The best teachers are capable of maximising the learning potential of every student in their class. They understand that the key to unlocking student potential is by developing positive, respectful relationships with their students.

At The Learning Lab, our teachers believe that developing good relationships with your child is paramount in fostering academic success and beyond.

In this final article from our latest series, Insights From Our TLL Teachers, we sit down with Mrs Jaya, Science Teacher at The Learning Lab, to understand why a positive student-teacher relationship is important foryour child.

Meeting Your Child's Needs Through Meaningful Conversations

Consistent communication is an important element in a student-teacher relationship as it serves to foster a genuine connection between your child and his or her teacher.

The more the teacher communicates with your child, the more he or she is able to understand how your child is coping with class. It also helps your child's teacher identify areas of strength and weakness. This, in turn, is vital in helping the teacher to better shape his or her teaching style to meet your child’s learning needs and challenges.  

Related Article: How Effective Communication Boosts Your Child's Learning Experience

Building Your Child's Confidence In A Safe Learning Environment

Creating an open learning environment where different opinions are equally respected is crucial for building good student-teacher relationships. Your child will naturally feel more encouraged to share his or her opinions and ideas when he or she feels safe asking questions or when his or her questions or comments are answered with patience and respect.

A safe learning environment is also one that constantly motivates your child to learn more and to learn deeply. Words of affirmation and patient conversations go a long way in reinforcing a positive relationship between your child and his or her teacher that leads to higher productivity in the classroom.

Encouraging Positive Behaviour By Championing Mutual Respect

A positive teacher-student relationship means that your child learns beyond the books to build good behavioural traits.

When your child learns in an environment that encourages mutual respect and an open exchange of ideas, he or she not only builds critical thinking skills but also learns to reflect on how classroom behaviour affects learning.

With a positive relationship between teacher and students,  potential conflicts are resolved effectively. Mrs Jaya shares that it is important for teachers to correct students' misbehaviour in a manner that encourages them to reflect on how their behaviour affects others, especially in class.

“When any of the students misbehave in class, I have a long talk with him or her after all the other students have left. I explain that I am unhappy with his or her misbehaviour and not with him or her as a person. I will try to make him or her realise the importance of education and being successful in life,” says Mrs Jaya.

Related Article: 4 Benefits of Positive Student-Teacher Relationships

Your Child's Learning Journey Begins With Us

When students are having fun, it makes a huge, positive difference in their learning journey. Your child deserves the best academic and learning support which includes teachers who see the best in your child.

Enrol your child in a one of our core programmes for Term 1, beginning Wednesday, 6 December 2017 — find out more!

If you have any enquiries about our programmes, please email us at enrollment@thelearninglab.com.sg or call us at 6733 8711 and we will be happy to assist you.

*Content for this article was crafted based on an interview with Mrs Jaya