Student – Teacher Relationship

The teacher student relationship is very important for children. Children spend approximately 5 to 7 hours a day with a teacher for almost 10 months. We ask ourselves, who is considered a good teacher?

All of us have gone through schooling, and if fortunate had a favorite teacher. A positive relationship between the student and the teacher is difficult to establish, but can be found for both individuals at either end. The qualities for a positive relationship can vary to set a learning experience approachable and inviting the students to learn. A teacher and student who have the qualities of good communications, respect in a classroom, and show interest in teaching from the point of view of the teacher and learning from a student will establish a positive relationship in the classroom.

The key is, teachers need to continuously monitor the student in order for him or her to be aware of any difficulties the student is having. Understanding the child’s problem, fear, or confusion will give the teacher a better understanding the child’s learning difficulties. Once the teacher becomes aware of the problems, he or she will have more patience with the student, thus making the child feel secure or less confused when learning is taking place in the classroom.

For teachers conducting a classroom and shaping the minds of the young students, teachers who communicate effectively with their students should give appropriate and helpful feedback to their students. Interaction between the student and teacher becomes extremely important for a successful relationship through the entire time of a school year. A close, but limited relationship between the student and teacher can be helpful for those students who are shy, and find speaking in front of the classroom difficult or children who have low self-esteem. The tension these students hold in a classroom will have the confidence they had always wanted, but never achieved due to not having a good relationship with the teacher.

How can a teacher nurture positive relationships with students? 

Positive teacher-student relationships are socially catchy. Students who experience positive relationships with teachers are more likely to try to develop similar bonds with their peer group and also they can express their thoughts with their teacher.

Being kind matters. Learning is enhanced when teachers demonstrate a variety of behaviors associated with kindness: interpersonal warmth, care, love, affection support, safety, and intellectual encouragement. Infact we suggest that these behaviours increase student’s creativity, autonomy, and satisfaction; and result in better student attendance and grades.  

Teacher-student relationships matter concerned of grade level. While it is often assumed that younger learners are more dependent for their academic adjustment on their teachers than are older ones, research suggests that the importance of teacher-student relationships remain consistent no matter a student’s age.