Teachers are facilitators of education. They impart a part of themselves: i.e. the knowledge that they have imbibed over several years of learning as well as training; to another (their student) so that he or she may have better intellectual development, better productivity, and eventually, a better life. Teachers are like potters on the wheel, molding and shaping the children in different dimensions and contours and varieties of existence, to develop and create a piece of work, hopefully a masterpiece; in the future!
The teacher student relationship is extremely important for the development of the individual. Children spend approximately 5 to 7 hours a day with their teachers for almost 10 months in a year. If we calculate right, this is probably more than what they do even with their parents! Today with working parents, their time spent with the child on teaching them is relatively much lesser than before. Hence, most of the learning occurs during interaction with teachers as well as tutors (these are the personal teachers). Thus building on the student teacher bond goes a long way in improving, enriching and enhancing the quality of the child’s existence. A significant amount of research has shown that “academic achievement and student behavior are influenced by the quality of the teacher and student relationship” (Jones ‘95). The better the rapport between the student and teachers, the more likely is the possibility of higher level learning and accomplishment.
Talking about India
Since times immemorial, Indians have respected and idolized their teachers. Earlier, our teachers were always called 'Guru' and now it's the contemporary 'Sir' or 'Madam'. Nevertheless, the role of teachers has remained the same. They were, are and will continue to be the guiding light, creating conditions conducive to overall development. India has been celebrating Teacher's Day on 5th September, since 1962. The day commemorates the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a philosopher and a teacher par excellence, and his contribution towards Indian education system. Dr Radhakhrishnan believed that "teachers are the best minds in the country".
How can we build a good rapport with our teachers?
All of us have gone through schooling, and if fortunate we’ve all had a favorite teacher. The quality of the rapport between students and teachers can vary to set a learning experience that’s approachable and inviting the students to learn. A teacher who has the gift of good communication skills, commands respect in the classroom; and shows a unique interest in teaching; coupled with an incessant desire to learn; from a student, will establish a positive rapport and strong relationship in the classroom from the outset.
Problems faced
Life is all about action and reaction. Students and teachers work on a give-and-take relationship just like any other in this universe! Therefore, a teacher also needs to contribute to a relationship that leads to an effectively learning process; which is the ULTIMATE goal of a student-teacher existence in the first place. Teachers today have new faces and new attitudes. Some children find themselves lacking an interest in learning while others feel playing and fooling around at school with friends is the happiest moment of their life; failing to realize their responsibilities towards themselves. Such students draw negative attention from their teachers and this hampers the student teacher bond.
The key elements to building the bond
If a student wants to learn, he or she MUST respect his teacher and look up to some or the virtue in his mentor.
The key element here is RESPECT: You must respect your teachers and hold them in high esteem. That is the only way you will believe in their advice. A certain level of deference or admiration adds to the learning experience.
The second indispensable element is TRUST: Believe that your teacher has your best interest in mind. If you believe in some ulterior motive or mistrust (real or imagined) you will be unable to surrender yourself to the selfless learning from someone who definitely is experienced and is trying hard to teach you something that you don’t really know.
The third and quintessential element is that of COMMITMENT: to follow instruction with undoubted and unquestionable discipline. The teacher’s command for you is selfless just like a prescription from a doctor; it bears no result to the doctor but certainly benefits the patient tremendously!
Just go all out!
Seek education and be enthusiastic to be in school and college; there are so many who pine for teachers and have none! Remember each of your teachers because they do have some or the other quality which you usually are not aware of during the time you are in school, but will surely and indisputably recognize at a later time of your life!
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