it allows the students to gain trust in you and your skills in the field you are instructing. Plus it makes life easier in the class setting
As an instructor I like to tell the students that "your success is my success." I want you to be successful. This establish a rapport of trust that we are all going to get through this, learn something and apply it to the real world.
Balancing the line of authority may be tricky at times but I have been successful thus far. By developing a rapport with mystudents I am building trust with trust comes decreased tension in class and has opened it to more constructive participation.
Rhonda,
You do work in a tough situation and I commend you for being able to cope with these student "bullies". I wish you success in developing rapport with such students and if not rapport at least respect from them in that you are a professional with experience that can help them move toward their career goals. If they don't realize that and still disrespect you then they should be removed from the program because with attitudes like that they are not going to be successful in the work world.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with the module, which states that "by having rapport with students, instructors should have fewer student management issues." As the only female instructor in an automotive program, I encounter hostility, vulgarity and disrespect on a daily basis by a few disgruntled students. Developing rapport with these students is one of my biggest challenges.
Alex,
Student rapport helps to set the tone for the class as you say and this enhances the participation by all students in discussions and student interactions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is essential to have the greatest rapport with students so that the student may trust and feel at ease when questions arise on a particular situation.
I think it is important that the students trust me and that I as the instructor listen to their concerns.
Developing student rapport is the gateway towards building self-confidence which leads to students' success in the acquirement of knowledge and skills expected of them.
John,
Student acceptance is a powerful learning tool. Knowing someone in authority respects you greatly enhances the feeling a student has toward a class and his/her success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Developing student rapport, could mean acceptance to students, which could pave a way for effective learning.
