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Influence of Teacher-Student Relationships on Learning

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Influence of teacher-student relationships on learning | influence of teacher-student relationships on learning | edupulse magazine
Influence of Teacher-Student Relationships on Learning | Influence of Teacher-Student Relationships on Learning | EduPulse Magazine

The influence of teacher-student relationships on learning is apparent. Learning is heightened when teacher-student relations are strong. Research overwhelmingly suggests that students of different ages, experiences, and backgrounds who observe their teachers be supportive of their needs and concerns are more engaged, more motivated, more self-directed, and more socially related.

How can educators best foster positive relationships with students? What kinds of learning outcomes can teachers expect as a result? Several vital facts arise from the research:

Teacher responsiveness to student diversity is essential to relationship building. Students tend to be most receptive to teachers who convey an understanding of them as distinct individuals. This proves to be especially true in culturally mixed classrooms.

Being kind matters. Learning is enhanced when teachers demonstrate a variety of behaviours associated with kindness: interpersonal warmth, care, empathy, support, safety, and intellectual encouragement. Research suggests that these behaviours increase a learner’s creativity, criticality, autonomy, and satisfaction; and result in better student attendance and grades. 

Positive teacher-student relationships are socially contagious. Students who experience positive relationships with teachers are more likely to try to develop similar bonds with others in their school community. 

Teacher-student relationships matter regardless of grade level. While it is often assumed that younger learners are more dependent for their academic adjustment on their teachers than are older ones, research suggests that the importance of teacher-student relationships remain consistent no matter a student’s age. 

Positive teacher-student relationships benefit vulnerable students most. Students who are racially, socially and economically marginalized, have learning exceptionalities, or who are otherwise deemed at risk are more strongly influenced than others by the quality of relationships they form with teachers.

The consensus among educational researchers can be rare, yet here there is little dispute: positive teacher-student relations are integral to young people’s learning.

Tinashe (Nash) is editor-in-chief and publisher of Edu Pulse Magazine. He brings 8+ years of experience as a journalist, creative writer and digital editor.

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