Without rapport, most students will be hesitant to trust the instructor, ask meaningful questions, and acquire a true sense of the importance of the skill(s) being presented. I find it important that the students recognize me as a guide, rather than as a teacher, hoping to eliminate any stigma that may have been created within certain students. We discuss why we are in the field, or wanting to get into the field. I always try to impress on students that they may have the opportunity to become more proficient at what I am presenting than I have become, with the intention of encouraging the student to reach farther. And the class is always started with a "conversation time," that allows all of us to share an interesting story or event since we have last been together.
Rapport is vital for good communication both with our students and with patients. When they see good examples from instructors on how to build rapport it can help them in application with their own careers.
Ana,
Well said. Rapport with students makes teaching so much easier and more fun because everyone is working on learning while enjoying a common goal which is the field that is being studied.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Terry Marie,
I agree. I start with a three step model with all my new classes. First is courtesy. I will extend you courtesy while I do the second step is to earn your respect. To do so I will respect you and you respect me. Third I will strive to develop rapport with you so we can have a positive and supportive working relationship while you are in my class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think its important to develop a rapport with our students because it helps us to communicate better with them. To me its important to communicate on a personal level because the students are better receptive to it, but at the same time stating professional. Its helps them to look at you like a human being and not just as a person in charge.
Rapport is so important in teaching because you want your students to feel comfortable coming to you for any issues they may need assistance with. It could be not understanding the lesson or maybe something very personal.
Cheryl,
Respect and rapport are foundational to teaching success. We need to start the development of both from day one of class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rapport is hugh in having a positive classroom environment. This also allows for good retention in the school. Student need to know who they can trust and who they can go to when they have an issue in the classroom or personally. They need someone they can confide in and keep things confidential.
Stacey,
I agree and think this is how instructors should approach their content area. We can't know it all so a result we become learning leaders in finding out the answers to questions raised.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Developing a rapport with each individual student is the key to successful teaching. One aspect I have respected in my favorite teachers is humility. The ability not only to admit uncertainty but also to 'not know'. I have always greatly appreciated this and am a strong believer in being honest about what you know and what you do not.
Ethel,
Sounds like you have found a comfortable and supportive teaching style. I know your students look forward to working with you and benefiting from your knowledge.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To establish a rapport with my students I like to call my students by name, inquire how their hobby is going if they have one. I always use creativity and personally relevant class examples. I always arrive to class on time and stay late to tutor which allows time to also chat with my students. I always reward student comments and questions with verbal praise. I show them that I'm enthusiastic about teaching and passionate about my subject matter. I'm not a tight instructor so I've enjoyed lightening up maybe to crack a joke now and then. My students view me as humble, I always make eye contact with each student-without staring of course. Most of all I'm always repectful. This allows my students to feel confident with comming to me about any problems that they may have.
I never forget to smile!
Developing student rapport is very important to have the student trust and understand their teacher. This will help the student open up and there for will retain the information better, aswell as feel "safe" in the classroom. Student Rapport for the instructor is important because we will be able to understand better where the student is coming from and be able to help them better.
I feel having a good rapport between the student adn faculty is very important because it leads to the students to be more open/empowering as well as communication improves.
Jean,
One of the rewards of being an instructor is the opportunity to see students grow in their career goals while developing rapport and earning their respect. These are some of the reasons why we keep coming back to the classroom day after day.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Without establishing a rapport with a student, neither of you feel as comfortable as you should be able to be with the other person. When you have established a rapport, then it is easlier, on both sides, to meet and discuss things that aren't going so well,as well as, when things are going very well. I believe the student should feel like they can reach out to me and ask any type of question, even if it isn't what we are studying about. Obviously, that type of question would be for before or after class, but if they can feel okay asking questions that aren't part of class, they definitely will feel comfortable with asking questions about classroom material.
Rodney,
Student rapport and the results of establishing it is one of the reasons I have remained a teacher. I like having the opportunity to establish rapport with my students and then seeing them grow in their knowledge and skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Student rapport is very important because it allows the student to get that student/mentor feel and usually they preform better in their course work.
Getting to know your students develops trust and respect. Developing a rapport with the students shows that you care for them and you are there to help them succeed in their education.
Rekha,
It really does. This is an extremely important part of retaining students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
