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Bridging the Gap: 5 Reasons Why Students Don't Like Teachers and How to Improve Teacher- Student Relationships
India White • August 14, 2023
5 Reasons Why Students Don't Like Teachers
Bridging the Gap: 5 Reasons Why Students May Not Like Teachers and How to Improve Teacher-Student Relationships
Have you ever had an encounter where you were directed to work with someone that was assigned to help you, and the vibe was off? Have you met someone that you didn’t quite care for and didn’t know why? Sometimes, this is a part of human nature, and students aren’t exempt from feeling like they just “don’t like” their teacher. However, is it possible to help someone that doesn’t like you? If so, how would you approach this awkward situation?
Teachers: Understand that you play a crucial role in shaping the lives of students in their classrooms. However, it is not uncommon for students to develop negative feelings towards their teachers. As educators, it is essential to understand the reasons behind this disconnect and work towards building stronger relationships.
Let's will explore five common reasons why students may not like their teachers and provide tips to help bridge the gap:
1. Lack of Empathy
One of the primary reasons students may not like their teachers is a perceived lack of empathy. Students want to feel understood and supported, both academically and emotionally. Sometimes, a teacher’s empathy is not fully expressed due to them finishing up their explanation of a math problem to the class, getting caught up in a transition, and other body language mishaps that take place. Sometimes, teachers can give off a “vibe” of disinterest, apathy, or cultural incompetence that can cause an offense to students. To address this, teachers should be intentional in actively listen to their students, show genuine interest in their concerns, and create a safe space for open communication.
By demonstrating empathy, teachers can foster a positive classroom environment that encourages students to engage and participate. Students are a sponge, constantly doing their best to “feel” where their teacher is “coming from” as they interact with their students in the classroom. Some ways that teachers can express empathy to students in their classroom is by respecting and valuing differences, noticing and actively rejecting stereotypes, and navigating through social situations ethically and fairly with all students.
Acknowledge pain points of students, and help them find a safe place in your classroom so they can progress academically with their peers.
2. Ineffective Teaching Methods
Students may become disinterested or frustrated when teachers employ ineffective teaching methods.
For instance, a teacher might be very “particular” about keeping rows straightened, returning pencils on time, and holding up a peace sign to signal that they have to get up. Some of these techniques can be seen as over the top, demanding and boring for students who may have outgrown these types of signals and procedures. There are other teaching methods that could be ineffective, including taking away promised opportunities for students to make up an assignment, be restored to a group of friends or having a particular role in class to be rescinded due to the students making the teacher upset.
To overcome these hurdles, educators should strive to incorporate a variety of teaching strategies that cater to different learning styles. By using interactive activities, multimedia resources, and real-life examples, teachers can make their lessons more engaging and relevant. Additionally, seeking feedback from students and adapting teaching techniques accordingly can significantly enhance the learning experience.
When striving to support students with effective teaching methods, teachers must become proactive at implementing strategies that meet the needs of all learners and are clearly understood by students. For instance, in the article titled, “Demystifying the Grading Process” with Harvard Business Publishing Education, Mark Renella writes about the importance of teachers establishing clear expectations, giving students the opportunity to improve and discussing grading criteria with students. Students should not have various expectations throughout the school year, leaving them feeling confused, deceived and betrayed. Even when there are moments of disagreement and disappointment during instruction, students should still be confident in the grading procedures and policies established by their teachers in the classroom.
3. Lack of Personal Connection
Building a personal connection with students is crucial for fostering a positive classroom environment. Students are more likely to enjoy and respect teachers who take the time to know them individually. Further, students will do anything for their teachers that they’ve established a strong and healthy relationship with. In order to strengthen the personal connection with students, teachers can learn to show genuine interest in their students' lives, hobbies, and aspirations. Simple gestures like remembering their names, asking about their weekend, or acknowledging their achievements can go a long way in establishing a personal connection. Further, teachers can ask for student input during word problems, classroom projects, and even the establishment of rules and procedures. Students want to feel like they belong, and having a personal connection with their teachers is key.
Studies have shown that students of diverse and ethnic backgrounds bond better with teachers they feel like they’ve established a connection with. In various cultural groups, developing a strong relationship is more important than the task at hand. When teachers are aiming to connect with learners of diverse backgrounds, there must be a willingness to become “open” and embrace elements of culture, language, and the way of life in efforts to reach each learner where they are.
4. Unfair Treatment
Perceived unfair treatment can quickly sour the relationship between students and teachers. It is essential for educators to treat all students fairly and equally, regardless of their academic abilities, background, or personal circumstances. When students approach a teacher regarding a situation they’ve encountered in which they feel like there’s been some type of injustice, teachers must do their part in investigating the matter to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions to restore all parties involved are made fairly without bias and partiality.
Teachers should avoid favoritism, listen to all students' opinions, and provide constructive feedback that helps students grow. In efforts to help teachers with this task, leaders at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln mentioned the concept of “propriety”, in which teachers act in a socially acceptable manner that does not offend students’ sensitives.”
I like to refer to this as using “velvet gloves” with all learners. By creating a fair and inclusive classroom environment, teachers can foster trust and respect among their students.
5. Lack of Engagement
Students may not like teachers who fail to engage them in the learning process. Sometimes this is due to personality and cultural disconnects, or moments of misunderstandings during instructional delivery. However, teachers don’t always “catch” moments in which they lost students during the discussion of the math problem, hence, leaving them behind and “unengaged.” To combat this, teachers should strive to make their lessons interactive and relevant. Incorporating group activities, discussions, and hands-on projects can significantly increase student engagement. Additionally, teachers can encourage student participation by asking open-ended questions, providing opportunities for student-led learning, and incorporating technology into their lessons.
Stanford University elaborates on other ideas for teachers improving student engagement, including asking open-ended questions, having students explain their reasoning to other students, and even offering multiple versions of activities or assignments.
Sometimes, educators must help get their students up and interacting with their peers by helping them to continue to push forward with opportunities for mathematical discourse, peer-to-peer collaboration, and moments to express their learning through various learning styles.
Conclusion
Building positive relationships between teachers and students is crucial for a successful learning environment in the classroom. By understanding the reasons why students may not like their teachers and implementing the suggested tips, educators can bridge the gap and create a classroom atmosphere that fosters mutual respect, engagement, and growth and stronger relationships with each learner. Remember, a teacher's impact extends far beyond the curriculum, and by nurturing positive relationships, we can inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential.
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🚀💬 Can’t wait to speak in the amazing lineup at NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education NCSM's virtual conference TOMORROW! 🎉 Join us as we dive into making BOLD moves in education! 📚✨ Together, let’s bridge the achievement gap and empower every learner! 🤝💪 #DrIndiaWhite #Equity #NCSM #Grit #BoldMoves
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Check out my Feb. 2025 Newsletter!
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