While there is probably no tried and true way to tell if a student is really paying attention, by learning to read a few subtle signs from students, instructors may be able to tell when a change of pace is on order.

Body language – the ways in which both you and your students move, gesture, and even stand – can scream volumes.

Using body language effectively can get your message across more quickly. Watching another person’s body language can give you an idea of what that person may actually be thinking. Is your student really listening to what you are saying or is he/she thinking "What an idiot"? Body language may give you an idea.

Here are some examples:

• By facing a person squarely and looking directly at the speaker, an individual shows that he or she is listening. Lowering the head, peering over the rims of glasses (watch out, some people work with reading glasses on and have to look over their glasses to see) and cocking the head to one side usually indicates skepticism or suspicion.
• Open-lipped smiling, open hands with palms visible and unbuttoning a coat when being seated shows openness and warmth.
• Leaning forward in a chair with the chin up and putting the tips of the fingers of one hand against the tips of the fingers of the other hand in a "praying" position shows confidence.
• Frowning, squinting eyes, a tight-lipped grin and arms crossed in front of the chest may be signs of untrustworthiness or defensiveness. However, some individuals cross their arms in front of their chest simply because they don’t know where else to put them. Read other body language signs to be certain.
• Creating a barrier between you and the person you are speaking with – be it furniture or space – creates a formal or cold image.

Being aware of body language may help you decide if you are being understood, it can help you get your point across, it can even be used to convey dislike – if needed. But it’s also wise to remember that reading body language is only one of a whole range of listening and observing skills you can use in interacting with others.