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Establishing Rapport The Oxford dictionary defines rapport as ?A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other?s feelings or ideas and communicate well.? In order to facilitate learning, teachers need to build both a positive atmosphere and a positive attitude toward learning. While some people have charisma and inborn interpersonal skills, many do not. Although it may be difficult to build and maintain rapport for some, building rapport can, in fact, be learned. 1. Learn the students? names. Calling students by their names is a wonderful and very effective way to establish rapport. students love to hear their names and it adds a more personal touch to teaching. 2. Make use of ?ice breakers.? It is important to let students know from the first day that you want to get to know them as individuals. Use ice breakers to get to know as much as possible about students and let them get to know about each other. 3. Always be prepared. Plan lessons carefully and thoroughly while gearing the lessons to the students? level of knowledge and ability. 4. Demeanor counts. Your demeanor should put the students at ease. Speak positively and encouragingly. Smile and listen attentively. Exude confidence and enthusiasm. It is also important to be approachable and willing to answer questions. All of these qualities are infectious, and you will see them in your students if you are the first to display them. 5. Try to be flexible. At times, it is necessary to vary teaching techniques, lessons, activities etc. according to the students? needs and learning styles. Always be ready to abandon parts of a lesson plan due to circumstance or the mood of the class on any given day. 6. Have conviction. Show students that you believe in the material you are teaching. If you believe that the text is boring or perhaps too difficult, this will be evident to the students who will in turn reject the lesson. If the material is lacking in some way, find ways to adapt it to your students so that will be more effective thus reducing a negative atmosphere in the classroom. 7. Listen to the students. From the first day, always be willing to listen to the questions and concerns of the students even if it takes precious class time. All teachers work with a syllabus and are concerned with covering material, however, if you fail to listen to students and simply carry on with the lesson plan, rapport will be broken. Once this happens, it is difficult to repair. 8. Always be fair. Impartiality is important. Always be balanced and don?t show favoritism to more intelligent and assertive students. Make sure to cultivate and encourage the quieter and shyer students as well. 9. Be a professional. Never complain about the administration in front of the students. Be aware of the school?s philosophy, rules, policies, and strictly adhere to them. 10. Use good body language. Non-verbal cues are very important. Be positive, smile, make eye contact and listen fully and attentively. In conclusion, if a teacher lacks sincerity, caring and genuine interest, implementing recommendations on establishing rapport can result in an empty process. At the end of the day, the essential element is a natural desire to connect with and teach students.
