Group Dynamics and the EFL classroom /UP
Aggressive behaviour
Involves:
 Putting forward your own needs, ideas
and feelings while at the same time ignoring
or putting down those of other people
 Blaming others for problems and mistakes
 Using sarcasm, adopting a patronizing
attitude, verbal hostility
Reasons:
 Concerned with achieving own goals,
having little or no concern for the goals of
others
 Concerned with "beating" others, too
much competitiveness
 Trying to achieve quick results
Non-verbal signals such as:
rapid speech
finger-wagging, table thumping gestures
strident, loud voice
jaw firmly set
eyes used to stare down at others
power markers (telephone, watch, dress code)
patronising
assuming a physically higher position
leaning forward, intruding into personal space
irony
Statements such as:
“How do you think…?!”
"Surely you don't believe that."
“Are you joking?”
Do it, or else…!"
“That’s silly.”
“Perhaps it’s always been done that way so far but
now…”
“Who are you to boss me around like that?”
“Since this needs a lot of skills, I’ll do it for you.”
Assertive behaviour Submissive behaviour
Involves: Involves:
 Putting forward your own needs, ideas  Not putting forward your own needs,
and feelings but also respecting the right of ideas and feelings
others to do the same  Giving in to other people's requests
 Aiming to compromise seeing both points  Running yourself down to others
of view. Believing in your ideas  Undue respect: people with status
&power
Reasons: Reasons:
 Concerned with operating in a manner  Trying to avoid hurting or upsetting others
that develops one's self-assurance and  Trying to gain the approval of others
confidence and that of others  Having given up arriving at a consensus
 Concerned with effective task  Trying to save time
performance coupled with the respecting of  Trying to run away from the situation
people's rights
Non-verbal signals such as: Non-verbal signals such as:
(using “I” and “you” evenly) arms crossed in protection
even pace little eye contact
relaxed an open facial expression hand-wringing
showing hands hesitant, quiet voice
comfortable personal distance fidgeting
eye contact but not a dominating stare hand covering the mouth/face
steady, medium-pitched voice looking aside
harmony with partner’s body language nervous movements
hunched shoulders
Statements such as: Statements such as:
"I believe that…. What do you think?" "Sorry to take up your valuable time, but…"
"I would like to tackle the task in this way. How does “OK, let’s do it your way.”
this affect you?" “Well, I’m sure you know better.”
“I don’t think that will work. What do you think?” "If you say so, we will…"
“All right. But let’s try first…” “I’m sorry to disturb you, but I’, ready with the
“Let’s think this over one more time.” report.”
“It’s interesting what you say. But don’t forget…” "It's only my opinion, but…."
“I know this seems odd for you. I’d still like you to "I’m not sure it did it right…"
consider…” “I just thought… Well, it doesn’t matter.”