The impact of facial expressions on the nonverbal communication of university professors in student interaction: A descriptive and analytical study in light of communication theory

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of university professors' facial expressions, as a core element of nonverbal communication, on student interaction. It hypothesizes that these expressions form a visual message that directly influences the educational context, attention, and emotion. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, a questionnaire was distributed to 110 students in the Arabic Language Department at Salahaddin University for the 2025-2026 academic year. The results revealed a statistically significant correlation: positive expressions (e.g., smiles) increased student participation, while negative ones (e.g., frowns) decreased it. The findings confirm the strong explanatory power of nonverbal cues in education, supporting global evidence of their profound impact, which can sometimes surpass words. The study recommends incorporating training on conscious use of body language and facial expressions into teacher development programs to enhance classroom interaction.