I agree with building rapport with students to facilitate respect in the classroom. It has happened too often where an instructor has not been able to build this relationship of mutual respect with students and it often leads to disturbances within class as well as a negative atmosphere in the classroom.
Kara,
This is so important in relation to class management. Through rapport and respect you have a relationship that demonstrates the professional standards of the field and how to interact with others.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having a rapport with your students allows you to build a connection with them. Once you have a connection with them you are able to identify the mood of the class and adjust your teaching to be more effective.
By building a rapport with your students you understand how they learn and digest the material you are covering. You can identify there likes and dislikes when learning in the class/lab and how to tailor your instruction to fit the class and the many styles of learning. I have learned how to do this thru years of practice.
Billie,
This is so true and important. Starting with the earning of the respect of students and building to developing rapport with them is how learning is enhanced.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that it is crucial to have a good rapport with your students to ensure there comfort which will turn into there success in the class.
Angela,
Starting with earning the respect of students and then giving them respect in return you have formed the foundation for the development of rapport. Rapport is how you get students engaged and focused on their success in the course. Good strategy to follow.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, it can be nerve racking for some students. Developing a rapport is so important to help the relax and open the mind
Jessica,
Respect and rapport are two very important elements of student success. Earning student respect and showing them respect in return establish a foundation for the development of rapport and this is when real career growth occurs for students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Building rapport is important as it builds trust between student and instructor and also opens the lines of communication. I feel it is the cornerstone and foundation of the expectations and desired outcomes of the class.
John,
Learning is serious business but I like you think it also should be fun. So having some fun and sharing a laugh is a part of my instructional style. Keep of your good efforts as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My students know that, although I take my job seriously, there is time for light-heartedness and joking. I try to make the class as casual as possible, without losing the focus of the class. I have been told that my classes are easier to learn from because of the open-forum type setting.
Melvin,
Respect and rapport are two foundational connections that need to be developed with students. Good point. Thank you for making it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The development of rapport is especially important with the adult population because of the common issues that we as adults share.
Ghaleb,
Thank you for sharing these ideas with us. I know they will be of value to other instructors as they develop their instructional style.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Developing an excellent rapport with your students is very tricky subject. Here are some pointers:
Learn to call your students by name.
Learn something about your students' interests, hobbies, and aspirations.
Create and use personally relevant class examples.
Arrive to class early and stay late -- and chat with your students.
Explain your course policies -- and why they are what they are.
Post and keep office hours.
Reward student comments and questions with verbal praise;
Be enthusiastic about teaching and passionate about your subject matter.
Make eye contact with each student -- without staring, glaring
Karen,
I work on the basis of the following model. "Courtesy is given." Meaning I will be courteous to you and respect you as a fellow human being. "Respect is earned." Meaning I will strive to earn your respect and in return you will earn mine.
"Rapport is developed." I will work to establish rapport with you so we can build a positive and professional relations throughout the course. When I explain this model to my students we have a foundation from which to operate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kristina,
Respect and rapport are two essential elements of teaching success. Once respect has been earned then rapport can be developed and this is when learning really takes off.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Developing a rapport with students is very important in teaching because we want our learners to know that we care about their personal and academic concerns. If a learner is not progressing forward academically due to a personal issue, it is our job to assist them in finding a resolution so they can now focus on their academic goals. This can be as simple as listening to their concerns and referring them to one of our counselors that has the resources to aid the learner. A learner will not share their concerns, whether personal or academic, if they do not trust you. If the personal concern persists, you can possibly lose the learner. Lack of retention hurts the learner and the college
Obviously we want our students to feel safe and comfortable with us and the learning environment, but building rapport also gives us an opportunity to set the tone for future discussion in the class. By respecting our students through listening carefully to ideas and not passing judgement, we model that behavior for other students.
