TEFL Manning Oregon

I chose this particular topic because I believe that more than anything, establishing rapport with students is excruciatingly imperative to a successful classroom. Why you may ask? Although I have not taught english as a second language yet, I have worked in a school setting with students (as well, I can recall when I was a student). If someone were to ask me who my favorite teacher was, I wouldn't even have to hesitate in answering that question. It was the teacher who made a point to get to know me, who was funny, who looked me in the eye and answered my questions, who never belittled or judged me, who respected me and who showed me discipline but also showed me kindness and care. In College, I took the Child and Youth Care diploma Program. This program is specifically designed to equip you in working with children and youth who are vulnerable and “troubled”; children who are in the care of Child and Family Services. One of the underlying themes throughout that 2 year course was establishing positive relationships with the children and youth we work with. As much as I believe that to be a fundamental element in my line of work, I also believe it to be a fundamental element when teaching students english as a second language. Although some of the reasons for establishing rapport may vary from the youth I work with to the students I will be teaching, positive rapport builds up trust and respect between student and teacher/staff and youth etc… This trust and respect when teaching students in the classroom allows for the students to feel more at ease as many of them may feel vulnerable and insecure in learning a new language. When you have good rapport between yourself and the students, it can allow you to inspire and motivate your students to a greater degree. One article that I came across online, stated 6 outcomes that building positive rapport with students produces. 1 – higher motivation, 2 – increased comfort, 3 – increased quality, 4 – satisfaction, 5 – enhanced communication, 6 – trust. This same article also discussed 5 factors for building positive rapport and these are: 1 – respect, 2 – approachability, 3 – open communication, 4 – caring, 5 – positive attitude. Rapport is not something developed by announcement. Rapport is developed by actions—it results from things teachers do (Weimer, 2012, Building Rapport with Your Students.) Being a good teacher to your students is not only about ensuring they receive the information to the best degree and receive sufficient help when they need it (although those are very important aspects of teaching as well). It is about making effort to show your students that you are genuinely interested in them and their progress. Asking your students questions about themselves, spending one on one time with them when they need a little extra help, lightening the mood... these are all little things that a teacher can and should do in establishing good rapport with their students. In my personal experience of establishing positive rapport with one of my teachers back in junior high to being the teacher who was building positive rapport with students in the classroom, I have found this to be such a crucial aspect for teacher and student alike. A teacher who has built positive relationships with their students lights up the time that is spent in that classroom. References: Weimer, M., (2010). Building Rapport with Your Students. http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/building-rapport-with-your-students/