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Establishing rapport is vital as this is about forming relationships with people, for the purpose of communicating and understanding each other. An effective teacher will know to build rapport with students. When teaching a class for the first time it can be unsettling and therefore to help everyone feel more relaxed the teacher can get everyone involved in a game which allows them to talk about themselves. This will allow everyone to get to know each other better and start to relax. When the teacher includes themselves in the game or discussion it allows students to get to know the teacher and feel more comfortable. This will also help in building a relationship between the teacher and the students. Another way that a teacher would establish rapport, would be to make sure they are always prepared for classes. A teacher who is prepared for a class shows more confidence which will help build student trust in the teacher. During a class the students confidence will also be boosted by encouraging and giving praise for correct answers or giving their opinion. When a teacher shows interest in students they feel important and want to give their best to the teacher as well as do the best for themselves. I have found that when teaching new students for the first time that they can be shy and reluctant to get involved in the class. However by having a small discussion about themselves and showing interest students start to relax and interact. When teaching different age groups it helps to speak at the level of the child. For example when teaching my three to four year olds I like to sit on the floor with them. The children feel less intimidated and take part in the lesson more so than when I stand. Whereas when teaching children ten years old upward it is better to be standing as they are looking more for an example and or a leader. Building a rapport with students means knowing your students and how to get the best out of them. It is necessary for a teacher to always be friendly however you still need to have rules so that you can maintain control of the class. A teacher that has no rules will have a disruptive class that lack respect and are not able to learn as a result. Establishing rapport creates an environment that is safe, friendly and sometimes fun for learning. Students absorb more information if the teachers interest is to include the students interests. By creating lessons that involve the students it allows them to communicate openly and thereby learn more from each other as well as the teacher. For an EFL student rapport is definitely needed between teacher and student. This is because you as the teacher need to be able to know the purpose of the students English language studies. You are also probably the only example of the English language to which the student will mould themselves. If a student feels comfortable, relaxed and included they know they can trust you to help them. Therefore they tell you why they need to study English, they ask or answer questions. They communicate with the teacher which increases their understanding. Without an understanding of the English language an EFL student will not achieve the purpose they have set out to achieve. For example a student intends to travel abroad for work. He needs to be able to have a professional vocabulary that is vital to his job security. Therefore the teacher will know that teaching this student just the basics of English to communicate will not be enough to help him. The student will require language that is structured around the job position he will be filling. The student will still need the basics for normal communication and to ensure that he can build a life outside of work as well. So why is it so important for a teacher to build a rapport with students? It is important so that a relationship can form. This relationship will be one of helping your students to attain their dreams. The relationship will be built on trust and respect. Establishing rapport helps teachers to be able to do their jobs to the best of their ability whilst respect, discipline as well as understanding and learning can take place. Not only does rapport help teachers but it also helps students to feel comfortable, have fun and learn.
