I think that interaction with students is the foundation of good teaching and developement.
Engaging students verbally is also engaging them mentally. Generally, if a student starts talking about the discussion or topic, you really know they are personalizing their knowledge and connecting to the information being presented.
Developing a rapport with students is directly related to my interaction with them. Just simply asking them questions and getting to know them creates a rapport with the student. As an instructor that strives to develop a rapport with my students without "crossing the line", I have experienced many positive behavioral benefits. Possibly the most positive behavioral benefit with developing a rapport is that most students that feel as if I truly care about their success will "go the extra mile", without even being asked, just wanting to please me.
Interacting with every student in class demonstrates to the students that you care about each individuals success, not just in your class, but in their educational career. Instructors do not need to be friends with their students but they do need to establish a rapport with each student. This rapport can not be established if the instructor and student do not interact. Also through interaction and developing a rapport, students are more liking to discuss issues with the instructor, ask questions, and seek additional help if they do not understand the information being covered in class.
I feel it is absolutly correct that, as instructors we must be our students biggest cheerleaders!!! Many of my students are makeing career (lifestyle) changes. As someone who has done this there is really no limit to the questions and need for direction (even on the "adult level") Interaction is the foundation of teaching...
Interacting with each and every student on a daily basis reinforces the fact that they are contributing members of the class. In addition, I make it a point to interact with as many of my students as I can during break time and at school sponsored social functions. Going this extra step builds excellent student/faculty relationships and has a positive bearing on student retention.
It's important on many levels. First a student needs to know you care whether they do well or not. Second it's important for them to feel like they can talk to you and feel comfortable with any questions they may have. Finally it's your duty as an instructor to monitor a students progress level and give attention as needed.
Hi Lee,
Interacting with students professionally is also a great way to build rapport.
Patricia Scales
Interacting with students especially in our lab envirnment makes the learning process more personal. You can not necessarily be friends with the students but individual interaction I have found can be a great confidence builder
Hi William,
That's right! We have to let every student know that they matter because in essence they really do! They are certainly the most important people in the building.
Patricia Scales
Interaction is important with each and every student because human nature drives us to feeling that we belong. It is that feeling of acceptance that students will search for. By taking the time to have discussions with every student, you let them know they are part of the group.
Hi Sheri,
I love getting to know my students on a professional level. Students feel extra special when we are approachable/personable, yet professional.
Patricia Scales
It is important to get to know the students!
Hi Joe,
I concur! Every student matters, and we should treat them as such! We need to make it a point to interact with each student. Students love to be paid attention to.
Patricia Scales
I feel it is important to involve all students, by doing this students will know that the instructor wants them to do well. Every student should know that they can contribute something positive to the class. This will also increase the moral of the class and harbor a environment of better learning.
Each student needs to know you are paying attention to them. They are paying for an education and if you are interacting with them it can make you more approachable if they ever need to ask questions. We should not wait for the students to start talking to us, we should initiate the conversation and as some point the quite students will start talking more freely with us as well.
Hi Mark,
Listening is key! We can be friendly without befriending our students. Sometimes our students just need someone to talk to.
Patricia Scales
Hi Ellen,
Students love it when we give them our undivided attention, and we geniunely take the time to talk to them.
Patricia Scales
I have found that even though you are not going to be there best friend, it helps alot to make yourself available to listen to there concerns even though it may have nothing to do with school.I have found that this approch helps with retention as well.
Interacting with students lets them know you consider them an important part of the class. You care about them and want them to be successful in the course.
