CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS

MARK ANTHONY O. DEGUINON

Classroom management techniques usually can get things back to normal amidst a chaotic classroom.

But is this enough?

Teachers must have a “connection” with their students to be able to prevent a rowdy classroom who can hardly focus on the lessons. Maintaining relationships with students is proven to increase academic engagement, making them more productive.

Having a strong relationship with students brings about a positive school experience, according to research. Teachers should make sure not to damage this relationship, so as not to affect student performance and lead to academic problems.

Make sure to build positive interactions with students every day to boost their sense of belonging. Every day, a teacher’s goal is to ensure that students feel a sense of belonging that is characterized by trust, connection, and understanding. This will help them stay focused on learning.

Teachers should also support the interests of their students. In fact, they should encourage student-led activities. Students will be more interested to learn if their interests are supported.

Educators should also create a warm classroom culture, so that students feel welcome, instead of isolated. Once this has been established, teachers can not only communicate with her students positively but listen to them as well.

Once a relationship has been created, teachers should do everything in their power to maintain this relationship. This not only involves supporting the academics of students, but also their emotional well-being.

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The author is Teacher II at Pampanga High School