A well-designed classroom with colorful, aesthetically (and functionally) appealing displays and seating arrangements conducive to learning are all for naught if a teacher relates poorly to his or her students. Conversely, positive teacher-student relationships can compensate for a poorly designed classroom or a less-than-ideal room assignment. Building positive teacher-student relationships is, in fact, arguably the most important factor contributing to students’ success. Students who experience respect and unconditional acceptance from their teachers are more likely to be compliant, respectful, and open to learning. Students who experience disrespect and negativity are more likely to exhibit the same, act out, and misbehave.
Therefore, we can’t overstate the value of fostering good teacher/student relationships. Trying to understand the complexity of human behavior and social interactions between students and teachers, however, is another matter. The issues are complex, and isolating the variables that contribute to positive relationships is not always easy.
Personality, teaching style, and presence all play a role, but how and to what extent? We don’t pretend to have all the answers, but we do know that highly effective teachers use common strategies to regularly and consistently develop positive student relationships. All educators can learn and develop those strategies.
Classroom Management Benefits for Students
- All children deserve the best education you can deliver. You can do a great deal to help a student feel like a valued classroom member. The students in your classroom will enjoy and appreciate other students – who, through your guidance, are respectful, motivated and responsible.
- Teachers who use these strategies tell us that their students report many positive effects: an increase in their enjoyment of the teacher and subject matter; motivation to come to class more often; and a commitment to pay more attention in class.
- Teachers will learn how to know their students well and respond to them individually. Students in such a classroom feel seen and valued, which improves the classroom culture and tone. Teachers and students also find that it replenishes their energy and time to do intellectual work together.
Teachers will know...
...how to detect and correct classroom problems without stopping teaching.
...how to avoid power struggles.
...how to set effective limits.
...how to arrange and design the classroom environment for maximum performance (including 15 powerful desk arrangements from traditional to unorthodox).
...how to teach students to behave appropriately in class and in social settings.
...how to zoom through the curriculum like never before.
...how to firmly but fairly carry out disciplinary actions.
...how to NEVER again give multiple warnings or repeated requests!
...how to build and maintain trust with challenging children.
...how to reach at-risk children and turn them into productive classroom members.