Students and teacher

Relational learning can facilitate a respectful and supportive relationship between teacher and student. Positive teacher-student relationships play an important role in creating a sense of trust and cooperation in classroom.

A positive relationship between teacher and students is important in fostering student achievement and creating an environment for high-quality teaching and learning processes and outcomes. Teacher-student relationships have also been found to impact “some dimensions on learning, student learning behaviour, student inclusivity, student attendance and dropout and overall student experience.” (p.1005).¹ The focus should be on building and maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship with the student, not building friendship.²

Three students testing a car's electrical systems

Teacher presence

Building teacher presence, in both face-to-face and online environments, can foster relationships between students and their teachers. This is not only about being present with the formal teaching space but also being clear about the expectations for the course, making sure that students know when the teacher is available and the most appropriate ways to make contact.

Creating sustainable and meaningful relationships with students can take time but will help students to feel that they are part of a wider community of learning. In this short video, Professor Peter Felten from Elon University outlines some of the elements of building such relationships.

Open communication

Establishing an open line of communication fosters a supportive learning environment, enabling students to feel more connected to both the content and their peers. By leveraging various communication tools and providing opportunities for regular check-ins, teachers can address gaps in understanding early and help identify students that may need tailored support. This ongoing dialogue not only reinforces learning but builds a community where students feel valued and empowered to engage actively in their education.

Leo Lambert and Peter Felten discuss ways to build relationship-rich environments. (03:45s)

Small steps

Learn and use students’ names, ³ or start your first day of class by introducing yourself and who you are, what your educational background is, and what your hobby is. This will help students to relate to you and be more comfortable with you and your class.²

Provide opportunities for students to give feedback during the term³ and ask them explicitly about how they would like to be engaged in their learning.⁴

Be enthusiastic, smile, and convey warm gestures. Facial and body language matters. If your approach is welcoming and casual, it will make students feel more relaxed and comfortable.^{2, 3}

Make sure that students know the most appropriate way to contact you outside of the class.³

Use inclusive language in your teaching, including te reo Māori.

Student engagement in the educational interface

Helping students to feel they belong is likely to encourage students’ attendance and make learning easier as they are more emotionally comfortable in class⁵.

Watch these short video clips by Dr Ella Kahu on ways to engage with students.