Jeanette,
So true and critical to getting students integrated into the class setting and feeling a part of the total education process. The students need to see how they can be successful in their program as well as the field in which they are preparing to enter. When they do we have accomplished a major step in the career development of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a similar question that is presented when teaching students the proper method of dealing with patients. In patient relationships it is important to build a comfortable rapport so that they are not afraid to ask questions concerning their consultation or visit. A classroom has similar dynamics in that the student is consulting an instructor in their field and wants to be comfortable asking questions. Questions enhance the general education process.
By building rapport you showing the students that their are not just a number or a dollar sign to the college. You show them they are important to you and that their success is equally important to you and the college as well.
Tamika,
Well said. Back in the 60s when technology was really taking off it was forecast that by 1980 there would no longer be a need for live instructors. Students would all be taught by machines. Well guess what? We are all still here and needed as much as ever and this is because of your point about us needing to be humans when dealing with our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
They are not robots. They are humans just like we are. I need to know my students, gain that trust in order for me to try and do my job. Being able to know them as individuals allows me the opportunity to know who I'm dealing with.
If they see and feel truly that I am there to help them succeed then they will be more open to wanting to come to class and learn what it is I have to teach them.
Patricia,
Trust is such a powerful part of teaching. When trust is two way then respect and rapport develops as well. This sets the stage for successful student engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I place developing rapport with my students as a high priority. From that mutual respect/trust they are far more willing to listen,receive instruction and participate in class. I let them know early on that I truly want them to be successful in this field. I let them know the many exciting times I experienced making something I knew would end up in space, or contributing to some medical advance. I let them know there was I time I "sat where they now sit." They are our future.
When they sense you are on their side they feel the classroom is a safer place to participate.
Connecting with adult learners is key to their success in your classroom and beyond. Building rapport is one of many ways to begin to develop the confidence of the non-traditional student. Adult learners need to feel "safe" in their learning environment in order to excel and participate. The more we know about our students, the more we can identify areas of weakness and strength to better facilitate their learning process.
Developing student rapport gains the respect, trust and common goals between the instructor and student.
The student needs to trust the instructor. If they don't understand something, they need to know they can count on the instructor for help. I try for the first two days of class to identify my student by name and to learn something personal about them. I in turn tell them something personal about me. We start a rapport between student and instructor that has been working for me for 19 years.
Samirah,
Right you are. This is a very important part of what we need to as educators in order to more accurately target the learning needs of our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Building a rapport with students can make the difference when teaching. Developing rapport includes building trust,and getting to know the students to help better understand the background of students and help with classroom management and instruction.
I feel it is very important because once you build a rapport with your students you can connect with them and they have no barries when learning the subject you are teaching them.
There are many reasons why establishing a rapport with the students are important. The good portion of establishing a good rapport with the students will develop trust with the student on a interpersonal level. The bad part is that some student can't keep it separated and believe in favoritism with their grades. The best thing is to keep it strictly professional at all times, the rapport will come naturally.
Thanks
James I feel that one of the key words you use is meaningful. Students, especially adult students can see through attempts that fill time or have little or no meaning to their current life or situation. I feel adult students to be truly engaged have to feel that we are guiding them to their goals and not just wasting their time or effort.
Brandon,
Key point for all students to understand about you. You are there at the learning leader and you have the knowledge and experience to be such. Your age is not a consideration but your expertise is.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know for me being younger then at least 50% of my students most of the time, rapport is very important. They need to know that I am here to help, not hinder, and that i am knowlegable but also willing to hear what they have to share and relate it to what we are discussing.
Adrienne,
Good point about trust and rapport. If we can earn the respect of our students by being professional and prepared we then can develop rapport with them as the course progresses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If the student feels you have a level of compassion for your class, they make it a point not to let you down. They feel drawn to be in class and complete every assignment, because they know you care and they want to match that level of feelings.
It all comes back to trust. Building rapport with a student very much the way a sales person builds rapport with clients builds trust in the relationship. In a way we are selling ourselves to students. They are paying money for our services and it's up to us to prove our expertise to the students by gaining their trust. They are the consumer and if they don't believe in the product that we offer then they can and will take their money elsewhere.
