Role of Teacher Attire in Shaping Student Perception

Abstract

Clothing is a factor that contributes to the wearer’s personality. In educational organizations, faculty are always stressed to dress up professionally. In this research, we analyzed the influence of teachers’ attire on student perceptions about teachers. Professional attire for Pakistani females was explored and used in the experimental lectures conducted by guest lecturers. A total sample of 202 female students was recruited with the age range of 17 to 21. Our results revealed that CPA (Casual Professional Attire) can enhance student-teacher communication, understanding of concepts, interests, and learning in a classroom setting. But for the cognitive learning of senior students and higher classes FPA (Formal Professional Attire) was found to be more suitable. These findings could be helpful in optimizing classroom communication between students and teachers. It is concluded that the type of dress does influence the perception of instructors and servers as a nonverbal cue in the classroom environment.