Teachers are often told to build relationships with their students. This is because it helps them to become more effective at teaching, and also boosts their grades. But how do you actually build these relationships? Here are some tips for building strong student-teacher relationships that’ll help you to succeed in the classroom.
Think about the types of relationships you want to build.
When do you think about the types of relationships that are important to develop in your classroom, who comes to mind first? For most teachers, it’s their students.
But what about the parents? You might be thinking, “They’re not my kids! Why would I care about building a relationship with them?” Good question. The fact is that relationships between teachers and parents are just as important—if not more so—than those between teachers and students. And if you want your curriculum to succeed in the long run, you need both parties working together for that goal.
Think about the types of relationships your students want to build.
It’s important to keep in mind that students are looking to build relationships with teachers who are approachable, available, and care about them. At times, your students may be struggling with something they can’t quite articulate or express. It is your job as a teacher to recognize that there might be a problem before it becomes too big of an issue.
Think about what types of relationships you want to build with your students. Do you want them to view you as their friend or mentor? This may seem like an easy decision for some people, but know that making yourself vulnerable will take some effort on your part.
Make a commitment to seeing each student as an individual.
It is important to make a commitment to seeing each student as an individual. You need to understand the background of each student, their interests and strengths, and their weaknesses. By doing this you can help them achieve their goals in a way that works best for them.
Get to know your students outside the classroom.
Students will open up to you if you allow them to. Get to know your students outside the classroom.
- Ask about their interests and hobbies in order to learn more about them as individuals. Do they play an instrument, or are they sports enthusiasts? What are their favorite movies, books, and music? Where did they grow up? Who is their family like?
- Ask about their dreams for the future, and what they hope their career will be someday. By asking these questions and listening closely while they talk, you’ll begin to build trust with your student. This can lead to stronger motivation on both sides: You’re inspiring them with your enthusiasm for learning new things; meanwhile, they’re motivated by your interest in them as people rather than just students who need help passing tests or exams.
Be aware of the signals they send you.
As a teacher, you should be aware of the signals your students send you. These signals might include:
- A student who is always asleep at the back of the class or always late for classes
- A student who always arrives late for class but leaves early to go home after school hours
- A student who doesn’t seem interested in what’s happening in class or seems to be disengaged from the rest of their peers
Make yourself available if they need help or advice.
When you make yourself available to your students, they will become more likely to open up and ask for help. If a student has a problem or question, the best thing for you to do is listen carefully and try to understand where the student is coming from. You don’t have all of the answers, but it’s important that you offer advice or resources that can assist them in resolving whatever issue they’re facing.
- Be a good listener: You are not just an advisor; you are also a friend and teacher!
- Be a good advisor: It’s always better if there is someone who can guide them through difficult times.
- Be a good friend: The biggest value of being friends with students comes from their willingness to share their experiences with us because it allows us to learn more about what matters most in life (and why).
Professional Development for teachers is important to gain knowledge for effective ways to build relationships with students
Professional development for teachers is key to improving the quality of education for students. Teachers who have received professional development will know how to teach the latest methods and strategies for engaging with students, leading to better classroom experiences. Teachers become more knowledgeable about what works best in the classroom and can apply this knowledge in their own classrooms.
A good teacher will be able to connect with their students on a personal level by knowing what they need, as well as maintaining healthy relationships with all staff members. This will help them become more effective at building relationships with students and improving student outcomes.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. There are plenty of teachers who are struggling with the same issues, and there are ways for us all to grow as professionals—and as people. So if you find yourself feeling discouraged after reading this article (or any other), don’t give up! Remember how powerful a positive relationship can be, and start taking small steps toward building one today.
