Why is the development of rapport with students important in teaching?
The student needs to trust the instructor. If they don't understand something, they need to know they can count on the instructor for help. I try for the first two days of class to identify my student by name and to learn something personal about them. I in turn tell them something personal about me. We start a rapport between student and instructor that has been working for me for 19 years.
I find it really hart to teach someone who I don't have rapport with therefore utilize the same exact technique on the first day of class. The more I can learn about my students, interest and motivations the easier it is to figure out how to teach them whatever concept I want them to learn. I also find that the students will work harder if they care about how you view them personally.
Daniel,
The human factor is the connector between the course content and student success. If you earn the respect of students and in turn show them respect the foundation has been laid for rapport. Once rapport has been developed the class will move forward with student engagement and learning growth occurring.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A student needs to trust the instructor. If they are not respecting the instructor then it will effect their learning
Aimee,
Without trust there is no basis for respect or rapport and both of the elements need to be present in working with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students need to feel that what they have to say is just as important to the instructor as what the teacher has to say to them. Each in this partnership needs to feel they are important to the other, not just a figure in a chair. The students know who the instructor is from the first day of class. The instructor needs to develop a system to identify and get to know each student as an individual, not just as a number on the roll. The only way these things can happen is personal interaction between the student and the instructor. Standing at the door and greeting each student, knowing each student by name, and even complementing the student on something. I try to find at least one thing to complement each student on during each six-week term. This is most effective is the instructors does it as he/she is moving about the classroom.
Ruth,
Thank you for these comments about rapport. You have captured the essence of why we instructors need to work at gaining the respect of our students so we can develop rapport with them throughout the course. When rapport is present and you are exchanging information with students teaching becomes so exciting and enjoyable for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I want positive rapport with all of my students because this will enhance both their level of learning and my delivery of the material.
Richard,
Yes it will. Rapport starts with the earning of their respect and then it builds into rapport. Rapport with students enables you the instructor to have a professional exchange of ideas and input at a much higher level of engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I completely agree with this statement. The more trust they have in the Instructor the more apt they are to be more secure about not only school but about themselves.
Myrna,
I start my classes with the statement "That first I will extend you courtesy while I work on earning your trust. Once trust is gained I will strive to earn your respect and then develop rapport with you." This mini-speech helps to set the stage for a positive first class and how we are going to function in the class as a learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gary,
Thank you for this "mini speech". I have been finding that developing trust and rapport is a step based process and your statement clarified a couple of thoughts for me. Courtesy takes many forms and I have been finding that when I take the time to invest in another person's life by asking questions and listening to them, they begin to establish trust in me, knowing that I care about them as a human being. Very important.
Edward,
You are welcome. The human factor in teaching is what rewards most of us as educators. Getting to interact with and impact the lives of our students is powerful and motivating. The more we invest the greater both their and our return is going to be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
