Because learing is tied so closely to emotions.
Hi Cliff,
Well said. This is what being a good educator is all about. Thanks for sharing with us.
Gary
Students need to know they are valued, not only as a student, but as a human being who brings a very unique set of experiences and opinions to the classroom. What is worse than feeling like "a number" in an institution? Since learning is personal/emotional, developing a healthy, balanced rapport with each student is crucial to ensuring they feel comfortable and valued in class.
Successful rapport is necessary for any human relationship to develop, even that of student/mentor.
the students need to know that your information is relevent and can be trusted. if they feel you as an instructor are not effectively informing them, they will dissmiss your teachings,and not retain any infromation.
Students need to feel that they are "important", that they are valued. Showing interest in a student may be the motivation that they need to keep trying when they feel they are getting it and want to give up. The personal touch can go a long way.
Students will do better if they feel their instructor is as engaged as they are. Developing rapport shows you are interested in the student and care whether that the information you are imparting is received, understood, retained and useful. On the other side, rapport will lead to better attendance and hopefully better retention.
so they can feel comfortable with you...
Making sure that every student gets involved is very important. I let my students know how important they are constantly and reminding them why they are here. My lesson plans and classroom teaching tecnique does not leave one student out. When students who usually don't participate when they do I let them know they brought up a very good point and thank them for their information. I also remind them their is no question that is a dumb question. This helps all the students to get involved and stay involved
If the students don't feel appreciated, understood, valued and listened too, they will shut down and not participate or listen in class. The feelings of respect and affinity for an instructor facilitate the student's ability to pay attention, which in turn enhances learning.
I believe developing a rapport is so important to establish credibility and respect. Students need to believe that you have the background to teach the subject. They also need to believe you are there to share your knowledge with them to help them in their future. You need to have that for both the instructor and student to benefit and be successful.
This is of great importance because it communicated to the students the fact that the instructor cares about them as individuals and respects them as fellow human beings.
Rapport shows a mutual respect for one another, this is the basis of which the best relationships can be built upon. With trust many things can happen and a student's confidence can explode in the classroom
Hi Thomas,
You make a great point about student relationships. By developing rapport with students you are showing them you care about their success and are there to help them achieve it. Also,as you know a good relationship with students helps the class to flow better and keep the students engaged at a higher level.
Gary
Students need to feel that an instructor is approachable. If they have questions, they need to feel that they can ask any question without be chastised or brow-beaten. Having open communication is vital to student-instructor relationship. By developing a rapport with students and creating this open communication, a student will feel comfortable in the class setting. This will allow them to express their opinions with less intimidation, whereby increasing class participation.
My philosophy is that you become partners with each student. You work together to achieve success for that student. It is up to them how much success they want. The better relationship you have with your students the better the retention.
Students will react better with you if their is a trust and understanding between instructor and students.
I agree. The student needs to know that the instructor is a professional in their feild. This will help them to respect the instructor and develop the comentencies that are required.
Students need to feel as if you are approachable and they can talk to you if needed. I always try to make time before class for any student who needs to talk about classroom issues, study habits, etc.
By listening to students thoughts and ideas you are gaining valuable feedback as to whether or not they understand and are capable of applying the new information learned.
