It is said that a school is a second home to children. Similarly, teachers are like second guardians to the children besides their parents. Students spend the major portion of their day in school and this is the reason why teachers have a great influence on the student’s lives. The teacher student relationships not only influences the grades but also the mental well-being of the children. When students feel connected with their teachers, they become more enthusiastic and engage in the process of learning, clearing doubts, taking clarification, and engaging in discussions. Therefore, it is a must to ensure that a relationship between student and teacher is positive and has mutual respect and understanding for each other.
- Why Teacher-Student Relationships Matter?
- Factors that Influence Teacher-Student Relationship
- Strategies for Improving Teacher-Student Relationships
- Clear Communication Channels
- Positive Classroom Environment
- Implementing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs
- Professional Development for Teachers
- Conducting Mentorship Programs
- Using effective communication and feedback
- Addressing Resistance and Skepticism
Why Teacher-Student Relationships Matter?
Various factors matter in terms of the teacher-student relationship.
The impact of the teacher-student relationship can be seen in the below given activities.
1. Academic Achievement of Students
Many studies have shown that when a student has a healthy relationship with their teachers, he/she tends to feel a personal connection that enhances their learning process. Such bond with teachers motivates the students which leads to better academic results and overall well-being. When a student has friendly relationships with their school guardians, they do not miss their class sessions and get the homework done on time. Therefore, a positive relationship fosters great learning.
2. Social and Emotional Development
During a child’s growth, the mental state also needs to be considered. This helps the child not only to get good marks but also to feel free while expressing their emotions openly to teachers. Teachers who contribute to developing such social skills among students have a significant role to play in the student’s life.
Factors that Influence Teacher-Student Relationship
Teacher’s beliefs and attitude: The primary factor that directly affects the relationship between a student and a teacher is the mindset of the teacher. If the teacher is not supportive and does not look after the student’s emotional well-being, the relationship will not be healthy.
Student Characteristics: The behavior of a student also has a major role to play in building a good relationship with teachers. If the student is not willing to listen to their teachers even if they are supportive, then nothing can be changed.
Class Size and Teacher Workload: If the number of students in a class is more, then it becomes difficult for teachers to give personal attention to each student. This will not build a personal connection between both the teachers and students. This will have a direct impact on the student’s academic performance as he/she will not be able to ask queries and be open to suggestions.
Cultural Sensitivity: The school campus and teachers must be sensitive to all the students from diverse traditional backgrounds. This will help to build a conducive environment for all the children as they feel valued and acknowledged.
Strategies for Improving Teacher-Student Relationships
Teachers have the power to influence the students’ mindset. A small gesture of theirs can immensely affect the child’s behavior. Therefore, teachers need to incorporate some strategies to build a positive and better relationship with the students. Below are some key points that can help to improve the student-teacher relationship.
Clear Communication Channels
It is important to have clear and concise communication channels through which regulatory communication can happen between both students and teachers. There should be no hindrances while communicating as it is the foundation of any bond. Creating clear channels for constructive feedback, announcements, and other information creates a supportive bond that elevates the academic experience.
Positive Classroom Environment
If the classrooms have a positive environment, it would be easy for students to attend classes regularly and be attentive in class. When a student is taught in a happy and healthy atmosphere, they tend to grasp the topics more quickly and accurately. They become keen to participate in classroom activities and develop social skills more effectively.
Implementing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs
The impact of teachers on students remains for a lifetime. Thus, Social and Emotional Learning was introduced keeping in mind the complexities of students emotions. Every school is incorporating the idea of SEL programs as it helps to nurture the student’s growth and personality. It integrates valuable emotional intelligence among the students and also provides a blueprint for teachers to know the social and emotional aspects of learning.
Professional Development for Teachers
The teachers need to be guided throughout in order to have all the skills and knowledge so that they can have a positive relationship with their students. Seminars and workshops need to be incorporated into the school curriculum so that teachers also know how to come across the emotional needs of the students. Teachers who foster constructive feedback, motivation, and personalized instruction help students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed academically.
These relationship-building skills will enhance their ability and will make them aware of how to tackle student’s emotional well-being.
Conducting Mentorship Programs
There are various resources needed for conducting mentorship programs. It is the school’s responsibility to ensure they are fully equipped for the successful implementation of programs. These programs provide the students with a sense of belonging and support. The teachers also get to update themselves in their professional careers.
Using effective communication and feedback
The students are motivated mostly by the encouraging feedback of the teachers. Teachers need to provide feedback in such a way that student feels valued and motivated. This will make the growth mindset of students more productive and accurate.
Addressing Resistance and Skepticism
Some teachers may believe in the traditional teaching method which means they primarily focus on the student’s academic performance and do not emphasize on emotional well-being of students. Therefore, this needs to be overcome. The school is the best place where students can learn the positive outcomes of relationship-building. Therefore, teachers must incorporate the idea of telling the importance of understanding and respect in the relationship.
Conclusion
School leaders have a vital role in fostering a surrounding where these relationships can elevate. By understanding the factors that have a direct impact on these connections, incorporating given strategies, and overcoming difficulties, leaders can create a framework for success.
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