Rapport is very important for the student. They learn to trust and respect the instructor.
From the fist day of class I try to establish a report I with my students. If they feel I am approachable they will be more likely to let me know if they are having difficulty with the text or hands on learning.
Students need to know that you are human; you are person too. You have sat in the very same seat, as a student, as they have. That at one point or another you were scared, stressed, and overwhelemed just like them. This makes a connection to them as being a student at one time too.
I like to share a lot of stories with my students, for that leads them to open up as well, which makes them perform better in the course.
To gain trust and respect from students.
Building rapport allows a student to open up to you. If the student sees you as a human being that he/she can share experiences with they are more likely to come to you with questions and for guidance.
I think it is important to develope a rapport with students so that they feel comfortable in the course and so you can build trust with the student.
They will have more reason to pay attention and enhance their retention/learning if they feel you are human and approachable. Claudia K.
The development of rapport with students so important in teaching because it provides the Humam Factor. It gives the students the open door policy to express ideas, to listen to the instructor as well as their peers, provide feedback on opinions, and most of all trust and understanding of one another, that you are sincere and concern to keep them on track to meet their goal to finish school. You can encourage an ambiance of trust and empathy with your students.
Lauri
Rapport is critical. Students feel more at ease. They pay more attention and are much more engaged. Depending on whether or not you are in a brick and mortar classroom, it becomes difficult for those who remain disconnected in all ways provided. This is quite a challenge if all resources/rapport developed is not utilized. I wonder how this question's answers would vary in the online environment with many resources "not mandatory".
The development of rapport with students is so important in teaching because you need to provide a sense of security, caring and excitement. Many Career Colleges have students that are returning for a 2nd career or 3rd due to life circumstances and in providing a nurturing environment helps the students to develop rapport with the other students as well as the instructor. You are providing the Human Factor. You are helping them to do away of their fears.
Hi Brian, I fully agree with what you said, "if a student finds a way to relate to me, their willingness to ask questions or ask for help increases, making it easier to help them before they hit critical mass in terms of grades".
This is so very important. It allows the student to feel comfortable in thier learning environment, thus increasing their potential to learn and grow. Even if you do have those students who choose not to interact, having them observe the other interactions will be very beneficial.
If you think back to when you were in school, most of the classes that you learned the most in, were the classes that you enjoyed the most. Oftentimes, the reason you enjoyed that class was because of the instructor. The rapport between a student/instructor/class is hugely important. Having good rapport with your students/class can cut down on distractions/behavior problems/etc. It can make the learning environment more enjoyable for everyone
Rapport leads to mutual understanding and trust. It aids in facilitating communication between student and instructor also demonstrates an interest in the student.
I find that if a student finds a way to relate to me, their willingness to ask questions or ask for help increases, making it easier to help them before they hit critical mass in terms of grades. Also, there will always be students who choose not to interact with me, so having others who do relate makes getting the whole class on your side easier and as a result, the difficult students end up coming around.
I feel that in order for you to build a rapport with student they must first trust you and feel that you understand thier situation thus at time you find yourself share some of your personal experiences with them.
the studaent needs to feel valued, that you care, and that you have some of the same interest that they do. also, gives them the power to ask questions and be comfortable doing so.
rapport is very important so students feel respected and feel as if their time is valuable. Students that feel rejected or don't feel they have their instructors full attention do not tend to try as hard, or even consider not finishing.
Hi Paul,
Like the way you have laid out your course expectations and requirements. Your students know what they must do to be successful and in return they will acquire the knowledge and skills needed for career success. This lays it out perfectly.
Gary
Student rapport is a key component of my instructional technique. As an automotive instructor, my students are preparing for positions as entry-level technicians. As such, they generally have no idea about the job, its benefits, its consequences, or the customer service atmosphere in a vehicle repair shop. I must provide training in several aspects of this prefession. First, they must be able to diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components. Secondly, they must be able to communicate on a professional level with customers. Manner of dress is just as important as verbal skills in communicating professionalism and confidence to the customer. Thirdly, the students must be aware of the potential dangers that exist in the automotive repair industry. Improper repairs can lead to vehicle damage, personal injury or death, or loss of employment. In order for me to be able to instill these skills, I first let them know the ground rules of the class and the shop. I never deviate from them. They are shown that actions have consequences; good with good and bad with bad. Good consequences are used to reward proper behavior or accomplishment. Bad consequences are not used to penalize or punish but are used as instructive methods to correct bad practice. After several days of the class when the students are used to my "gruff" persona, I start to lighten the mood and behave in a more relaxed fashion. I share humorous stories, mine and theirs, and help them with diagnostic problems on their vehicles. In face-to-face conversations with them about positive and negative actions and their consequences, they start to understand the serious nature of this industry. When they realize that I care about them as people and as technicians, and that I'm trying to protect them, the customers and our industry, they begin to trust what I tell them. Their attitudes start to change from disconnected student to active participant.
Developing rapport with students help to set them at ease and increase their willingness to participate in the class. Also, it makes it easier to find out more about them. You can then use this know to tailor your approach to better fit their needs.
