If students don't feel as though they can relate to an instructor on any level, or if the instructor is "standoff-ish", they are subconsciously less likely to learn the course material presented in class. Conversely, if students have a good social impression of their instructor, they are much more likely to feel committed to the class and they learn more/better as a result.
Hi Gary,
Right you are. When learning students need to have cognitive, social, emotional and physical involvement in the learning process. Each of these elements contribute in their own way to the comfort level of the students. This is why as you mention rapport is so important in the instructor student relationship.
Gary
Hello, Dr. Meers,
The text of the class points out that learning is an emotional experience. So for me, rapport is partly about letting down barriers (often emotionally based.. fear, anxiety, authority issues, etc). This gets teachers and students on a level of trust and allows cameraderie around the subject taught. Ideas are presented and received more easily. With the the personal obstructions out of the way we are better immersed in the class content.
Hello, Alicia, I agree. We do need good rapport through the duration of the class and beyond. Lose rapport and we diminish the experience of the whole group. Build it and we have a successful class plus a basis for freindship and professional association after a student's school career, when it will develop on a level professional footing. Students eventually become trusted industry allies, even professional colleagues as their careers advance. Thus the longer term satisfaction of that initial investment in building good rapport. Thanks for getting my thoughts going on this subject!
Marilyn,
You have made some excellent points! The educators that have built a successful rapport with their students can in turn ask them to participate in extracurricular events and activities. I have seen many instructors alienate their students and not be able enrich their lives in other ways.
Without students rapport, optimization of learning new knowledge and skills is all but impossible. Students that believe their teachers care about them and want them to succeed will take on assignments and learning tasks positively with a feeling that they can achieve class.
Establishing a rapport with each individual student is an important element of respect and communication. If the instructor is respected by the student, and the student by the instructor,communication is open and any "blocks" to learning can be more easily identified and overcome.
First get to know who they are , where do they want to go with there career. also, what challenge do they face, and how can I help them with these challenges . The better I know these students , the better i can help them
I agree with this concept. By approaching this from day one, students will begin to understand you are here for their success.
Hi Martha,
It is critical to keep the students engaged and forward focused in their learning. In addition, it really helps them to see how a professional conducts him/herself in their career area.
Gary
Developing student rapport can be an important step in keeping students engaged in a class.
To create trust and a level humility for the instructor to let the student know that it is ok to not be perfect but to accept that the knowledge or information can be found is the goal.
Because it builds trust, self confidence as well as motivates each student and makes them feel as if they are part of a group. By getting to know each of your students individually also makes them feel that you are truly there to help them succeed. I feel that by having a good rapport with your students makes for a win win situtation.
I think developing a good rapport is very important. Students need to feel comfortable being around you, and see you more than just an instructor. If they have a better relationship, then they will be more open to discuss issues, concerns, etc.
Hi Robert,
I can remember the same thing happening to me. I recall clearly my fourth grade teacher was buying canned peas for her family. I thought that was so strange that a teacher would be buying canned peas. I really didn't think teachers ate food, had families or struggled with the same life issues that we all do. Students need to see that their instructors are all former students themselves so they understand the challenges that the students are facing. In other words, we all have been there just as they are now. It wasn't easy then and it isn't easy for them now. By showing understanding and support to and for them the developing of rapport starts to come and with that a level of comfortableness for everyone.
Gary
Developing rapport with students makes students feel more comfortable in the classroom because they can see the teacher as a real person. I remember when I was in grade or high school being amazed to see one of my teachers out in public. I think students feel teachers don't have a real life outside the classroom. Developing rapport allows the students to see you as a companion in their learning process, not as some outside component that is infifferent to them.
According to the text, we are trying to build trust and understanding of others' concerns. It also makes the instructor more approachable. Students will feel more comfortable with the instuctor and should gain each others' trust. The instructor will also gain perspective on how to approach their students.
Developing a Rapport with your students is very important because this shows that the Instructor is willing to be personal in a professional way. This will allow the student to be comfortable with the instructor and the student will be able to learn more in the course.
Developing student rapport makes my life easier as an instructor and makes my class more enjoyable for my students. If the students feel that I am treating them more as equals than some all knowing power, there is more respect in the class. I set early on that as long as they do what I expect and follow the rules and directions, we can all be the best of friends. If they don't, well, other people get involved and that's never fun. (they usually get a kick out of that line)
I have students that are still asking me for my critique on projects they are doing for clients. Of course I don't give them as much detail as I would if they were still a student, but I do inform them of the weak spots and to keep me in the loop.
A student is looking for guidance not just in the one class the instructor is teaching but also how it fits into their career goals.
If a student has a good rapport with there instructors I feel they will be able to bridge learning from other classes by continuing to ask questions and get support.
