3 Graduate Credit Hours (ED500)
Catalog Description:
The most powerful teaching tool educators may have, is their ability to build relationships with their students. Research shows us that building positive relationships leads to an increase in student achievement; which ultimately is our goal. Building relationships with both students and the community is what helps formulate the core of a cohesive classroom.
Building those positive relationships has many benefits such as raising student’s self-esteem and, therefore, increasing interest in school. Our goal, as educators, is to provide an atmosphere where students feel comfortable and confident, leading to a decrease in drop-out rates.
In this course, we will look at the role relationships may play in developing strong student and community connections as well as helping improve classroom management challenges. Narrowing in on relationship-based strategies may help convert your classroom into an even more positive learning environment for students.
Through the use of relationship building techniques, teachers will be able to establish a positive rapport with their students while maintaining healthy boundaries. After completion of this course, teachers should have a clear understanding of how to foster impactful relationships with ALL types of students and help in setting them up for academic success.
Required Text(s) and Other Materials:
All materials will be provided by the instructor in the Canvas classroom.
Learning Management System: Internet access, connection to Canvas learning management system portal.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
· Understand the concept of relationship building within the school system
· Understand the importance of teacher-student relationship building and how it reflects on student achievement
· Identify strategies on building stronger teacher-student relationships
· Explain the way positive relationships assist in creating an environment conducive to learning
· Develop activities and strategies to encourage positive teacher-student relationships
· Evaluate relationship building activities for evidence of student academic success
· Understand the characteristics of a relationship building teacher
· Reflect on personal classroom and student relationships
Relationship Building: The Key to Successful Teaching
Mercedes Rasmussen, M.A, M.Ed., is a business teacher and DECA sponsor with 25 years of experience in the secondary classroom and 2 years of experience as an instructor at the University level in the area of Teacher Education. She believes in the power of building strong relationships with students and building a warm and welcoming classroom environment. In her free time Mercedes enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 sons. She is passionate about helping teachers enhance and build curriculum that engages students and helps to build excitement and confidence.