121001 How to build up rapport with students by Clement

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/articles/index.pl?captcha How to build up rapport with students? By :Clement <clemi@rediffmail.com> Founder of www.mindyourenglish.com

How to build up rapport with students?

Teaching does not comprise just the classrooms, board markers and worksheets. The triumph of a teacher depends mainly on how he handles the students human beings. A software engineer does not need to know much about human handling skills. But a teacher deals with human beings the superior creature of the universe. Many fall short in teaching profession because they fail to handle people. A scholar might fail to make the students understand whereas a starter could prove more successful because of his charismatic nature and behaviour. There are admirable teachers in spite of their disciplinarian attitude and horrible teachers in spite of their friendly gestures.

1. Respect your students

Your demeanour should make the students feel comfortable. Some teachers are good at embarrassing the students. There could be some problematic students in your class who might come out with some smart comments and interruptions to make their presence felt. If you retaliate in the same manner, you will lose your reputation. Cornering a particular student should be done in a smarter manner that others dont realize it. Phrases like shut up, get out you are not smarter than me should be eliminated from the dictionary of a teacher. Your words reflect your personality. Instead of losing your temper, act smart.

2. Sense of humour
A teacher must have this positive quality. If you cant laugh in the class, something is really wrong. Sense of humour illuminates classrooms. Students tend to crave for such sessions. A resourceful teacher knows how to combine the subject and sense of humour. Too much of anything is good for nothing.

3. Dont be a nightmare.
If you are a teacher who loves to see the students run away from you out of fear, you are not at all an inspiration. I have seen this in many institutions where the so-called Professors maintain their dignity by speaking only a few words. No students want to spend more time with them, as they feel totally uncomfortable. You are a teacher and you should be model not a scarecrow. My former HOD used to mingle with us during our chat. We all loved him and remember him even after many years.

4. Talk positively.
One of professors in the college told us, you guys will never ever get a job. Nobody will employ you. I still remember those harsh words but I am in a good position and I hate the very thought of that man.

A teacher is someone very special who can make a difference in students lives. When I speak to some parents, they would say, My son has said a lot about you. He always talks about you. You need not be a Hollywood star to influence lives.

5. Knowledge is the key

A teacher is respected for his knowledge first. If you lack that, nothing can compensate it. Once the students know that the teacher is an erudite, they dont mind your drawbacks in other aspects. Never enter a class with an empty mind. Be meticulous with anything you teach. If mistakes are part of your teaching, you never win your students .

6. Remember Names
Students love you when you remember their names. It gives a kind of personal touch to your teaching. Saying you in blue shirt wont be nice. Try your best to remember names. Do some homework. Teachers who are handling students of different culture would really face some problems. But try to call them by names.

7. Control your temper

When a student misbehaves, you need to deal with him strictly but never lose your temper. It is natural that losing temper tarnishes your reputation. When you lose your temper, you lose control of your words and sometimes it could prove to be fatal.

8. Say no to partiality
Always remain balanced. Dont be dragged by attractive and intelligent students. Be very cautious about opposite sex attraction. Keep your mind sensitive to the expectations of each student. While you teach, make sure you have perfect eye contact with all sections in the classroom. Dont keep talking to big mouth students. You have to motivate the silent ones and get them involved in the activities.

9. Be good but strict

Never compromise on disciplinary issues. Your students must know what type of a teacher you are in spite of your friendliness. You must clearly let them know what type of demeanor is acceptable in your class. Being good does not mean that you dilute classroom ethics. This is one of the traps new teachers fall into .

10. Be what you are

Dont imitate anybody or dont present a wrong picture about your personality. Be quite honest with your personality. Stick to your inner voice and keep moving.