Relationship Builders
How can we get to know our students and cultivate a safe learning environment in meaningful ways? Building relationships with students and encouraging them to build relationships with each other is crucial for creating a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment. Here are three effective ways to build relationships with students:
Active Listening and Empathy:
Actively listen to students when they speak, whether it's during class discussions, greeting at the door, one-on-one interactions, or through online communication channels.
Practice empathy by trying to understand students' perspectives and acknowledging their emotions, concerns, and challenges. Cultivate curiosity instead of judgement by wondering about others’ experiences. Let go of thoughts about what others ‘should’ be doing.
Fostering a Culture of Respect and Trust:
Treat students with respect, kindness, and fairness at all times.
Establish clear expectations for behavior and communication, and model respectful behavior in your interactions with students.
Create a safe and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing their ideas, and taking academic risks.
Build trust by being consistent, reliable, and approachable, and by following through on your commitments to students.
Individualized Support and Recognition:
Get to know your students as individuals by learning their names, interests, strengths, areas for growth, and ways you can support their academic risk-taking.
Offer personalized support and guidance based on students' unique learning needs, preferences, and goals.
Provide constructive feedback and encouragement that is specific, meaningful, and tailored to each student's progress and achievements.
Celebrate students' successes, big or small, and recognize their efforts and contributions to the learning community with whole group shout-outs and individual support.
By actively listening to students, fostering respect and trust, and providing individualized support and recognition, we can work towards building strong, meaningful relationships with students that can enhance learning outcomes and impact motivation.
