Much of building rapport with students is based on effective communication with the right balance of the personal touch interactions. In a recent discussion about communication, our wise facilitator said the first goal should always be to "Keep them OK" which can be a challenge for online, asynchronous classes. It may be necessary to include phone calls rather than just emails or discussions since word choice can often "make or break" the intended meaning.
Anthony,
I believe that mutual trust is a BIG key in the learning environment - especially in the online environment! The students are being thrown into a classroom where they can't "see" their classmates or instructor - and I think building trust right away is key to connecting with that student and helping retain them in the classroom environment.
Toni
Steve,
I agree with you - if the students feel a connection with you - they are more likely to open up.
Good points!
Toni
I think that developing student rapport is vital - especially in the online classroom - because you don't have that "face to face" opportunity - so you have to do it in the classroom using any type of "connection" possible. When I ask my students to introduce themselves in the first week of class - I find SOMETHING with each student that I can 'relate' to - and I tell them...
"Hey, I went to school when I was a single parent too!"
"Yes, my son is 20 as well and he shares some of your concerns about the online classroom."
"It can be difficult to return to school after 20 years - but you are not alone and I know you can do it! I'll be there with you every step of the way!"
Those minimal encouragers seem to help in retention down the road.
Toni
If I setup and build rapport with my students, I have opend up a door between us with a giant WELCOME mat. I want them to repect me but not fear me.
Hi Brian,
Good point about the essential role the instructor plays in the learning process. Seeing the big picture of what the instructor brings to the classroom is important for the students. After all they get to learn from and study with a person that has earned his/her income from being successful in the content area of the course.
Gary
Each student has different experiences they can bring into the classroom. Gaining the students trust or just being viewed as an instructor who is willing to listen to ideas allows the class to flourish by associating "real world" situations with the material and philosophies. After all, any one can read from the book and lecture on notes.
Developing a rapport with students is important because of what this course has referred to as the "human factor" of teaching. Students will most likely not succeed in a class based solely on their interest in the content. They need to feel a personal connection to the course, and that happens through their relationship with the instructor. Establishing rapport ensures that we are drawing the students in to the learning taking place in the classroom.
Rapport is fundamental for the success of the class. If the student don't trust the instructor or believe that he is faking they are not going to receive the content willingly. They, probably will reject the instruction along with the instructor. I have told that to my students many times: if you don't like the instructor don't punish him getting "you" an F
Those students that have optimism and high expectations will likely be easy to develop rapport with. Those that have had negative classroom or teacher experiences will start out being wary and will anticipate yet another negative experience. Those are the students that you can let know early on, that it's going to be different this time and they will be the ultimate surprise when they change from being an underachiever to a super-achiever.
I think it affects everything. A connection with a student changes everything and without it they feel disconnected, unimportant, alone and likely to feel as though no one cares. It helps with a connection to keep students involved and motivated
Developing student rapport is essential for a good learning environment. If there is interaction between teacher/student and student/student, then more learning takes place. Having a "sage on a stage" defeats the purpose of asking the students, especially non-traditonal students, into the classroom. If students do not trust the learning environment, they will not share their own experiences or ask for clarification when they are confused. The rapport that is established allows for this more relaxed atmosphere of free exchange.
Dolores Kiesler
Hi Diana,
Right you are about the need for rapport in all situations. We all need to relate to others if we are going to be effective in our lives, be they our students, business people or family.
Gary
Rapport is the foundation of a relationship between student and instructor. It sets the precedent for the rest of the semester. A strong rapport can truly impact the individuals experience in the course.
The development of rapport with students is where learning begins. Students need to be able to trust the instructor and vice versa.
Instructors are professionals but are also human beings and sometimes allowing students to see your human side will increase rapport with various students.
From my experience I have increased learning potential when my instructor can talk at my level, shares their "human side" with the class alongside providing excellent instruction.
Kim H.
I was recently discussing this in Training and Development with my students. I think rapport is just as important in a seminar or training course. Why would anyone want to take what is said during a training class without having some rapport with the instructor?
Hi Diana,
I agree with you about the challenge of extending warm tones through emails and posts. It takes a bit of word crafting to convey the message that you are a caring and supportive instructor that wants student success. Over the years I have gotten much better at it but I still labor over the words to make sure my message is clear and that my students are engaged.
Gary
I think that rapport helps the students learn. I think they respect someone they can relate to more and that makes learning something from the person easier. I find this particularly difficult with online classes, though. It is hard to construct emails and posts with a warm tone at times.
Hi John,
Good point and one all of us instructors need to remember each time we enter the classroom.
Gary
I remember the teachers I had that didn't have good rapport with students. We could not stand to be in the class or make comments. It made studying for the class very difficult because we just didn't care. Good rapport helps to enhance the learning experience for the students.
