Inherent in developing a rapport is the establishment of an emotionally safe learning environment. Students must be free to take risks in order to stretch and grow, and will only do so where they feel their ideas will be accepted or 'molded' into a valued contribution.
I agree. Students definately have to have a comfort level where they can loosen up and feel free to participate. Instructor has the greatest role in making that happen.
Kathleen,
Respect is the foundation for rapport. You have it outlined exactly in terms of how important it is to earn the respect of your students while showing them respect. This sets the stage for successful learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
exactly. When respect is gained, I find that the class is my biggest fan. I show them my human side, my professional history, my humor and the rapport builds immediately.
James,
This is a good point in relation to earning student respect. By them knowing that you have worked in your field and have been successful in it they can see that they can benefit from your instruction and modeling what a person in the field should be like.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In our field the student has to know that you are credible as an instructor and as a person. Your experiences and sharing them are paramount in your success and acceptance as the teacher.
Jimin,
Respect and rapport are two extremely important parts of the teaching learning process. Your point about respect is a good one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Connie,
Good and comfortable way to open up a new class. You are letting your students share something about themselves, in this case the source of their names while getting settled in the class. This simple yet effective exercise really helps them in getting a feel for the class and how they are going to fit into the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In any situation, you need earn the respect and I think the best way to do it is being understandable and care between the relationship. Once I can truly understand the student's situation, it is easier on both end to accomplish better learning environment.
I sometimes have students share their name as well as how they got it. Some have interesting/sentimental stories about their names. Some share a funny story. It really helps to break the ice.
Patricia,
Good point and one I agree with strongly. Respect and rapport are two essential elements needed for student and teaching success. So the more we can establish rapport with our students while earning their respect the greater their engagement will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you do not have a good rapport with your students in the beginning, you will not be successful in teaching new and different concepts. Student respect you more if they feel a connection to you as their instructor. If the foundation is built with a mutual trust and respect for each other, the sky is the limit within the classroom.
Sean,
This is such a great feeling for a student to have. Respect and rapport are two elements needed for learning success and we need to do all we can to develop both.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The instructors ability to create and individual rapport with each student gives the student a sense of worthiness and personal attention from their leader, and giving them a sense of belonging.
Tammie,
This is a comfortable way to start off a new class. By easing the students into the course via introductions and ice breakers you give them the opportunity to get to know each other and see how the course is going to operate. By the time you are ready to cover course requirements they settled in and ready to go.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do this same thing in my class on the first day. I start by telling a little bit about myself and then go around the room and have each student do the same. This helps to break the ice and make them feel more comfortable. I always try to have fun in each class session because I too was an "older" adult learner and remember very clearly how nervous I was about going back to school. I think this helps the students realize that I am human too and can be serious and have fun at the same time.
Sarah,
Getting to know more about students is a great way to develop rapport while establishing a connection with them. I enjoy chatting with them about their interests, families or sports as we get ready to start class. Helps to create a comfortable atmosphere for the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important beacause the student may not take an instructor seriously if the rapport is not built. I like to ask about hobbies, pets, children, etc on the first day to help break the ice and get to know the students a bit better.
Katelyn,
These are fun times and I learn so much about my students. The introductions are the start of developing and earning respect in the class. It is a building process from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do an introduction session with the students. I have everyone say their name and tell the class something about them then I tell them a little about me. We learn a lot about each other by doing this and it helps me get an understanding of where they are coming from.
