Establishing rapport in the classroom
How do you make the students feel comfortable in the classroom?
I completely agree. Trust is very important, and students should know that you trust them to work with you to make the best of their learning experience.
Yes even thought they feel scared
I agree. Trust and respect are parmamount to establishing rapport. Fairness is also a key issue as well as setting expectations. From experience, students want to know what is expected of them, particularly in terms of evaluation and grades.
I agree, you earn respect by giving respect. Students respond very well to the instructor that shows them respect. Student will try the instructor to see how they can go before being pulled back. I let them know that the classroom has one director but like an orchestra, they have a very important place within it. To make good music, there must be classroom decorum to keep channels oened for discussion and debate.
Everyone should be treated with dignity. Once you strip someone of their dignity, they have nothing to lose. We should always be mindful of that. When you give respect 9/10 respect is given.
Hi Victor,
There are many ways, but the most important is to make them feel welcome and a part of the class. Show them respect and strive to develop rapport with them and they will become comfortable with the class. They have to feel included and that they can be successful if they are going to be comfortable.
Gary
You have to establish TRUST with you students. Trust is a two way street.
