Terry,
So true and so important. Listening is a powerful learning tool for us. As instructors the more we listen the more accurate we can be in customizing our instruction to keep our students moving toward their career goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The challenges that the students I teach are incredible. Just listening to them and being sincere in your concern for them is enough to help them push ahead.
John,
I agree. Two things trust and respect go a long way in establishing a positive learning environment.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Nancy,
Good strategy to follow in developing rapport. The connection between instructor and students based upon respect and trust makes the rewards of teaching well worth it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Curtis,
Right you are. There has to be a connection between the student and the instructor if rapport is going to be developed. Good point.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Bill,
How do you maintain trust with your students?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I feel if a student can trust you they tend to become more comfortable which makes for a smooth learning environment.
Building rapport in the classroom provides the environment that is necessary for students to feel at ease in their learning environment. I begin this on day 1 of class and continue it through-out the course.
I have spoken with instructors that ask,"why does that student keep going to other instructors for help"? answer- NO RAPPORT ! If they don't feel they can ask you for help with anything pertaining to their education you definitely have no rapport with that student !
If there is no trust the students arent going to listen
Toni,
Student rapport for me is one of the rewards of being a teacher. Helping students move toward their career goals and making a connection with them personally is powerful. We, as instructors are impacting lives for years to come so we need to be excited about our teaching and bring our best effort to class each day.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
when the rapport of trust is developed with your class teaching becomes so much easier because you critiqe their work (good or not so good) they will work harder to make it better.
Developing a good rapport with the student is important because you are able to understand them better and they understand you. This also lets the students know that you care about them and their future.
Nicole,
I agree about the connection that comes from rapport. Earning and giving respect is powerful in teaching and once respect is earned then the building of rapport can occur and learning is going to be increased.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Rapport in teaching is important because if the student cannot relate to you or you to the student then there will be a huge disconnect in every area with that student. If the student has an issue and there is no rapport- they may not ask for the help that is needed because they feel that you (the instuctor)can't relate to what they are going through.
It is important for several reasons, you can gain a feel for the developement of the staudent, you also know if there is any struggles that exist for the student as far as subject matter, undrstanding and/or interest. when you gain rapport with your students, you see them as human and as an instructor you are better able to help them with any struggles that come up.
Ronald,
Good point about developing student rapport and the value that can be derived from it by the students. This connection with them helps them to see that they have support from their instructor and that he/she wants to be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I beleive that it brings out why the students are taking the class, the importance of it in their life, and how it will affect there future. I always find out who would be so proud of the them if they graduate. That person is important for retaining the student. When the excitement of the first weeks wear off, I remind them that that individual would be so proud of them for doing so well up to now and to continue with there learning.
If you display care and concern then the students see you as "human" not just as their instructor. They feel you are more on their level and can be approached more easily.
If you treat your students with respect, they will be more likely to treat you with respect. However, it is important to remember you are the instructor, and although you want to gain their trust and respect there are boundaries that you must not cross to maintain your professionalism.
Developing rapport with the students is vitally important. I greet the class starting on day one and strive to get the discussion going with a single important fact about themselves. Many times the students list a fact that also applies to me, e.g. love to read. This is the breaking ground of a great rapport with a person you did not know the day before. gain rapport with a student and you have a student who will listen, work hard, learn, and do well in the class.
