Ever wonder what it would be like to know your teachers on a personal level?
A small class field trip would be the perfect opportunity for teachers to get to know their students better.
Most teachers are unaware of their students’ interests, family situations, and events.
Teachers can only become aware of these situations if students reach out to them.
The problem is that not everyone is comfortable doing this.
A field trip would provide an easy-going environment in which students can become more comfortable and willing to share information about their lives outside of school.
Field trips can also be a fun means through which teachers and students can build memories while experiencing educational material in a meaningful and exciting way.
This can be true from the teacher’s perspective as well.
Lunch meetings and field trips, which could be organized by either party, are examples of ways in which teachers and students could spend time together while remaining professional.
One-on-one or group meetings with any teacher can also be extremely beneficial.
Students and teachers can exchange advice and discuss engaging material that they may not have time to cover in the classroom.
“I would definitely be open to spending extra time with my teachers,” said junior Jordan Cohen. “I think that it would be beneficial to some of the kids who feel insecure in their classes. It would also be cool if a couple of kids from a certain class and their teacher went on an outing together. I think it would benefit the class as a whole because people who may not know each other would be able to connect.”
Many times, student-teacher relationships are strictly professional. However, some teachers are willing to connect with their students on a personal level.
This is highly beneficial in creating an effective educational environment.
When a teacher is willing to connect with their students on a personal level, it creates an instant bond.
“The fact that Mr. Fallon took out an entire day of gym class to tell us about his life experiences helped the class connect with him,” said senior Emily Schmidt. “Normally, you don’t know that much about your teachers but I enjoyed getting advice from someone who I respect.”
Teachers who make a concerted effort to relay personal anecdotes and life advice create a more friendly and approachable learning environment.
“My chemistry teacher Ms. Krebs related her lessons to real life,” said senior Julian Faccibene. “She always emphasized the fact that she was there whenever you needed help. She was like a mentor to me. I could go to her whenever I needed help and her enthusiasm made learning a lot of fun. Ms. Krebs made the classroom a place where I wanted to be.”
Whether students need teachers to further discuss course information or just need someone to talk to, closer student-teacher relationships are perfectly acceptable.