Social Studies Middle School Guide

Canyons School District Instructional Supports Department POSITIVE TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS Effect Size 0.52 Implementation Tools

Critical Actions for Educators ------------------------ ● Communicate positive expectations. ● Make positive connections with each of your students. ● Positively reinforce students frequently for exhibiting appropriate behaviors. ● Create a positive learning enviornment.

Research shows that when students have strong relationships with caring adults, they are more likely to be engaged at school, more motivated to succeed academically, and have increased levels of overall well-being. Developing positive relationships with students is one of the most effective steps teachers can take to establish a positive classroom climate. In his research, John Hattie describes a positive teacher-student relationship as one where the student knows the teacher will provide support, thus enabling the student to be successful. Positive teacher-student relationships are associated with greater student engagement and positive student outcomes. Marzano also found that if the foundation of a good relationship is lacking, students will resist rules and procedures along with the consequent disciplinary actions. Students behave better and are motivated to try harder when they feel they have a relationship with their teacher. Strategies to develop positive teacher-student relationships need to be a large part of a teacher’s classroom PBIS plan. Several techniques that are easy to integrate into everyday interactions with students are described in the table below.

Strategies to Develop Positive Teacher-Student Relationships ● Communicate positive expectations ● Welcome each student as they enter the classroom or

● Tell students they have the ability to do well ● Demonstrate caring by learning student interests and preferred activities ● Call students by name ● Display student work ● Use predetermined consequences ● Positively reinforce students frequently ● Correct students in constructive ways

virtual learning space, including late students ● Call on students equitably ● Re-teach classroom behavior expectations ● Celebrate student success both in school and outside of school