Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified and teach in Xiangcheng Zhen? Are you interested in teaching English in Linyi Shi? Check out ITTT’s online and in-class courses, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English ONLINE or abroad! ITTT offers a wide variety of Online TEFL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language.
Establishing a good rapport is one of the most important skills that a teacher must have in a classroom. The matter goes far beyond the students' learning abilities, nationalities or ages. Some teachers who display a great amount of knowledge and skills may not have the interpersonal skills required to establish a good rapport with the students. This may hinder the teacher´s capacity to communicate the content appropriately. Creating a relaxed atmosphere is the starting point to gain the confidence of the students and to determine the spirit that will lead the whole classroom. A friendly and enjoyable environment, however, doesn't mean that a teacher may lose the control over the students. Defining the procedures and the set of rules applied in class is also an essential tool for a teacher to manage the class and achieve objectives. It is also important to bear in mind that a good rapport doesn't mean that the teacher should be like a "hostage" of the students in order to keep the friendly environment created in the classroom. Teachers must always have the control of the situation. Students must not dominate the teacher nor the classmates. At the same time, it is necessary to create, stimulate, encourage and maintain a peaceful coexistence between the teacher and the students themselves. We must also consider the importance of the rapport among the students themselves. Stimulating good relationships among the students is also an important "task" for teachers. It would certainly help teachers to achieve an even friendlier environment in the classroom. As the school year begins, the general attitude and approach of the teacher towards the students may be an excellent "starting point" in order to promote ice breaking activities. A teacher may have a deep knowledge upon a subject or content, but this fact alone may not determine the level of success a teacher may have in the classroom. Teachers must be able to communicate the message as well as to be respected and liked by the students. Once upon a teacher establishes a good rapport with the students he/she may never have to engage in raising the voice or being rude. A smile may be enough to bring back the class attention. Another strategy a teacher may use to create a friendly environment in a classroom is to show the students that they are part of the show. Teachers may elicit the students' suggestions, their comments and even their criticism. A teacher must always bear in mind that one of the most efficient "weapons" is to act naturally. The idea is to demonstrate that the whole classroom has the same objectives. The class must work as a unit in order to reach the same goals. The issue here is not a search for connections between the teacher and the students themselves. It is also a need to create an environment of shared responsibility. There are some techniques that may be used to enhance class cooperation, such as using pair work, making seating arrangements, promoting peer correction etc. Not only it may make things less stressful but also give students a greater sense of participation and responsibility.
