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Student-Teacher Relationship (Revised)
Over the years, Student-Teacher Relationship relationship has posed a series of queries and questions which are inevitable in all sectors and levels of education. School education is complete, when there are students and the availability of teachers who impart knowledge in them. A teacher is in loco parentis to the student. The teacher's job is not only to teach but to also provide moral instructions that will guide a child to become a total person. Schooling provides training and learning in all aspects of life as opposed to just teaching.
In retrospect, the relationship between teachers and their students was more or less like "Master-Servant" Relationship. This action has made teachers failed in their responsibilities. Students are being entrusted by their parents to the care of their teachers, as they spend more time in school than their homes. In recent time, the game has changed, as this stereotype way of keeping a wide gap between the students and teachers are bridged with the help of 21st century education specialists, who, with their wide range of researches have been able to eradicate and re-orientate teachers to desist from their harshness.
However, the relationship between students and teachers plays a large role in the trajectory of a child's academic success and social development. If the relationship is cordial with discipline, there is a tendency that students will meet up with some academic criteria and vice versa.
According to Empowered Learning Transformation Centres , “The student-teacher relationship is a cornerstone in a student's social maturation process. Cultivating a positive rapport with a non-parental authority figure allows students to define themselves, adapt to their environment and grow their emotional and social intelligence.” This implies that teachers are important stakeholders in the lives of students, who can help them unleash their potentials. A vital question is, are teachers really helping students in times of need?
Furthermore, it takes great determination for students to address a teacher privately and let them know how much they are doing well in the classroom matters to them. When teachers proffer solution to the students’ needs, it improves their mental, psychological, developmental growth and academic stability. For a child who struggles in school, having a good relationship with their teachers is critical to their success. It is not uncommon for students who struggle academically to have the most challenging relationships with their teachers, which just furthers their issues with performances.
Recently, based on personal research and investigation among secondary school students who attend different schools (both private and public), a lot of students confide in their teachers more than their parents. Some share their struggles which pertain to academics or domestic challenges encountered with parents, relatives, neighbours and siblings. These challenges are emotional and some are difficult to explain to parents which might be in form of harassment or molestation by someone close to them.
To establish this fact, student-teacher relationship improves academic success and has a great impact on students’ attitudes towards school work. Building student-teacher relationship is great when students view their teachers as a partner not as an adversary. This way, students tend to be free with the teacher and ask questions that will help them understand the class more, and the classroom becomes a collaborative environment.
In contrast, poor relationship could be as a result of a broken bond between them or an ongoing unresolved conflict that keeps the two from connecting. Although, these two parties are to blame for this. This is because, some students are arrogant and default school rules. As a result, such will not be condoned by their teachers. On the other hand, when teachers do not make themselves approachable, there cannot be a cordial relationship between them. If the teacher is a harsh teacher, students may be hesitant and reluctant to ask for help when needed because they think the teacher is going to yell at them or dismiss their problems.
Besides, insensitivity of teachers to students’ needs poses a big threat to their cordial relationship. Teachers should not see themselves as danger zone, but as friends to these young generation, who have bright future. Students, on the other hand are expected to subject themselves to learning. This right attitude will establish their quality moral behaviour in all sphere of life.
To build a positive student-teacher relationship, one of the purest and deeply inspirational relationships is that of a devoted teacher and willing student. This can be achieved with good communication channel which is very essential in learning. It is the most vital element because it serves to create a connection between the two parties. A teacher should interact better with the students not only by simply observation but also effective communication.
More so, creating an emotionally safe learning space where different opinions are equally respected and there is no fear of ridicule, discouragement or insults from either one's classmates or the teacher is an essential tool. The students need to feel safe when sharing their thoughts, ideas and questions without being criticized, insulted or taunted and their questions or comments will be replied with patience and mutual respect. Mutual respect is very important in great relationships. Respect is said to be reciprocated. Teachers that respect their students automatically become an object of respect themselves most especially to the students they relate with.
Lastly, teachers should always be available and relatable. It is their responsibility to well to them, patronize them, praise them, give them words of approval and encouragement. It all helps in motivation. Treat all students equally as a teacher. Disparity in learning causes academic failure. No student wants to be left out. Their peculiarity must be taken into cognizance. This is an essential tool to success.
Conclusively, Ben Carson (2015) opined that "Some teachers are better than others. But if you decide cannot get an excellent education because your teacher is not effective then you are in danger of letting a victim mentality limit your
future."
Ultimately your education is up to you. Only you can decide how much you are going to empower yourself through learning and knowledge. How far you go is determined largely by how far you are willing to go. Any student who so desires can achieve a high-quality education, whoever or wherever they may be as long as they can read.”
As a student, changing your attitude and beliefs about the relationship with teachers is the single most important thing you can do to improve your education.
© Najeebah
In retrospect, the relationship between teachers and their students was more or less like "Master-Servant" Relationship. This action has made teachers failed in their responsibilities. Students are being entrusted by their parents to the care of their teachers, as they spend more time in school than their homes. In recent time, the game has changed, as this stereotype way of keeping a wide gap between the students and teachers are bridged with the help of 21st century education specialists, who, with their wide range of researches have been able to eradicate and re-orientate teachers to desist from their harshness.
However, the relationship between students and teachers plays a large role in the trajectory of a child's academic success and social development. If the relationship is cordial with discipline, there is a tendency that students will meet up with some academic criteria and vice versa.
According to Empowered Learning Transformation Centres , “The student-teacher relationship is a cornerstone in a student's social maturation process. Cultivating a positive rapport with a non-parental authority figure allows students to define themselves, adapt to their environment and grow their emotional and social intelligence.” This implies that teachers are important stakeholders in the lives of students, who can help them unleash their potentials. A vital question is, are teachers really helping students in times of need?
Furthermore, it takes great determination for students to address a teacher privately and let them know how much they are doing well in the classroom matters to them. When teachers proffer solution to the students’ needs, it improves their mental, psychological, developmental growth and academic stability. For a child who struggles in school, having a good relationship with their teachers is critical to their success. It is not uncommon for students who struggle academically to have the most challenging relationships with their teachers, which just furthers their issues with performances.
Recently, based on personal research and investigation among secondary school students who attend different schools (both private and public), a lot of students confide in their teachers more than their parents. Some share their struggles which pertain to academics or domestic challenges encountered with parents, relatives, neighbours and siblings. These challenges are emotional and some are difficult to explain to parents which might be in form of harassment or molestation by someone close to them.
To establish this fact, student-teacher relationship improves academic success and has a great impact on students’ attitudes towards school work. Building student-teacher relationship is great when students view their teachers as a partner not as an adversary. This way, students tend to be free with the teacher and ask questions that will help them understand the class more, and the classroom becomes a collaborative environment.
In contrast, poor relationship could be as a result of a broken bond between them or an ongoing unresolved conflict that keeps the two from connecting. Although, these two parties are to blame for this. This is because, some students are arrogant and default school rules. As a result, such will not be condoned by their teachers. On the other hand, when teachers do not make themselves approachable, there cannot be a cordial relationship between them. If the teacher is a harsh teacher, students may be hesitant and reluctant to ask for help when needed because they think the teacher is going to yell at them or dismiss their problems.
Besides, insensitivity of teachers to students’ needs poses a big threat to their cordial relationship. Teachers should not see themselves as danger zone, but as friends to these young generation, who have bright future. Students, on the other hand are expected to subject themselves to learning. This right attitude will establish their quality moral behaviour in all sphere of life.
To build a positive student-teacher relationship, one of the purest and deeply inspirational relationships is that of a devoted teacher and willing student. This can be achieved with good communication channel which is very essential in learning. It is the most vital element because it serves to create a connection between the two parties. A teacher should interact better with the students not only by simply observation but also effective communication.
More so, creating an emotionally safe learning space where different opinions are equally respected and there is no fear of ridicule, discouragement or insults from either one's classmates or the teacher is an essential tool. The students need to feel safe when sharing their thoughts, ideas and questions without being criticized, insulted or taunted and their questions or comments will be replied with patience and mutual respect. Mutual respect is very important in great relationships. Respect is said to be reciprocated. Teachers that respect their students automatically become an object of respect themselves most especially to the students they relate with.
Lastly, teachers should always be available and relatable. It is their responsibility to well to them, patronize them, praise them, give them words of approval and encouragement. It all helps in motivation. Treat all students equally as a teacher. Disparity in learning causes academic failure. No student wants to be left out. Their peculiarity must be taken into cognizance. This is an essential tool to success.
Conclusively, Ben Carson (2015) opined that "Some teachers are better than others. But if you decide cannot get an excellent education because your teacher is not effective then you are in danger of letting a victim mentality limit your
future."
Ultimately your education is up to you. Only you can decide how much you are going to empower yourself through learning and knowledge. How far you go is determined largely by how far you are willing to go. Any student who so desires can achieve a high-quality education, whoever or wherever they may be as long as they can read.”
As a student, changing your attitude and beliefs about the relationship with teachers is the single most important thing you can do to improve your education.
© Najeebah
