I know this is not a middle school example, but when I was getting my undergrad, I was coasting through school and did not put a lot of time into developing my skills. When I wrote my first paper in a class, my professor recognized my weakness as a writer. He invited me to his office to discuss my writing. He really lit a fire under me and made me realize the importance of this skill. That attention really helped me because it demonstrated that I was not alone. Teachers at all levels need to give their students attention and help them grow. This is especially true for students that are at-risk. Often disruptive students suffer from a lack of self-confidence in either their social or academic abilities. If teachers can help them overcome their anxieties, they can eliminate misbehavior.
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I agree that the teacher-student relationship is incredibly important to a student's success (as well as a teacher's) in the classroom. Our CURRINS 510 book "Effective Classroom Management" outlines a ton of classroom management methods, theories, and strategies. No matter how different the methods and disciplinary strategies differ, it is common for most to stress the importance of the relationship between student and teacher. It is mentioned more than once that being a presence in the hallway between classes is an effective way of communicating with students. The instructor can greet them, remind them of class materials, and ask about their day/weekend/etc. Many of us have reflected on this in our fieldwork/student teaching, and how students will know us and have more respect for us if we show we respect for and care about them. I look forward to this presentation, and hope it helps me with some more ways of effective classroom management!
I really like how you put your points and then the personal experience you used as your example. I, too, can see a huge difference in how I do in classes where the teacher-student relationship is good. When I have a teacher that shows they care by taking out the time to help me improve and by taking out the time to let me know what I am doing well it motivates me to try harder. It is motivating because when you know someone is in your corner, you want to make that person proud. You want to show that person that you are trying and that they are not just wasting their time. I believe that is something that really needs to improve in schools. I know in my middle school experience there is not a single positive relationship that I had with any of my teachers and my motivation level diminished quite a bit because of it. Without motivation there is no way the student will want to learn or care about what they are learning or how they are doing. And motivation in the classroom can only be brought about if the student finds the teacher to be helpful and caring. Another thing, I agree with you on the point you made about students who behave disruptively in class. If a student knows the teacher is helpful and cares, they will not only be more motivated but they will also show more respect for that teacher than they would for a teacher that doesn’t seem to care. This will diminish disruptive behavior.
I also agree that teacher-student relationships are absolutely essential to running a smooth operating classroom. I have found in my brief time in my field placement that when I reach out to individual students and ask about their lives, that they are more willing to reach back when I am instructing them and offer their opinions on what we are talking about or to simply answer questions in class. I think it is all an matter of trust. If they can trust that you care about them and their education then they will also trust you not to embarrass them if they take risks in class. It also comes down to respect. In the same way it is a two way road and if students know you genuinely respect them and show them that respect then they will do the same for you because everyone understands fairness. I have also had one of my teachers in college say that, above all, teaching is nurturing and I think if we take that concept into the classroom, students will understand that we care and the discipline/order will follow from there. It may take work to establish the care, trust, and respect, but it is indeed a worthy investment of our time. - Chris
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