Over seven hours, halls fill and empty, conversation buzzes, classes start and end, and constant interaction ensues. Despite spending majority of the day in a grand, diverse institution with continuous motion focused on education, some students often belittle the connections created and easily disregard the people surrounding. This is especially true when some downplay the affects of those who lead instruction upon not only student behaviors but also philosophies.
Teacher-student relationships, invariably, performs a significant contribution to those daily interactions.
“This relationship may consist of getting to know your students better, providing choice, and encouraging the students to become stronger learners everyday,” according to ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub.
There are hidden and unacknowledged advantages in creating these bonds that prove useful both short term and long term for the student.
“Student-teacher relationships are important in the short term because it creates a thriving classroom environment, helps students develop self worth and improves student mental health (Buffet, 2019)…. Likewise, a positive student-teacher relationship is very important in the long term because it gives students confidence as well as ensuring that they know that their ideas are valuable,” explains ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub.
An additional benefit of a healthy and appropriate teacher – student relationship are better comprehension and adhesive focus in to studies and lessons, ultimately improving class performance.
“Students who share a positive relationship with their teacher develop stronger social-emotional skills. In addition, these students are more likely to absorb an increased amount of academic knowledge (Positive teacher-student relationships have cascading benefits, 2021),” said edampusontario.preenooks.pub.
Their value exceeds high school, proving useful later on when students search for jobs in a targeted area the teacher is well informed about.
“I remember finding my first job at a law firm as an intern through my debate teacher when I was in college,” said Immaculata La Salle parent Mr. Rodriguez.
There are always negative aspects to a matter, that is simply life. Yet, negative aspects relating to in-school relationships consist of disregarding the needs of the student which happens to be an essential factor in being an effective educator and helping the student surpass the class.
“Some students require tailored educational approaches since they do not respond to learning in the same way as others. When a teacher fails to regard an individual student’s educational needs, relationship problems between teachers and students arise,” cautioned ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub.
An additional habit that can hinder these connections is failing to show interest in the student as an individual.
“In addition, a poor student-teacher relationship will develop if the educator’s main or only priority in the classroom is academics (Tucker, 2021). In correspondence with academics, students need to feel cared for and have the chance to feel strong emotions. Educators are responsible for building relationships with students that are not surface level or academically focused. Students should feel that their educator is someone they can trust and communicate freely with,” asserts ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub.
These are simple adjustments that could tremendously change the impact on the student.
At Immaculata-La Salle, some students feel this bond with their teachers and truly see a difference in their understanding of course material.
“S.A.L.T.T. head Mr. Tim Gamwell talks to me about my interests and background which makes his club a safe space and comfortable,” said senior Gina Weinstein.
“Ms. Rose Semioli (a science teacher who is presently in a leave of absence) was so compassionate and understanding that her class always encouraged my desire to learn,” said sophomore Camila Garcia.
