She said the number one factor in our effectiveness as teachers would be the relationships we built with our students. When they realize a teacher cares, the connection is made and they begin to behave better. In our conversation, he talks about how to deal with students who resist his attempts to connect, what it looks like when he has to reprimand a student, the research that shows the connection between teacher-student relationship and learning, and how people who aren’t naturally extroverted can still build strong relationships with their students. Districts that can are pushing for digital … Our students come to us each with their own prior knowledge, conceptual understanding, skills and beliefs. The chance to see students perform greatly increases family attendance at school events. Make the classroom feel like home. I refuse to give up hope that we can still bring magic to our classrooms, even from a distance. The importance of connecting with current graduate students. You can listen to the interview using the player above. “You are, by definition, not ‘one of them.’ You don’t need to and should not be ‘one of them.’ If you want to connect to them, however, they must immediately sense that you value them” (81). shows they’re into, and the slang terms they use. ], I’ll never forget what one of my college professors told me when I was studying to become a teacher. On educational field trips, students feel the sense of enjoyment which offers them to acquire a fresh perspective, learn new things and witness different sides of the country. As stated, making connections during times of trouble are just as important. Molly from the University of Bath explained how they are using technology to increase connectivity between current students and alumni: “We have a very popular e-networking system, Bath Connection. While it can be tough, getting to know your students is a rewarding experience that will benefit your teaching, their learning, and everyone’s overall enjoyment of the classroom. I've since learned that taking time to get to know your students will better help communicate the formal aspects of your curriculum. “Try to tell some sort of a personal story about once a week. Realizing the importance of connection can help us to co-create the life we want or the environment we desire by being open to the life we already have and the opportunities to create community where ever we are. It alerts each student that he or she is seen as another being and, in response, makes them all more attentive. Thank you so much for sharing! Can't find what you are looking for? by James Sturtevant, 278 pages, Incentive Publications, March 2014. The reason, I believe, is that we all need to feel connected. Thanks, Aaron! It can be remembering the teacher’s … And the book definitely lived up to the promises made by that quick preview. “These actions show you care enough to pay attention to their world, even if it pulls you a bit out of your comfort zone to do so” (86). Slow down and focus on connecting with your students as this new school year starts to set your classroom up for success. But, I think it was our differences that actually helped us bond and become a “team.” Without my students, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. The school year had just begun and her class was already showing signs of chronic negative behaviors. Faculty members who understand the learning needs and interests of their students can appropriately tailor assignments, expectations, and … In the beginning you mentioned in passing that you weren’t aware of others writing on this topic. Categories: Book Reviews, Classroom Management, Podcast, Tags: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, teacher-student relationships. I mean, I understood what she meant in theory, but I was pretty sure that planning interesting lessons and having a clear set of classroom guidelines were at least as important as “relationships.” I appeared to be listening attentively, but inside, I thought she was a little off the mark. They also soar when relationships blossom! Iff students have an interest in learning something they are less likely to act … I’ve been teaching high school in an urban setting district for the past 19 years. You’ve Gotta Connect: Building Relationships That Lead to Engaged Students, Productive Classrooms, and Higher Achievement, reverse engineering your connection with students, How Dialogue Journals Build Teacher-Student Relationships, Book Review: How to Talk So Kids Can Learn, Notebooks for Classroom Management, Part 2, http://www.amazon.com/Visible-Learning-Teachers-Maximizing-Impact/dp/0415690153/. On this topic time speaking about the importance to connect with others your! 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