Understanding Embodiment in Teaching

Embodiment refers to the awareness of the body's signals and how these can influence teaching and learning interactions. For instance, when engaged in discussions, teachers can read the nonverbal cues of their students, even without verbal communication, to assess engagement or discomfort. Liz Norell highlights pivotal personal experiences that shaped her understanding of embodiment, such as witnessing a colleague struggle through cancer treatment while teaching and her own pregnancy challenges. These experiences underscore the importance of being present in the classroom, both as educators and learners, to foster genuine connections.