Elements of strong teacher-student relationship

ONE of the purest and deeply inspirational relationships is that of a devoted teacher and a willing student.

The ability to forge a positive and powerful relationship between a student and teacher may seem like a difficult task first but can be easily accomplished by creating a strong learning environment. The learning is not a one-way process alone; like any relationships, it should be give and take, and a mutual understanding between both. How should you bring about such difference in the classroom that creates an everlasting, powerful relationship between a student and a teacher? Here, I share researches of elements found effective in having a strong teacher-student relationship.

Consistent communication is one of the most vital elements as it serves to create a connection between the two. A teacher who understands the problems of his or her students and then shapes his or her teaching style in order to interact better with the student can see success, but this takes not simply observation, but communication. The more the teacher communicates well, the higher is the chance of fast and effective learning at the student’s end.

An emotionally-safe learning space is another element that specifically creates an open learning environment where different opinions are equally respected and where there is no fear of ridicule from either one’s peers. Students need to feel safe when asking questions, safe in the belief that they won’t be taunted or criticized and that their question or comment will be answered with patience and respect.

Another strong factor would be an established and mutual respect, trust and feedback. Mutual respect and trust are at the foundation of any lasting relationship. Student- teacher i nteraction that i s based merely on academic progress or behavior

management creates inhibitions within a student and stifles true relationship- building. Those teachers that show respect towards their students and a keenness to help them through their difficulties become the object of respect themselves and trigger a drive 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 celebratory applause will all lead to motivating a student further and accomplishing more.

Last is true equity. Disparity in learning is a barrier to academic performance. Whether you are talking about technology access, access to literature, or related socioeconomic trends, equity matters. This extends to the relationship between those leading l earning environments ( primarily teachers and administrators) and those being led (primarily students). Creating favorites and focusing on those individuals can create resentment among others who feel marginalized and left out. Focusing equally on all students in class will no doubt lead to a powerful student-teacher relationship for everyone./