Characteristics of Positive Student-Teacher Relationship Building
A. Communication
-
Referential skill; ability to clearly explain content (Frymier and Houser 216)
-
Ego Support; communication based on encouragement that aids students in self-believe and develop confidence (Frymier and Houser 226)
-
Clear expectations with predictable consequences (Klem and Connell 262)
B. Closeness
-
Immediacy (Frymier and Houser 216-217)
-
Development of relatedness and closeness (Rimm-Kaufman and Sandilos)
-
Students feel that teachers care about them (Klem and Connell 262)
-
Strong proximity to students through use of behaviours that are helpful, friendly, and compassionate (Brok et al. 30)
-
Spending time with student outside of the classroom (Dobransky and Frymier 219)
-
Collaboration (Dobransky and Frymier 219)
C. Independence
-
Little student dependency on teacher (Rimm-Kaufman and Sandilos)
-
Clear Structure and support for autonomy (Klem and Connell 262)
D. Emotional Support
-
Teacher provides significant support (Rimm-Kaufman and Sandilos)
-
Warm and supportive behaviours create safe space and emotional feelings of security (Jennings and Greenberg 500)