Pearl,
What are some rapport development strategies you can share with us.
Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Because it help us as teachers be successful in reaching our students.
One of the first things I do, in making students feel comfortable in my classroom, is to let them know that I've been in their situation. I talk about my own experience in college and how I made it through those years. I tell them that I used to be the one sitting in the back of the class saying nothing, and I used to hyperventilate when I had to speak in front of the class. Then I let them know what changed. Periodically throughout the term I talk to them like this, which lets them know that we share a bond.
The students need to have a sense of trust before they leap.
If you don't develop a good rapport with your students, you are simply talking at them. Establishing rapport while maintaining respect is vital to the class learning and offering feedback. It also allows the instructor to learn from the students, not just the other way around.
Building rapport with students is one of the most important things an instructor can do. It gets students to buy in to the curriculum sooner and, it should make the learning environment more enjoyable. When you use personal experiences in the classroom, a lot of the students can relate to you are some of their experiences.
I think that building a rapport with students is important to teaching because it shows each student that you care about their learning process.
Through building a rapport, both students and instuctor can read through verbal and non-verbal clues, such as if the student is not in the best attitude within the learning environment.
Thao,
I agree with you. We instructors need to earn the respect of our students and then work to establish rapport with them throughout the course. This rapport can and will carry over into the future when the students are out in the workplace.
Gary
Developing rapport with students sets the stage for a working relationship that will produce positive results. It is important that instructors are familiar enough with their students that they can sense when something may be going on with them. I think it's important that students feel comfortable enough with their instructors to solicit their help when they need it. Sometimes the instructors may be the students' only source of encouragement and support. Building rapport with students can also foster a mutual respect between student and instructor.
I firmly believe that building a relationship with the student is good for both student and instructor. You see, we never stop learning, and I would prefer to believe that we continually learn from the student as well as the reverse. Not to say we learn academically as instructors, but that we grow in stature,(in the eyes of the student)we grow in knowledge about the student and what they are about. Sometimes I have a habit of reading the students without them knowing. I enjoy when they tell me something that they think will be an embarrassment to them, and I then act like nothing is wrong. They appreciate the non-accusational smile they receive with the answer,"We will work it out." A student will come to class if they build a relationship, or in their eyes a bond with the instructor. It gives them a sense of courage to face any problem, which leads to the empowerment in their own life.
Students need to feel that you are interested in their success and will work hand in hand to help them achieve that goal. You need a personal relationship with them so that your concern is evident to them. This will alleviate some of their fears and make them more successful.
I believe that respect or rapport is earned in both instances. I need to earn my student's respect through showing them that I am qualified to be their instructor, and they have to earn my respect by showing me that they truly want to learn what I am teaching them. Through this mutal respect, rapport grows and deepens between the students and myself.
Rapport centers around the positive relationship established with students inside and outside of the classroom. Acknowledging students by name outside of the classroom environment shows students a willingness by you to take an interest in them outside of the traditional classroom environment.
Building rapport increases participation immensely. The students are not as afraid of asking questions or "looking stupid" in front of their peers. They feel more secure and safe in this environment.
A good instructor is so much more than just delivering the course content. They may be an advisor, sounding board and the students "go to person" for many other personal issues. That has been my experience.
Hi Kevin,
Plus, it is makes teaching so exciting when you have rapport with your students and they are really targeted on learning the content and skills required.
Gary
Developing rapport with students is important because it sets the stage for learning. Their active participation is what will help bring more meaning and relevance to the material. The students need to understand that we are there to learn from each other.
So the students can relate to their instructor. By relating, they become relaxed and are able to focus specifically on the content of the instruction. Thanks
So many times I have seen that in developing student rapport, not only does it develop trust with instructors and students, it is a surprise confidence builder for everyone. From the students to the instructors, visual verification is noted immediately.
Students need to feel like the are supported by someone they trust.
