How A Caring Teacher Can Make A Big Difference

Fe S. Carreon

If someone asks you if you remember most about your favorite teacher growing up, I bet you wouldn’t say much about the subject he or she has taught. Instead, I’d expect you to describe how he or she made you feel as you learned that subject matter.

According to research, few factors in education have a greater impact on a student’s educational experience than a caring relationship with his or her teacher.

One researcher described it this way: Imagine two teachers teaching the same Math lesson. One is very impatient with students and the other supportive. Knowing only that, we can probably guess which students learned the lesson better.

Studies found that students who have caring relationships with teachers are academically more successful and show more kind and helpful behavior. Indeed, a caring teacher can transform the school experience especially for students who face enormous difficulties, such as having dysfunctional home lives.

How can become a caring teacher? First and foremost, it is important that we build a meaningful relationship with them. Get to know your students and the lives they live. We can start by as simple as having students write down their five favorite things to do. Their responses will give you ideas for making the lessons more relevant to their lives, a sure method for letting students know you care about them.

Secondly, it is imperative to actively listen to students. A teacher who actively listens to students is listening for the meaning behind what students are saying, then checks in with them to make sure they’ve understood properly. This affirms students’ dignity and helps develop a trusting relationship between teachers and students. Moreover, every once in a while, ask students for feedback. By considering their feedback, you are showing students that you value their opinions and experiences.

As teachers, we often don’t realize how even the smallest caring gesture can have a huge impact on our students. When teachers genuinely care, students sense it and respond by optimizing their commitment to learning and putting forth greater efforts to reach their potential.

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The author is Teacher III at Cabetican Elementary School - Proper