Creating a Positive Teacher-Student Relationship Online

Adapted from The Distance Learning Playbook Grades K-12 by Fisher, Frey, Hattie

People learn best when they have a positive relationship with the instructor. Thinking through how you will build relationships will help in making both virtual and face to face instruction positive.

• Greet each student by name when they enter the virtual classroom

• Use the students' names during the session for reasons other than to correct.

• Ask the students personal questions.

• Pay compliments to the students.

Ensure that students feel included in the discussion and there is a purpose for them to be engaged in the learning:

• Have a system for calling on students and noticing who hasn’t participated

• Make sure every live session includes whole group and small group discussions

  • Limit your lecture time by recording asynchronous experiences and increase the opportunities for discussion when you are together.

  • Try these ideas for 5 minute chats

• If you assign discussion boards, actively participate in them.

• Use “pop-up” pedagogy throughout the week with content. These might include:

  • Send messages via the LMS with greetings, motivational quotes, intriguing questions that link to new learning, etc..”

  • Post photos of students and their assignments on your LMS.

  • Craft an email newsletter each week explaining what their children did the past week and what they will be doing in the coming week.

  • Personalize directions for assignments by making a short video rather than only providing written directions.

  • Use voice recording feedback on students’ assignments. Don’t forget to use their names!