Rapport is important because it lets you into the life of the student. There may be times when a student is having a challenge with something in life and is not attending classes. If you have a rapport with that specific student, you might be the only one that can reach them or the only person that will talk to about the situation. In the end, you might be able to save the student if you have developed the rapport.
Developing rapport helps to show that you too were sitting in their chairs at one time and you too learned the material. Sometimes it was challenging for you too! The first algebra, accounting or finance course was not easy for many students!
A minimal undersanding and acceptance for the music, movies and TV programs they enjoy helps to build rapport. And right now all have to pay close to $4.00 per gallon for gasoline (including instructors)! Realization of these simple truths helps to level the playing field somewhat.
Lastly, being available and approachable before or after class can help build rapport!
It let's the students realize you care about them and their education.It is a been there done connection the students can relate to.I always try to start the day with a story or a job experience that relates to the days topic and ask for similar experiences.
If your students do not trust you, you will not be able to connect with them. Learning is an interpersonal, emotional response. Students need to trust their instructor just as the instructor needs to trust the students and be understanding of the varied needs in the classroom and respond appropriately.
To establish trust and a sense of comfort in the classroom with the ability to be comfortable enough with the instructor to come to him or her with any questions or issues the student may be having.
I find it very important because without establishing a trust an instructor will have a tougher time bridging the gap to perform his or her duty as an educator. Trust breaks down barriers that students may have to hinder in learning
For me it is important to create an atmosphere of trust and respect with my students, without allowing over-confidence or lack of respect, I think it helps that the class is interactive and fluid.
Douglas,
I like your simple, comfortable and supportive approach to working with students. I know they respect you for what you are doing and that the development of rapport with them comes as a part of the effort you are putting forth.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hi, Doug Allen here.
Students need to see that you are more than siply some "vessel of knowledge". We ask them to share of themselves and we hold great value in their life experiences. If we want them to take the risks necessary to successfully generate class discussion, we should be willing to do the same. I always take the time to share of myself and listen to what my students have to say. I'm not afraid to say "I don't know" and I think students appreciate that. Such actions help me to build trust and humanize myself as an instructor. Once students can see me as more than a teacher, we can build a common bond. It's a great experience each semester when that happens.
Developing rapport with students is important because it is a step in obtaining student trust. Student trust allows students to be "all in" in the education process and is a critical component for successful teaching.
Developing rapport is so important when it comes to the relationship between teacher and student. If a student does not feel comfortable asking their instructor something, it will inhibit their growth and learning process.
If a student feels like the teacher understands them, can relate to them and is empathetic to their needs (not all needs), then they are more likely to relax and digest the new information more readily.
Another big factor is the "human factor". Every student wants to know and feel that their instructor is human and vice versa. Getting to know one another opens the door for personal communications on both the instructor and the students end.
Lastly, and I feel most importantly in the development of rapport is trust.. If a student feels that they can trust an instructor, the resistance to perform well in the class decreases, and motivation and self-worth increase.
Building good rapport is a win-win situation for everyone.
Development of rapport is essential in teaching, because it builds trust, and understanding. When the instructor formulates rapport with their students it allows the students to feel free to express themselves, which in turn helps the instructor understand the educational situtation of the class. At that point the instructor can make changes if they've realized that the students are not getting the information. This is one example from many.
Rapport helps to create conditions conducive to learning. Things like higher motivation, increased comfort, and enhanced communication.
Having a good rapport with students is an essential element of teaching. Yes! The teacher must have an experience in the field as well as deep knowledge of all of the theories. I emphasize to the class their role (actually, they carry the entire load of learning, and I carry the entire load of showing how and where to find the information)
Once a good rapport of trust has been established, the road will be easier to travel.
Monty Zaki
It is important because it helps gain the students confidence and trust in the instructor and institution. The student needs to know that instructor has the capability and knowledge to deliver the knowledge that they seek.
Jill,
I consider rapport one of the rewards of being a teacher. Having established rapport with my students I feel like we have a connection that will last beyond the class. They are going to be fellow professionals so I look forward to hearing from them in the future as they develop their careers.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Developing a good rapport with students is essential to the learning process. I try to create an environment that encourages meaningful dialogue between myself and the students. I encourage students to ask questions in class, when needed for clarification,and to seek my tutorial help as needed. The one-on-one meeting provides an opportunity to discuss the students progress and discuss individual strategies for success in the course.
Chakita,
Very true. They feel they have a connection with you so they are more willing to discuss with you issues they may have with the class, assignments or their program.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
If you have a rapport with the student they a much more receptive to recieving information and open to learning.
It truly lets the student know that you care that they are here. I do a survey on the first day about why they are here, their background, and something they would like to share with everyone. I also make sure we use name cards on the desk to help me learn their names. This shows them that I value each and every one of them.
