Teacher-Student Relationships and their Impact on Learning
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” – William Arthur Ward.
Introduction
The main aim of educating learners and students is not just imparting knowledge, but in fact it is about igniting the passion for learning within the students through creating a conducive environment in the classroom as well as through meaningful interactions and guidance that would help the students to gain their path of understanding in a much better way.
In the course of educating the learners, the dynamics between teachers and students and their positive relationship holds immense importance. This relationship between the duo is beyond simple instruction as they work together to make an effective learning environment. The respect and trust is mutual, which is why the relationship prospers over time and the foundation for such an environment is laid where learning thrives.
The teacher-student relationship
The great teacher student relationship would have a profound impact on different aspects of the student’s growth and learning. A great teacher, as they say, can leave a mark for life and that too inerasable. A teacher not only is responsible for the academic growth of the learner, but equally influences the emotional and social dimensions of the student’s personality.
The strength of the relationship between the student and the teacher is impacted by a number of factors like open and effective communication, coupled with trust, conviction and belief that forms the basis for a healthy relationship between the student and the teacher. When there is clear communication between the student and the teacher, it not only bridges the gap between the two but also helps to develop a rapport between the two. When teachers provides a positive and consistent support to their students, the students will obviously feel close to the teacher and that would nourish a healthy learning environment which inculcates a sense of belongingness and motivation.
The mutual trust and respect between the student and teacher
I would also like to stress over the fact here that the respect and trust that the relationship holds is mutual, and it is not solely the responsibility of the student or the teacher to provide these feelings. The respect and understanding should be mutual only then would the students be able to express themselves freely and the teacher would be able to explain himself thus nurturing a positive atmosphere.
A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” – Brad Henry.
Students display a strong and improved academic performance when they feel that they are supported and their opinion is valued in the classroom by their teachers. This would positively increase the student engagement and their attentiveness in the classroom. This would also positively contribute to the emotional well-being of the students as well as creating a safe space for them where they can express themselves freely. Research has also shown that when there is a positive relationship between a teacher and a student, it instills confidence within the student and they are encouraged to take on challenges and explore their potential even further.
Teacher student relationships can be negatively influenced by the personal differences or misunderstandings or miscommunication. When teachers hold empathy towards their students and understand the pressures of growing up, it strengthens the relationship between the students and the teachers. The impact of strong teacher-student relationships extends far beyond the academic realm, influencing students’ lives in profound ways.
“The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.” – Unknown
Positive relationships leave a lasting impression on students, shaping their attitudes, behaviors, and future pursuits. Students who have experienced supportive teacher-student relationships often exhibit increased resilience and confidence, contributing positively to their future endeavors.
Conclusion
Concluding this discussion, it could be said that a teacher is someone who has the ability to change or influence the life of their students, which is why it is very important to foster a positive and healthy relationship between the student and the teacher.
Content writer, educationist, teacher, researcher, social media manager, and a SEO manager from lahore. She has been working as a freelance academic and non-academic writer for more than 20 years now. She has a passion to learn new things and has a knack for writing and she combines both things to produce write ups she pours her heart out in.