Teachers who encourage their students in the classroom can positively impact their social and academic performance, which is critical for the long-term trajectory of education and employment. Research constantly highlights the importance of developing close relationships in the classroom. As a teacher in a school, one can establish the tone through expectations. While student well-being is at the heart of the education system, one aspect often ignored is the role played by positive student-teacher relationships. These relationships impact the child’s overall development and learning.
Enough and more research has shown that student-teacher relationships can positively benefit student outcomes in several areas, including but not limited to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional areas. Among other studies, John Hattie’s Visible Learning found that student-teacher relationship variables such as empathy, encouragement, authenticity, and more impact student performance.
This truly stands to reason since students tend to learn better from teachers who they believe care about their well-being. We only need to look back at our own experiences to validate that the quality of our relationships with our teachers, has impacted our academic performance and work ethic. If you have felt connected to the teacher, odds are that you are motivated to listen to their advice.
The efficacy of a positive student-teacher relationship is undoubtedly established; the critical point is how one builds such a great relationship with the child. Here are some handy tips.
Table of Contents
1. Unstinting belief in students
The one thing that lays the foundation for a positive relationship with the student is the teacher’s unstinting belief in students. When the teacher believes that every student has a set of unique strengths and can succeed, the message is subliminally passed on to students. This belief also sets the stage for how the teacher treats each child. This is not to say that every child may need the same level of support in the classroom or that a one-size-fits-all strategy will work for every child. Teachers must adapt their teaching styles to the learning styles of different learners. While some students may be visual learners, others may be auditory or kinesthetic learners. The key is to cater to different learning styles while having an unwavering belief in the students.
2. Establishing a personal rapport
While students are grouped into classes, the fact is that no classroom is homogeneous. It is composed of students who are individuals with unique personalities. It helps when the teacher takes the time to get to know each student and their likes and dislikes. Talking to students and understanding their views…all of this goes a long way in establishing a rapport with students. Small things, such as greeting the child warmly with their name, can do wonders. Above all, if the teacher is mindful and fully present while interacting with the child, the seeds of a great relationship are automatically sown as the child feels heard.
Another great way to bond with students is to use humor. Positive relationships are built when people can laugh together.
3. Empower students
While a sizable amount of the work that students need to be assigned is homogenous, as are the exams they need to take, teachers can find a way to empower their students. Many of these can result if teachers are seen offering choices to their students. For instance, when the children are being taught a science concept, teachers can ask them to choose how they would like to demonstrate their mastery of the topic. It could be a project, an experiment, or more. Similarly, when they are being taught a particular aspect of language, the choice of demonstrating it via role play, writing an article, or more can be left to them. It is when students feel empowered that they put their best foot forward.
4. Allow mistakes
This may seem like counterproductive advice in a milieu where we seek perfection. However, it is anything but that. Children need to know that failures are the stepping stones to success and that this isn’t just a cliche. If students are allowed to make mistakes, that is when they will learn to try new things. Instead of pulling students up when they make mistakes, if they are asked instead what they learned from the error, the odds are that they will hold the experience close to their heart and never forget the lesson involved.
5. Validate their feelings
Amidst the academic rigor, when teachers take time to discuss issues and emotions, children feel safe in the classroom, and the relationship between the teacher and student is strengthened. A few minutes taken to check in on their social and emotional wellness can go a long way in enabling them to feel good and to focus on their lessons. Validating their feelings, even as you show them an alternate point of view, helps them look at things from a new perspective.
To Sum Up
Positive student-teacher relationships can greatly improve students’ motivation and willingness to try to learn. A genuine connection with the teacher creates a positive learning environment. In effect, fostering a meaningful connection with students helps in the overall development of the student and encourages academic progress. On the other hand, it stands to reason that if the students do not feel cared for or comfortable in the classroom, they are less likely to focus on the lessons being taught or on putting their best foot forward.
At Pragyanam, one of the best CBSE schools in Gurgaon, our focus is on children’s holistic development. To this end, our teachers make a great effort to ensure that the students feel comfortable and cared for in classrooms. The teacher acts as an important scaffold, offering the child the necessary support while empowering him or her to make the right choices.
