It is imperative that Instructors interact with students because it gives the students a sense of individual relevance within the classroom. It also builds his/her confidence within the Instructor.
Interacting with each student gives them the sense that they're not just a number, they're an individual. Interacting with them reinforces the fact that what they do and say really matters. If a student feels their actions or inaction are being noticed by you, they're much more likely to perform at their best.
It's important to interact with every student so that every student feels like they are important and that they matter to you. Otherwise they may feel like the instructor doesn't like them, she has favorites which can bring hostility into the classroom.
Students will learn they can speak to the instructor which will help during discussions, question/answering and during help-seeking times. Students will learn they have an outlet through their teachers.
Hi Tommy,
Students love it when the instructor gives them attention. Students want to and need to know that they are very important to us as educators, and we will do everything on our end to help them succeed.
Patricia Scales
Interacting with each student lets them know that I am interested in their learning and getting the information being taught. It also lets the class know that we all can learn together and from each other, with everyone's participation. It enables me as an instructor to gauge if the class is absorbing the info.
Establishing rapport from the beginning lets the student know that their learning is important to you. It makes them want to be more attentive to what you are saying in the classroom. It also makes them want to do well in order to please.
Hi David,
Give them instructions and allow them to explore. Most students will get you if they need help. If you see that they are doing something wrong intervene, otherwise give them their space.
Patricia Scales
Question: I teach baking classes to beginning culinary students, I very freely offer all of my years of experience and really feel as I give really solid instruction and advice. occasionally however I feel some of my students want room to discover and work through the assignments on their own with out me being too rigid or over bearing on their space. does anyone have any strategies for balancing being the cheerleader, the instructor, and also allowing some creative sandbox freedom while still getting the assignment complete, without taking the wind out of anyones sails. I feel the creative latitudes can be a profound learning experience. Sometime though I feel a little pushback when trying to offer pointers.
What I have seen in my teaching career is that if you single out a few students and interact with them, the others in class may feel that you have favorties. I have noticed that when you call on every single student there are very little comments on favoritism. Also you keep the class on their toes, and eager to learn and retain information, for the simple fact that they don't know if you are going to call on them next.
When I interact with a student it gives me a chance to get to know them, to find out what makes them tick, why they are there, what drives them to want to learn my curse, what there back ground is and how I can motivate them to be the best at what we are learning.
Students come to class not knowing what to expect from a new instructor. I interact with them before they enter the room (we meet/greet outside the classroom), then I make sure to reach each student individually during class. The students need to feel as though instructors view them as people with real feelings, issues, and challenges, not as just more cattle coming through the classroom. Interaction helps the student trust and feel more comfortable with an instructor, making learning more enjoyable.
Students need to see that you are invested in them for the time that you are with them. Seeing you as a listener who wants to be involved will help them mutually invest in your class.
Hi Robert,
This is fine! We certainly need to discover how each of our students best learn.
Patricia Scales
I dont ever try to be there friend but I always try to know there back round so I can try to relate to the student and know how they luren
Interacting with every student is important for several reasons: First, you want to build a teacher to student relationship with each student, that alone will help keep the student interested in the class objectives. Second, you want to ensure that each student is an active participant in classroom talks, and that each student is an MVP, not just one in particular. Also, you want to show that interaction/ participation between students and instructor keeps the classroom environment more upbeat.
Hi Christina,
A student should never be ignored! All students matter. We need to give every student our undivided attention daily.
Patricia Scales
One it allows the student to know you are listening, it also allows you as the instructor to see how well they understand the content being taught.It also allows the student to know that you see them in class and gives them a sense that they belong. When you ignore a student, that student might feel that you do not want them in your class, they feel that they are not doing well. It also might help that student that struggles in your class a chance to ask questions or that silent student a voice to ask or answer questions.
shows that you care about them as an individual and gains respect and rapport in your classroom.
Hi Ryan,
Relationship building with students is vital. Students are more comfortable, and they open up more when they feel they have a rapport with the instructor.
Patricia Scales
