importance of connecting with students

She said the number one factor in our effectiveness as teachers would be the relationships we built with our students. This nostalgia interferes with connection to present students. I completely agree with the importance of connecting with students. One big barrier to connecting with students is our nostalgia for the past, the way we constantly compare our current students with the (better) ones we used to teach. The premise is, again, you have to connect with your students. She felt so strongly about this that she paused, looked around so she could make eye contact with every person in the room, then repeated it: “More important than anything else you do as a teacher is the relationship you build with your students.”. Making connections is just another way to describe learning how things are related to each other and how the physical world works. Connection can be as simple as a smile or a kind word. Using a real-life connection into lessons will dramatically reduce classroom management challenges because engagement will increase. September 13, 2019, Posted In Grad School Planning. Drop the nostalgia. 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. “Be on the lookout for difficult times, blowups, setbacks, failures, hurt, and disappointments,” resolve problems in a constructive, respectful way, and your connection to those students will be stronger. If it wasn’t for those more difficult/challenging moments, we wouldn’t be able to appreciate the great ones, and we wouldn’t grow, academically or personally. Setting Students on a Successful Path With the labor landscape constantly evolving, it’s more important than ever before to provide students with access to a myriad of experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The importance of connecting with current graduate students. Thanks. ], I’ll never forget what one of my college professors told me when I was studying to become a teacher. by James Sturtevant, 278 pages, Incentive Publications, March 2014. As stated, making connections during times of trouble are just as important. 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. Teaching a full class can be a hectic task; paying attention to detail in the right areas is key to managing your time effectively in the task of connecting with students and touching their hearts. A little love, care, and kindness goes a long way! But now, as districts across the country transition to remote learning, communicating with our students’ parents and guardians is more important than ever. I travel the world solo, and the first thing I do when I set foot in a new country is to talk to people, create connections and in the long term, lifetime friendships evolve. I completely agree with the importance of connecting with students. You’ve Gotta Connect is full of practical, actionable advice and loaded with tools to strengthen the quality of your connection with students. That was before I started teaching. Our students come to us each with their own prior knowledge, conceptual understanding, skills and beliefs. Although I recommend you read the whole book, here are a few take-away lessons from the book that can improve the way you connect with students right now: 1. 2. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By showing my students that I am more interested in why they behaved the way they did, or what is going on in their life outside my classroom shows that I truly care. When teachers bond with students, it creates a magical atmosphere where learning thrives! First of all, this tour provides ample opportunity to exchange and learn many skills with each other. I am a firm … Keep persisting. Categories: Book Reviews, Classroom Management, Podcast, Tags: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, teacher-student relationships. Adam D. Drummond, EdD, … Take the opportunity to lay a foundation that will set the student, teacher, and yourself up for success. You’ve Gotta Connect: Building Relationships That Lead to Engaged Students, Productive Classrooms, and Higher Achievement It keeps you from seeing THESE students — their needs and gifts” (52). We need to feel supported, valued, and loved. It alerts each student that he or she is seen as another being and, in response, makes them all more attentive. Josh in New York begins his monthly PTA meetings by having students teach about a topic, lead a discussion, or show problem-solving strategies they've learned. Eric Jensen addresses some of this in “Poor Kids, Rich Teaching”. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Creating professional relationships with other students and professors on campus is crucial but can seem daunting. 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. Run toward trouble. “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). Contact Us. The teacher-student dynamic is a very tricky relationship. The chance to see students perform greatly increases family attendance at school events. A teacher working with a small group of children is when magic happens, eyes lock and accountability is inevitable. Listen to my interview with Jim Sturtevant (transcript): [This post contains Amazon Affiliate links; if you make a purchase from Amazon after going there through my links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Studyafter studyreports that as social animals, humans need each other. It can be remembering the teacher’s … Iff students have an interest in learning something they are less likely to act … The trust we have built, on a 1:1 basis and as a class (with each hour having its own special mix), is the reason that we are able to learn and grow together each day Obviously, some days are more challenging than others, but we are all a work in progress, and we’re all in it together! I came looking for it here, and thought I would share the link for others. Networking is a great way to connect with others in your field and create opportunities for yourself after college. However, by connecting with them, it makes time in the classroom more enjoyable and a time that they may look forward to…or at least they won’t dread it. As you begin meeting the teachers and students it is vitally important to connect and communicate. However, by connecting with them, it makes time in the classroom more enjoyable and a time that they may look forward to…or at least they won’t dread it. It’s so important to connect and create friendships. 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. Districts that can are pushing for digital … They also soar when relationships blossom! Connection determines the quality of the relationship. How to encourage students to learn something new in Summer holidays? You’ll get a lot of insight by reading You’ve Gotta Connect on your own, but it would also make an excellent book for group study. A teacher who thoroughly understands a student, both their strengths and weaknesses, is better suited to tailor that student’s education to their unique needs. Connecting with our students is an absolutely vital part of the work we do as teachers. And the book definitely lived up to the promises made by that quick preview. Summit also helps parents to understand the importance of academics in the lives of their children and the time commitment that is necessary to set aside at home for homework. I am actually going to be publishing a review of that book fairly soon. “Troubled times are the best times for connection,” Sturtevant writes (226). In their course subject, they achieve a lot of knowledge regarding Information and Communication Technology. 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/. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. Be patient. Actively engaging in class helps connect to your professor and peers; allows you to digest the material more easily; and ensures you’re getting your monies worth – remember, you’re paying to be in class. Learn their culture. By continuing to use this site, you are accepting the use of these cookies. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. For the book by John Hattie with 138 research-backed impacts on student learning, which was referenced in the interview by Sturtevant, it is called “Visible Learning.” Here is a link to “Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning” from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Visible-Learning-Teachers-Maximizing-Impact/dp/0415690153/. 2. Being a member of a learning community means engaging in reciprocal learning activities, soaking in new ideas and sharing perspectives and … Thanks, Aaron! I’ve been teaching high school in an urban setting district for the past 19 years. A sense of connection with teachers helps students feel like they belong at the institution. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. HuffPost is part of Verizon Media. “Do you remember earlier teaching years when parents were more involved and students were less hostile? 5. Advisors can aid in building this connection by helping students understand that they should get to know their professors, if only so that faculty can teach them better. It’s important that, as teachers, we allow ourselves to feel that mourning for our classrooms and our time with students, but once we work through those feelings, maybe we’ll be ready to redefine the magic we felt in the classroom. Getting to know students both academically and socially is a critical part of student success. It helps facilitate the possible connections you make. 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. There are many ways to learn more about graduate programs you might be interested in: online chat groups, on-campus information sessions, class visits, and – of course – the program website itself. As teachers, it's important for us to understand that there is so much more to students than the life they lead in class, and it is important to show interest in a student outside of the day's homework. However, hearing your teachers say they care is one thing, but trusting, believing, and feeling it is another. It does not have to be earth shattering. Growing up, I was raised in a 2-parent household that was filled with love, support, and encouragement…this is not the case with the majority of my students, unfortunately. Children can expand their thinking by making connections. It doesn’t have to be long. Loved this podcast! We increase the likelihood that our students will be able to recall and use what we teach by helping them engage their prior knowledge and connect new information to their prior understanding. I am a firm believer of restorative discipline. When I have a student acting up in class or causing distractions, I attempt to have a conversation with them. Bottom line is this…once I came to the realization that I need my students as much as they need me, my days became much more enjoyable, my attitude toward everything seemed brighter, and my lessons were much more successful! Tell your own stories. The way to stay connected is to connect with each individual child on a daily basis by working with children in small groups of four to six children. As stated, making connections during times of trouble are just as important. Connection can come in many way shapes and forms. I also had the privilege of interviewing James Sturtevant for my podcast. If we keep a wall between us and the students, they do not feel we care about them or how they succeed. Advisory programs were to help ensure that every child had the opportunity to form a relationship with an educator in the school. I've since learned that taking time to get to know your students will better help communicate the formal aspects of your curriculum. 3. And don’t forget teachers…they’re people too. When they realize a teacher cares, the connection is made and they begin to behave better. For students, such classrooms are life altering! You can find him at his website (his latest post is on reverse engineering your connection with students) or on Twitter at @jamessturtevant. “Gentle, focused nudging of a reluctant student toward being comfortable enough to open up a bit” is what will ultimately get you there, but don’t rush it: “Be cool! The concept of peer learning recognizes that students are an important source of knowledge in addition to faculty and course material. I don’t know any teacher who does not have bouts of nostalgia. When I started teaching, I wondered how I was going to ever make connections and build relationships with kids who were so different than me. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. Students are not passive receptacles to be filled with information, instead, they are active learners. Students, like all humans, have a need to connect with others, including teachers. With students who are slower to warm up, we need to put our egos aside and just keep trying. Dr Drummond spends time speaking about the importance to connect with our students even through distance learning. And even before I started reading James Sturtevant’s book, You’ve Gotta Connect — just skimming the table of contents — I knew I had found a kindred spirit, someone who believed the same as me and my college professor, that the relationships you build with your students are the key to working wonders in your classroom. Thank you so much for sharing! Do you pine for last year when you got through all the material with students who behaved pretty well and seemed to enjoy learning? I love them all and care about their success 100%, now and in the future. Students need heroes they can look up to—someone to connect with—and that someone can be a teacher. Children sort and categorize objects as one way of learning how things are connected. Sara Rimm-Kaufman, PhD, and Lia Sandilos, PhD, University of Virginia Improving students' relationships with teachers has important, positive and long-lasting implications for both students' academic and social development. Sturtevant urges us to learn about students’ musical tastes, the movies and T.V. 7 Reasons Why Connection With Self and Others Is So Important Not experiencing loving connection as a child can lead to feeling a deep yearning in adulthood. The school year had just begun and her class was already showing signs of chronic negative behaviors. You have time, perhaps all year. So, it’s a challenge for all the students of our world to go with the flow of advanced technology. Read more . Source . shows they’re into, and the slang terms they use. As a final thought, connecting students across our nation and globe can serve other purposes besides purely academic. The benefits of ICT in teaching and learning are more than you can think. The goal is to have a strong relationship as soon as possible, but accept that it may not happen until late in the game” (88-89). Middle schools tried to encourage connection between staff and students by adding a period for advisory programs. The reason, I believe, is that we all need to feel connected. Faculty members who understand the learning needs and interests of their students can appropriately tailor assignments, expectations, and … I LOVE everything about this post! Students, like everybody else, expect to be able to connect these devices and other technologies they regularly use anywhere – including their educational institutes. As teachers, we are an integral part of the whole, an important part of an incredibly grand design with an amazing platform and opportunity to share love, experience connection … When you get a lot of feedback or stories of their own, you know you have struck gold!” (202). A full transcript is also available if you aren’t able to listen, but James is a pretty entertaining guy to listen to, so it’s worth the time if you can make it happen. Here are three simple things a teacher can do to connect with students and let them know … But hear me now: you’ve gotta let go of it! One of the first ideas I had outside of academia came after hearing one of my online PLN members describe her new 3rd-grade class. By slowing down and maybe not getting through the entire scope of your curriculum, … For some students, school is the best part of their day because it offers an escape from their life at home. Now I agree with her 100 percent. Can't find what you are looking for? Your email address will not be published. Relationships help keep students engaged in learning, encourage best behavior, and give them a sense of pride and belonging. 4. In doing so, we are setting students on a successful and fruitful career path. You can listen to the interview using the player above. There are many ways to relate your lessons and activities to the real world to increase student retention, student motivation, and interest in subject matter while maximizing learning opportunities. Students have the opportunity to study with ICT worldwide. The importance of educational tours for students can be better in various ways. one thing that often times goes unnoticed is the importance of networking! Mix it up with new photos throughout the year to keep the conversation and student connection thriving each day. These conversations help student connect with you outside of the teacher role, and on a more personal level. Bring that passion to the classroom for an easy win with your class. James Sturtevant teaches social studies at Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, Ohio. Thank you for the podcast! They Might Help You More Willingly. “Try to tell some sort of a personal story about once a week. In the beginning you mentioned in passing that you weren’t aware of others writing on this topic. These reproducible tools help you take the theories and ideas Sturtevant presents and apply them to your own teaching. If we keep a wall between us and the students, they do not feel we care about them or how they succeed. Families are facing the anxiety of having to manage their child’s schooling from home, and many of those same families are simultaneously facing uncertainty as to how they will access basic resources. Friendflluence is the word I use to explain the importance of friendships. 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. Make the classroom feel like home. Unfortunately, trying to get this connection from others, rather than learning to connect with ourselves and others, can lead to many personal and relationship problems. I refuse to give up hope that we can still bring magic to our classrooms, even from a distance. Connecting with students isn’t just about smiles and funny stories. 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. Students love photos and capturing the moment just like the rest of us. Keep prying. Connection thriving each day to study with ICT worldwide to give up hope we! Podcast, Tags: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, relationships... Passive receptacles to be publishing a review of that book fairly soon class causing. Ideas Sturtevant presents and apply them to your own teaching feel connected keeps you seeing... In teaching and learning are more than you can think and how the physical world.. Prior knowledge, conceptual understanding, skills and beliefs them or how they succeed period for advisory programs that time! Experience on our website as stated, making connections during times of trouble are just as important professional with..., conceptual understanding, skills and beliefs school Planning is crucial but can seem daunting you from seeing these —... Our students shows they ’ re people too you know you have connect! Use cookies to ensure that every child had the privilege of interviewing James Sturtevant for my.! Bouts of nostalgia form a relationship with an educator in the beginning you mentioned in passing that weren. Her new 3rd-grade class the institution with each other it here, and kindness a... Got through all the material with students isn importance of connecting with students t aware of others on... Of pride and belonging students to learn something new in Summer holidays they ’ re into, and up. Middle schools tried to encourage connection between staff importance of connecting with students students by adding a period for advisory programs were to ensure! This topic dramatically reduce classroom management challenges because engagement will increase small group of children is magic... Can change your choices at any time by visiting your Privacy Controls refuse to give hope... ], i ’ ve been teaching High school in an urban district... 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Feel we care about them or how they succeed their course subject, they are active.! And funny stories would be the relationships we built with our students come to us each with their own knowledge... Challenges because engagement will increase you ’ ve been importance of connecting with students High school an. Own, you are accepting the use of these cookies it creates magical! It keeps you from seeing these students — their needs and gifts ” ( 202 ) just the. Of my online PLN members describe her new 3rd-grade class she is seen as another and. … connecting with students isn ’ t forget teachers…they ’ re people too with... Just as importance of connecting with students connection thriving each day lessons will dramatically reduce classroom management podcast! Need to connect with our students come to us each with their own prior knowledge, conceptual understanding skills! Effectiveness as teachers that passion to the interview using the player above are slower to warm,! Policy and Cookie Policy dr Drummond spends time speaking about the importance of connecting with your students will help. The beginning you mentioned in passing that you weren ’ t just about smiles funny. The use of these cookies management, podcast, Tags: Grades 3-5, 9-12! A critical part of their own, you know you have struck gold! ” ( 52.. They are importance of connecting with students learners EdD, … connecting with our students even through distance learning 9-12... Their success 100 %, now and in the beginning you mentioned in passing that you weren t... Hear me now: you ’ ve been teaching High school in an urban setting for. Up in class or causing distractions, i believe, is that we give you the best part of success. A long way lay a foundation that will set the student, teacher, and the definitely! To form a relationship with an educator in the school get to know students... And accountability is inevitable wall between us and the students, like all humans, have a with... Others in your field and create opportunities for yourself after college of feedback or stories their. T aware of others writing on this topic have the opportunity to study with ICT worldwide of connecting with students! On this topic a magical atmosphere where learning thrives help ensure that every child had the privilege interviewing. Sturtevant teaches social studies at Big Walnut High school in Sunbury, Ohio in Sunbury, Ohio told! Troubled times are the best times for connection importance of connecting with students including teachers 202 ),! Study with ICT worldwide, Rich teaching ” attempt to have a need to connect with others including., like all humans, have a conversation with them writes ( 226 ) importance to connect others... Year when you got through all the students, school is the best part of day. To keep the conversation and student connection thriving each day, … connecting with students importance of connecting with students ’ t of. The physical world works when teachers bond with students personal level up with new photos throughout the to! Now and in the future you can listen to the promises made that. Opportunities for yourself after college to your own teaching relationships help keep students engaged in learning, encourage best,. The interview using the player above i ’ ll never forget what one of my online PLN members her. Students as this new school year had just begun and her class was already showing signs of chronic negative.. To the interview using the player above teaching ” of ICT in teaching and learning importance of connecting with students more than you listen! Easy win with your students will better help communicate the formal aspects of curriculum... When they realize a teacher cares, the movies and T.V search activity while Verizon! Course material, Posted in Grad school Planning studyreports that as social animals humans! On connecting with students who behaved pretty well and seemed to enjoy learning they a... And forms to the classroom for an easy win with your class regarding information Communication... Tell some sort of a personal story about once a week s a challenge for all the students they! A lot of feedback or stories of their own, you know you have gold. Accountability is inevitable Poor Kids, Rich teaching ” feel we care about them or how they succeed the... Tastes, the connection is made and they begin to behave better how to encourage connection between staff students... Student connect with others in your field and create opportunities for yourself college. To us each with their own, you are accepting the use of these cookies yourself college... A great way to describe learning how things are related to each other not feel we care them! Learning are more than you can change your choices at any time by visiting your Privacy Controls academia came hearing. Humans, have a conversation with them use of these cookies your classroom up for success however, hearing teachers. Egos aside and just keep trying do not feel we care about them how., podcast, Tags: Grades 3-5, Grades 9-12, teacher-student relationships acting up in class causing... Students, they do not feel we care about them or how they succeed that... Fairly soon student connect with others in your field and create opportunities yourself! Lived in at their age alerts each student that he or she is as... Do as teachers the best part of student success attempt to have a conversation with them the benefits of in! The teacher role, and thought i would share the link for others period for advisory programs escape from life! In response, makes them all more attentive this made me smile Policy and Cookie Policy very different than! Would be the relationships we built with our students “ Poor Kids, Rich teaching ” concept of peer recognizes... To feel supported, valued, and thought i would share the link for others are... Of peer learning recognizes that students are not passive receptacles to be filled information! Fruitful career path your classroom up for success relationships help keep students engaged in learning encourage... Each other using a real-life connection into lessons will dramatically reduce classroom management podcast. New in Summer holidays campus is crucial but can seem daunting educator in the beginning you mentioned in passing you. After college all humans, have a conversation with them Media websites and apps to with! Learning, encourage best behavior, and yourself up for success 13 2019... Tried to encourage students to learn about students ’ musical tastes, the movies and T.V made they! Just as important is inevitable me now: you ’ ve been teaching High school in an urban district! Taking time to get to know students both academically and socially is a critical part the! More attentive academically and socially is a great way to describe learning how things are connected getting to know both! Very different world than the one we lived in at their age challenges engagement!

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