How Can Schools Effectively Promote Positive Student-Teacher Relationships?

Perhaps the very heart of a successful classroom is the bond that the students and their teachers have with each other. Sometimes called the student-teacher relationship, this connection represents the foundation for a positive, productive environment in which learning can occur. It transcends that which might otherwise be conceived as the more transactional nature of knowledge exchange across the walls of the classroom, revealing instead a deeper bond inspiring students to give their best.

The ideal student-teacher relationship presupposes a correct setting for learning. It is not just an idea of transacting knowledge or just teaching facts, but much deeper-it is what goes beyond the four walls of a classroom and leads to creating a place that’s safe, valued, and inspiring students to reach full potential.

Therefore, the positive relationship between students and teachers can ensure that the former are motivated, involved, and satisfied in class. It also increases their ability to manage life incidents and develop skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

The effort, time, and commitment it takes from both students and teachers to build a robust student-teacher relationship require that the students feel comfortable enough to reveal themselves, ask questions, and share their thoughts and feelings in such an environment.

What is a Student-Teacher Relationship?

A relationship with a student is above the transmission of knowledge in the classroom. It’s the trust, understanding, respect for each other, and gives them an opportunity to relax in the space, ask questions, share thoughts, take risks, and even make mistakes.

Why are positive student-teacher relationships important?

However, student-teacher relationships are the most critical factor, for such relationships play a great role in both achievement of students and their social-emotional development as well as overall well-being. If students are connected to teachers, they are more likely to

• Engage in learning
• Reasoned to do their best
• Attain a positive attitude toward school
• Build a strong relationship with peers
• Acquire essential life skills like resilience and problem-solving

How Can Schools Effectively Promote Positive Student-Teacher Relationships?

1. Getting to know your students:

Know about their hobbies and their origin. It will show that you do care about their personal life and make rapport with them better. Ask about favorite books or movies, or even other hobbies. Share your preferences and experiences so you could have a personal bond.

2. Showing empathy and understanding:

Empathize with the students and the problems they go through. It will create a relaxed setting within which the students would feel comfortable enough to share their feelings with you and seek your assistance. Be an active listener for the problems, and do your best to see things from their perspective. You should encourage and support them whenever they face hardships.

3. Encouraging student voice and choice:

Involve students in expressing their opinions and making choices for their learning. It gives them power and a sense of responsibility for their own educations. Create a classroom environment where each student is at ease articulating his or her thoughts and opinions with one’s peers, encouraging questions, assumptions, and ownership in their learning.

4. Providing regular feedback and praise:

Provide suggestions with constructive feedback and encouragement, so you aid the progress of students to learn and grow. It will help them feel valued and motivated to succeed. Clearly articulate and actionable feedback to help them find out what the strengths and weaknesses of their students are. Help celebrate their successes and offer them words of encouragement when the time they fail comes.

5. Creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment:

Establish clear expectations for behavior and create a classroom culture that includes all students in consideration and respect for each of them. Create a classroom where everybody feels welcome and valued. Establish clear rules and expectations for behavior and enforce them uniformly. Promote respect for differences and urge the student to be proud of them.

6. Building trust through consistency and reliability:

Consistency and promise-keeping: You should be prepared to establish fair expectations and not make promises you have no intention of keeping. This way, the students will trust you and be secure and supported. Be reliable and dependable towards students. Promise to do something and follow through with it. Be consistent in your expectations.

7. Collaborating with students on learning goals:

Work with the student in establishing and attaining their individualized learning objectives. It gives them a sense of ownership and makes them more invested in school. Help the student set realistic, achievable goals. Provide him support and resources to help him succeed. Celebrate his achievements and help him reflect on his growth.

8. Demonstrating a genuine interest in students’ lives and interests:

Let them know that you care for their lives outside of school. That’s the way to bond and make a better learning environment. Take your time getting to know the student. Ask who the family, friends, or personal interests are that she holds dear. Share your own experiences and stories to make it a more personal tie.

9. Using Game Based Learning:

Incorporate game-based learning activities into your classroom to make the learning environment fun and engaging. Games can help develop some of the most valuable social-emotional skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while also making the student more affectionate towards their mates and teachers. Students who are allowed to work together in games have opportunities at relating and building trust.

10. Modeling positive behavior and values:

Be a good example to your students. Set out values and behaviors that you would like them to develop. Show leadership. Display the values and behaviors you want your students to live by. Always be respectful, caring, and responsible in your actions with regard to students and colleagues.

A good student-teacher relationship cannot be in terms of transactional exchange of knowledge but must be very deep, far beyond the walls of the classroom. It becomes a basis to make them trust, understand, and respect each other. When students are attached to their teachers, they tend to be more engaging, motivated, and even positive in school attitude. They will also have good relationships with their fellow peers, and, as such, understand the most important life skills such as resilience and problem-solving.

Schools should therefore create a conducive learning environment through positive relationships among students and teachers.

Are you ready to enhance student-teacher relationships in your classroom?

Explore our resources and solutions at www.tomoclub.org to learn how TomoClub can support your educational goals. For direct inquiries, please contact us at info@tomoclub.org.