
Dena Horne, Sam Houston State University, United States
Anya Hommadova Lu, Sam Houston State University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Caroline Waldbuesser is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Sam Houston State University in United States

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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