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Establishing rapportThere are many elements contributing to the success of a class, and establishing good rapport is obviously one of them. In a classroom where the students are motivated, feel involved and safe, their contribution will be enhanced, because good rapport is established between the teacher and students, and among the students themselves. Establishing rapport means that time is spent developing a positive relationship based on mutual enjoyment of activities and cooperation over the period of time teaching. Through good rapport, a teacher will learn more about the students? underlying needs and how to meet the needs in some way. Establishing good rapport, however, is not a one time event, it needs continuous effort throughout the duration of the entire course. It is not easy, especially for a new teacher to build good rapport, as it requires experience and classes vary from one to another, but there are several ways a teacher can follow. Spend time to understand the students, and this can be done both before the class and during the class. Even without having met the students, a teacher is still able to gather information, like demograph of students, age, culture, thus the teacher will be better prepared and organized; while during the lesson, observation is very important. To observe the students will give a teacher insight into his or her knowledge of the subject at hand, like the students? personality, english ability, how the students interact with each other and learning styles. The better a teacher knows his or her students, the better rapport. To do this, a teacher can employ certain techniques, for example, engaging students thinking and talking about the course material, having them asking questions to their partners and even the teacher, playing games and so on. A teacher should also remain calm, positive and approachable in order to build good rapport. Although there are certain boundary between a teacher and students, it does not mean the teacher should reinforce a hierarchical gap between him or her and the students. Students should be treated fairly and respectfully all the time, then they will understand that they are in an environment conducive to learning english, and their ideas, answers, efforts and even their errors are all appreciated, therefore continuous studies are also possible if they are given the best opportunities. To do this, a teacher can use several techniques, like arranging students? seats for better pair work or group work, exchanging students? names and other information, changing partners so that they can work with different people, getting students to help each other, using simple and direct instructions, smiling and giving positive feedbacks. Maintaining is as important as establishing rapport in a class. A teacher should be always fair and flexible to the students. Never being personal issues into the classroom. Don?t ridicule or criticize students, motivate and encourage students instead, therefore students can maintain their enthusiasm of learning. All in all, to build good rapport in a class is not only important to ensure students to learn in a fun and enjoyable environment, but also important for the effectiveness as a teacher.
