Attitude towards the teacher, satisfaction with teaching, attendance at and interaction during lectures and grades are all positively influenced by a better relationship with the teacher. That is what British researcher Gillian M. Sandstrom of the University of Sussex writes in a pre-print. And minimal interactions like greeting upon entry and knowing your students’ names can really make a difference.
Recognition
The survey found that nearly half of the students who were greeted upon entry believed that the teacher recognized them. Among the students who were not greeted, only a quarter had that idea. Students who thought the teacher knew their name had more fun in the subject.
Binding
In addition, it turned out that students were less likely to feel that they belong if they thought that the teacher did not recognize them. The sense of attachment was not entirely affected by being known or greeted by name. However, the feeling was promoted, namely through the existence of a good relationship between teacher and student.
A teacher who builds rapport with the students by greeting them at the door and learning the names also has a positive influence on them, Sandstrom concludes. It is of course important that the greeting is done with conviction and that it is not at odds with the other behavior of the teacher.
By: National Education Guide / Femke van Arendonk