The power of a strong teacher-student relationship can change the dynamic of a classroom and the learning environment within it. Fostering relationships within the classroom, both student to student and student to teacher, are critical in creating and maintaining a positive classroom community. When understanding what drives and motivates students to learn, it is first important to know students on the inner, deeper level. By having relationships with each student in the class, knowing their background, interests, and personalities, teachers can better tailor their instruction to reach all students, giving every child the opportunity to grow and succeed within the class. The ability to make a positive impact on a child begins the minute a student walks through the classroom door. At the fundamentals of teaching come the innate want for every child to grow and learn throughout their time in a classroom. For learning to occur, for growth to be seen, and for success to happen, relationships must first be made.
Tips for building student relationships:
1. Student of the Week: Having one student represented a week as the student of the week promotes positivity, confidence, and appreciation within the classroom. Maintaining a student of the week can allow each student in the classroom to feel heard, respected, and important. It also allows peers to get to know each other on a deeper level.
2. Incorporating student interest: Incorporating the interest of students into lessons gives a sense of excitement to each lesson. Knowing and incorporating student interest into lessons also allows students to know that teachers care about their likes and interests and want to include those into learning.
3. Honesty and transparency: Above all else, it is important to be honest and transparent with students in order to build a positive relationship. Honesty, transparency, and respect are three fundamental aspects of any relationship that need to be both given and received. When fostering relationships within the classroom it is important to maintain a mutual understand of honesty, transparency, and respect between all members within the classroom.
References:
http://www.nea.org/tools/29469.htm
