Everyone can recall a teacher who had a positive impact on their lives, as well as one who made things difficult. But why? Because teaching revolves around the interaction between the teacher and the students.
A strong and positive connection between teachers and students in the classroom is essential for fostering mutual respect and trust. This relationship can be built by getting to know the students better, giving them choices, and motivating them to improve as learners. By doing so, teachers demonstrate their appreciation for their students, value their uniqueness, and treat them with courtesy. Positive interactions with students not only enhance their academic progress but also create a friendly and safe environment for all children in the classroom.
Emotional Benefits of Strong Teacher-Student Relationships
Maintaining positive student-teacher relationships
Can Help Prevent Behavioural Issues One advantage of positive student-teacher interactions is the absence of behavioural disruptions in the classroom, allowing teachers to have more time for instruction. Healthy student-teacher connections foster a learning environment characterized by respect between teachers and students, rather than conflict. Teachers should maintain a composed demeanor when addressing a student to avoid provoking frustration. Here are some examples of non-confrontational ways to address students’ behaviour:
- Engaging in private conversations with students about their behaviour to prevent embarrassment.
- Acknowledging students’ feelings and understanding the motivations behind their behaviour.
- Reviewing classroom rules or school policies to ensure students are aware of the rules they have broken.
- Administering appropriate consequences promptly after discussing misbehaviour with students.
- Monitoring students after they have received consequences for their misbehaviour.
Addressing behavioural issues is necessary to prevent their recurrence. This underscores the importance of positive student-teacher interactions, where behaviour is addressed in a manner that encourages students to reflect on why they misbehaved and consider how they can make amends in the future.
Facilitating self-development and improving student mental health
Certain student groups, such as males, students with learning disabilities, and those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, often benefit the most from positive student-teacher relationships. It is important to find opportunities to praise students by recognizing their academic achievements and even physical pursuits, as this can contribute to their sense of self-worth. Students with low self-esteem, who are often considered at risk, respond positively to praise from their teachers, fostering a sense of pride. Self-esteem also influences student’s mental health outcomes, such as reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Developing positive self-esteem is crucial during adolescence and helps students cultivate a positive sense of self-worth.
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Teachers who care about their students generally do better
Positive student-teacher connections have been proven to promote engagement, motivation, prosocial behaviour—kind and helpful—and academic achievement for students in grades pre-K through 12.
Understanding students as unique beings
When teachers employ practices that are sensitive to students’ individual differences and needs, as well as allowing for student voice, students tend to be more motivated, achieve higher academically, have a better perception of school, participate more, and display less disruptive behaviour across all grade levels.
Lasting effects of poor student-teacher interaction
Tense relationships between students and teachers in kindergarten often indicate discipline issues, poor work habits, and academic underperformance in later grades.
Importance of relationships at every age
Preschool and kindergarten children develop greater social and intellectual capabilities when they have emotionally supportive and less contentious connections with their instructors. These effects continue into the kindergarten years.
- In elementary and middle schools, strong and supportive connections between students and teachers are linked to higher classroom involvement, improved social and behavioural outcomes, and reduced risky behaviour.
- In high school, students who feel connected to their teachers are less likely to engage in dangerous behaviours such as drug addiction, sexual activity, and suicide.
- University students who have a connection with their teachers are less likely to drop out and demonstrate greater commitment, engagement, and academic accomplishment.
Peer acceptance and its significance
Teacher-student relationships can significantly influence how students are accepted by their peers. The way teachers interact with students can shape classmates’ perceptions of students, impacting the social interactions and acceptance students receive. Negative interactions between teachers and students can lead to decreased peer acceptance, lowering students’ self-esteem and resulting in various negative social effects.
The role of social capital
Low-income children often lack the resources and support necessary to complete high school and pursue higher education. Gaining social capital from teachers is essential for academically and socially struggling low-income children as it provides them with advice and support. Additionally, teacher-student interactions can impact peer connections within schools.
To establish a good rapport with students, teachers should:
- Show happiness and satisfaction for their students.
- Respond to students’ needs and treat them with respect.
- Provide tailored support to help students achieve their academic and social goals, such as promptly addressing their questions.
- Encourage students to evaluate their abilities for critical thinking and learning.
- Be knowledgeable about each student’s academic levels, emotional strengths, and background.
- Avoid displaying anger or impatience towards students.
- Encourage students to show consideration and respect for one another, fostering the recognition of the value of peers in the classroom.
Also read: How to design an inclusive and culturally responsive curriculum and instruction?
Enhancing students’ interactions with instructors will have significant, beneficial, and long-lasting effects on both their academic and social growth. However, improving achievement is not solely dependent on enhancing the interactions between students and their teachers. Nevertheless, children who have close, supportive relationships with their teachers tend to perform better academically compared to those who have more contentious relationships. Positive teacher-student interactions have been identified as crucial factors for student outcomes across all domains, including emotions, attitudes, behaviour, and achievement, regardless of age.