If you can build rapport with your students then they will be more inclined to be attentive and want to be there in class. Without rapport there is a disconnect that can lead a student to want to be anywhere else but in the classroom. Everyone wants a sense of connecting to what they are trying to learn, it makes it more interesting to learn if they connect to it.
I believe it is important to develop student rapport because of several reasons. Number one is student retention to the classroom. Number two, I believe the students are more apt to learn and be engaged when they have that with their instructor.
Rapport is a trust builder between you and your student. I have found that building a good student rapport stimulates the student to participate in class because they trust you as a instructor. This trust allows them to speak in class without feeling inadequate about their responses.
it helps you understand ther point of view
In my opinion mutual respect and trust a key factors to a successful learning environment. This is started and continually built on throughout the course by having a good rapport. If the students feel a connection with the instructor they are more at ease and more willing to participate in class discussions.
Students are allowed to come and go as they please in live chats. However, I make a point to greet each student that attends a live chat, regardless of when they come and go through out the hour. It also creates a sense of comfortability within the classes. Often times I sign in early to open the live chat, and by the time the class has started, students are already engaged in conversation with each other. I believe that stems from the rapport I have built with them and the level of comfort they feel in my class.
No one wants to come to an unfriendly place especially if it is to learn something new. Relaxed and trusting students learn better is a given and is so logical, but some instructors fear loss of control. There is always a line between student and instructor, but in need not be a wall.
Without establishing rapport the student will fear you. When the student is afraid they cannot learn.
Jeff,
Great point about not confusing this with being their friend. That is a thin line that must not be crossed!
Developing rapport is so important b/c students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. Once they know that you care about them they are willing to work hard and open up. In all my years of teaching I have found this to be true whether teaching 14 yr olds or 60 yr olds.
Student rapport is extremely important to be established early in the classroom. A student's ability to trust and share a mutual respect with their instructor sets the foundation for the course.
For the instructor, understanding the student and what their objective is in taking the course and attending college provides the instructor with valuable information as to what the focus needs to be for that particular student.
Recognizing students by name, providing immediate feedback on discussions and assignments show the student that the instructor is interested in the student and committed to the student's success.
Rapport is a connection made between student and teacher. This is important and difficult in an online situation. The best I can do as an instructor is make myself available for my students, and try to make myself seem human, rather than a robot on the other side of the monitor. I do this by being professional but not as formal in personal emails to students, and saying "Thank you" and "take care" when I feel that is necessary.
Rapport will allow the students to relax a bit and learning can take place at a better rate. When rapport developed in this quarter's class, things really started to happen.
When students feel connected to both the content, the instructor and their colleagues, they are more likely to engage in the content at a higher level. When students feel disconnected or do not trust their instructor their receptivity to the content is reduced.
Developing student rapport is important because the more they respect their teacher the more they engage in the content and the greater likelihood they will listen to what you have to say/offer. When students are engaged in the content and feel connected to the parties involved in the instructional process, learning is more likely to take place.
I feel that rapport is directly linked to trust. If students trust the teacher, they'll work harder to learn and grow. When the opportunity for corrective feedback happens, students will accept both positive and negative comments when there is already a base of trust. Otherwise, even one negative comment leads to problems.
Beth
Hi Jan,
Good point about reaching out to students. Helping to see you, the instructor as a caring and supportive educator, is very beneficial to students and their success. This is what rapport is all about.
Gary
Hi Toni,
Thank you for sharing these examples of how to create a connection with each student. This is so important and you have developed a very comfortable way of doing it, even in an online setting.
Gary
Developing a rapport with you students allows you to connect to them on a personal level as well as professional. By connecting with them on a personal level the students feel that you care for them and understand where they are coming from. Students need to feel that their experiences are valued no matter how much life experience they hold. In addition, if students feel valued by having a rapport with their teacher they are more willing to participate as well as come to class with a positive attitude.
