contributed by Kim Lee
One of the purest and most deeply inspiring relationships is that of a devoted teacher and a willing student.
Almost everyone has a favorite teacher, and the ones we like less so. What makes us continue to value these relationships and harbor strong feelings of respect and affection (and sometimes a chilling dislike) for those people who are responsible for mentoring us? The answer is quite simple. This is how student-teacher relationships are developed, nurtured and nurtured and given space to grow.
The ability to create a positive, powerful relationship between student and teacher may seem like a difficult task at first, but it can be easily accomplished by creating a strong learning environment. Learning is not just a one-way process; an effective learning environment is one where all involved learn from each other. As students learn a particular subject from a teacher, the teacher learns how to improve his teaching skills and make lessons more interesting by gaining insights from the students. So both sides learn from each other.
Many qualities define a positive relationship and pave the way for how to create strong student-teacher relationships. These can be seen as good communication, safe learning environment and mutual respect, positive and patient attitude, student equality and timely praise. The teacher who becomes a “favorite” is one who possesses them to a good degree.
Not all students are the same. While some quickly grasp the concepts taught and take an active part in the learning process, others may be shy, uninterested, or even downright disruptive. This places an additional responsibility on the teacher to create such an atmosphere that is conducive to an interesting learning process. It is the teachers who are like sculptors and students, the soft clay ready to be molded into a masterpiece. As Aristotle once said, “those who educate children well are to be honored more than those who make them; for they alone have given them life, these are the art of living well.”
So what is needed then? How should you create such a difference in the classroom that creates a lasting, strong bond between student and teacher? Below are 4 timeless elements of strong student-teacher relationships.
4 timeless elements of strong student-teacher relationships
1. Consistent communication
Consistent communication is the most important element as it serves to create a bond between the two. A teacher who understands the problems of their students and then shapes their teaching style to better interact with the student can see success, but this requires not just observation, but communication. Of course, teachers can’t understand every problem of every child in their classroom, but a general idea grasped from the trouble spots and insight into behavior can go a long way in shaping good two-way communication. The more the teacher communicates well, the greater the chance of rapid and effective learning on the student’s end.
2. An emotionally safe learning space
Creating an open learning environment where different opinions are equally respected and where there is no fear of ridicule from either peers or the teacher is critical to building good student-teacher relationships. Students need to feel safe when they ask questions, secure in the belief that they will not be ridiculed or criticized and that their question or comment will be answered with patience and respect.
3. Mutual respect, trust and feedback
Mutual respect and trust are the foundation of any lasting relationship. A student-teacher interaction that is based only on academic progress or behavior management creates inhibitions in the student and stifles real relationship building. Those teachers who show respect for their students and a willingness to help them in their difficulties become objects of respect themselves and inspire a desire among students to learn and make their teachers proud.
Telling students that they have the ability to do well and praising them often with smiles, words of approval, patient conversation, and even festive applause will all result in the student being further motivated and achieving more.
4. True equity
Learning disparity is a barrier to academic achievement. Whether you’re talking about access to technology, access to literature, or related socioeconomic trends, equity matters.
This extends to the relationship between those leading learning environments (primarily teachers and administrators) and those being led (primarily students). Creating favorites and focusing on these people can cause resentment among others who feel marginalized and left out. Focusing equally on all students in a class will undoubtedly lead to a strong student teacher relationship for all.
