In order to build credibility with my students I build a positive rapport, and prove myself to them. By that, I mean that I work diligently to build their trust: I keep my word, I back them up, and over and over I promote honesty. They learn that I will advocate for them and will not lie to them. This goes a long way, especially when they are accustomed to being let down and having to rely on themselves. I also work right alongside them - I will not assign them, or expect of them, anything that I would not be willing to do myself.
I think it is important to show students that you are honest with them and back them up. They know when you're just saying something compared to when you really mean it.
Advocating for them is one of the things that we do as teachers that I think surprises students the most. Some of our students get so caught up in the fact that everyone is "out to get them" that they forget what it feels like to have an adult who really cares about them.
I build credibility by being honest with them. When they ask a question, I tell them what I know, and if I don’t know, we look it up together. Though, last week, when I was reading a book with a student, she asked about a character. Without thinking, I told her that I didn’t know. She looked at me and asked, “Really, you don’t know?” I had to be honest. I did know, but I wasn’t going to tell her; she had to read it in the book. From that point on, if she asked a question, I would tell her that she’d have to read it or that I wasn’t going to tell her. I hoped that built credibility.
I think it is good for students to see that teachers don't always know all the answers (even if we do). Not only does it show our thought process about how to get an answer, but that it is ok to not know everything, even as an adult.
I agree with you girls, I don't lie to them if I don't know we look it up. I will be the first to admit that I'm not the smartest. But I will find the answer. I am a good source for a wealth of useless information though.
Building creditability with high school students can be challenging. In my classroom trust, consistency and immediacy are the first things that come to mind. My students know that one day is similar to the next day and therefore when they come into my classroom they will begin some of the lessons themselves without being told! They also know that I provide as much immediate feedback as I can and appreciate it even when it is not what they want to hear. If for some reason I need to look up the answer to the question or need to time think about how to answer a question, my student s know that I will always get back to them with an answer. I even have students from previous years that come into my room to ask me something and I will tell them I will get to it in a few minutes if I am busy and they know I will follow through and get back to them. I know they trust me with something that is important enough to them to seek me out, especially since I do not see them every day.
Consistency is so important. So many don't know what's going to happen from one day to the next at home, but having that consistency at school is exactly what they need.
I agree consistency is important. Some students like to come to school because it is the only consistent thing in their lives. For some their home life is not always the best situation
Consistency is especially important with the lower-functioning students. It gives them a sense of security in a world where so much is out of their control.
I build credibility by giving them lots and lots of candy and other free items. Just kidding. I build credibility by building trust and positive relationships with the students. I want them to be able to come to me and the staff with questions when they have them. I want them to build self-confidence and self-advocacy as they mature into adults at the high school level. They trust us also because we are honest with them. We get on them when we need to but also provide positive feedback when they do something well.
If all else fails candy and free items do work!!! Self-advocacy is very important and requires self-confidence. As much as I want my students to have that mind-set I am still amazed at how many adults lack that skill!!
You bring up a lot of great points. Teaching students to ask questions and advocate for themselves is very important. The knowledge that is okay to speak up when you need something is lacking most of the time.
Your comment about candy reminded me of a Kindergarten student I worked with. He was piddle dinking around while I was assessing him and putting forth very little effort, even though there was other data to indicate that he was capable of much more than he was letting on. Towards the end of my 3rd attempt of working with him, I told him if he’d do his absolute very best for the next 15 minutes, I’d bring him his favorite candy the next time we met. He did NOT believe me for the longest time, but finally relented, and was able to accomplish more in that next 15 minutes than he had in the past 2 weeks. The next day, I brought the candy, and he was shocked. He’s a 5th grader now and every time I see him (still), he says “Hey! I know you! You’re the one that brought me candy!” Who knows… Maybe lots of candy really is the key ;-)
I build credibility when I mean what I say. If I state a consequence I will follow through with it, otherwise they are just words and students will quickly see through that. I also show my students that I care and that I am here for them, they are my priority in this building. At times I want their success more than they do! But if I can give them a taste of success then they will follow my lead and become their own educational advocates. I want my students to feel safe and one way to do that is to monitor my tone and body language. What I communicate when I am not talking often speaks louder than when I am talking! I want my students to be able to rely on me to do my job with compassion and empathy. I am not one of those teachers known at school who is a "yeller", students do not respond to those teachers! If can build a relationship with my students then I am trusted to be credible and all students respect that, even when we are at odds!
Have you ever noticed how students shut down and almost fold in on themselves when “yellers” are near? I believe students need to be respected and yelling at them does not show respect! Credible teachers talk to students, they have no need to raise their voice, and they also do not talk down to students. I am so glad you are not a yeller, but I cannot picture you that way either!
You could not be more correct with your comments on follow through. I was in a classroom one time, and the teacher was instructing the students to start putting away their materials because they were going to be transitioning to the next activity. One little guy just kept right on doing what he was doing, so I leaned over and reminded him of the directions and also that the teacher had said if he didn’t finish quickly, he would have to walk at recess. After this, the student just turned to me and sort of flippantly said, “She’s just talking.” Well… Ok then, haha!
I have observed in many classrooms over the course of my career, and find it interesting how teachers establish control and credibility in their classrooms. I agree yelling seldom works, but there is a wide range management styles that do work. I think being credible means using a style that fits your personality while always respecting the student.
In my position, I have the opportunity to build trust with students and parents over several years. If things change and we can't do consistently what we have done in the past, I'm sure to let them know why. I try to provide immediate feedback when students do well in testing or let them know what they can do to work on areas where they need improvement. I think consistency and as much transparency in practice as possible are key.
I have the little kids. Building credibility with them comes pretty naturally as I have 5 nieces/nephews. I talk to them and learn about their interests. If I tell them I will do something I follow through. I had a student recently move back after being gone over a year. He BEGGED to eat lunch in my classroom so I made it happen. He was so excited and said it was the best day ever! I listen to their problems and help them. It's important to have credibility. If I tell them I will bring snack and I don't I would instantly lose my credibility with them. They know they can trust me because I show them in my actions.
I think understanding how to approach them on their level is a valuable skill to have and helps to foster credibility. It's amazing how snacks help to motivate! But, you're absolutely right about how easily you can lose credibility.
Sorry my post is late, I just got my book! I believe credibility is very important and can be achieved through various means. First, students need to know I will support them, that they can trust me to help. Building rapport and trust takes different amounts of time with different students. By the time students get to high school, they may have experienced a lot of problems and lost a great deal of self-confidence. I try to boost self-esteem and build a trusting relationship. But, trusting relationships include the notion that I will be honest and provide constructive criticism when necessary. I am not brutally honest, but honest enough the student can learn and continue to grow.
This was a hard lesson for me to learn as a new teacher: I expected immediate respect, rather than to build the relationship. But, given what our students backgrounds are, it takes time to build true, lasting relationships. Your honesty definitely goes a long way with students, and is something they learn to trust and rely on.
This has to be one of the most important parts of being a teacher! Sometimes I find that students trust me instinctively and we are able to start working together immediately. Other times, building credibility can be a very time consuming, energy draining process. I've learned to be more explicit with my expectations and methods with my students. Over time, most students seem to come around to the idea that I am actually trying to help them learn. Like you said, trusting relationships are important.
I like the statement you made about building rapport and trust takes different amounts of time with different students. I think this is so true and especially in high school. Sometimes they have came to you and have not built credibility with any teacher so they may appear stand offish. My son is not special education but I know that he has a hard time trusting anyone but once he builds a relationship then he is good. I think HS is different to be able to build a relationship with.
I have been firm and honest with my students since they began with me in special education. Most of my students have been with me since elementary school. We have a trust that has been broken but with some work and reasoning we have rebuilt that trust. Just recently, a student was upset because she didn't fully understand one of the rules that has been put into place. After some discussion, about the rule we were back to having respect and trust again.
As many others have pointed out, credibility stems from the integrity of the teacher in relationship with the students. It is often quoted (in many places and in a variety of ways) that "[Students] don't care what you know until they know that you care." Concern for the other individual is necessary to begin any relationship. Students are experts at discerning whether or not someone cares about them, so I try to constantly show them my concern in a variety of ways. Among countless other things, this means authentically praising them when they do well, explicitly expressing my expectations for the student, asking if they need help, making time for them when they need extra help, holding them accountable for breaking the rules, justly and efficiently enforcing these violations, checking in on them (even when you don't have to), following up on conversations, talking about life outside of the classroom (when appropriate), advocating for students, listening when they speak, treating them with dignity and respect, etc. While character is more important than academics, teachers must realize that their occupation requires them to teach. For this reason, the teacher must present content in student accessible ways. This requires the teacher to know both the content of the material they are teaching as well as their students. If they understand both, they will be able to explain, differentiate, discuss, and encourage student learning in a variety of ways.
It is so important that as teachers we practice what we preach. The old adage of do as I say, not as I do, does not work in the classroom. Teachers have to be willing to show character, patience and respect to everyone they come in contact with, and always need to remember that people are always watching.
Hope: (Sorry, I'm not able "reply") It's amazing how every relationship we have in life requires transparency and communication. I sometimes forget that my students need that. It is helpful to remember that we have to be explicit in communication and dialogue rather than just monologue.
In order to build credibility with my students, I practice what I preach. I make sure that I always follow through with what I say I'm going to do, and I have to be super careful that I don't react out of anger. I also teach by example. We practice character building and do social stories and practice acting out those skills that we just learned. I make sure that my kids know that they are loved no matter what happens, but at the same time there are also consequences for the choices that they make-whether positive or negative.
I build credibility with my class by taking an interest in them and by creating rapport with them. I make them feel important and that what they have to say and bring to the table matters. I try to incorporate their interests in to my teaching to help keep them engaged. I try to make learning fun!
I build credibility with my students through creating trusting relationships. I try to do this by being very positive and look for ways to catch my students doing something right. I also do my best to be very consistent with classroom rules so that everyone know what to expect and there are no surprises. All of this takes time and a deliberate approach.
I think teachers can build credibility with their students through the relationships they cultivate with them. I feel like if teachers are open and honest with their students, are there to support their students when they need it (both academically and emotionally), are consistent, and walk their talk, their students will trust them and feel that they are credible. However, the difficult part is that making yourself credible to someone can take a great deal of time and effort, but losing credibility can only take an instant. Since we don’t have an indefinite amount of time with our kiddos, I feel like we need to strive to consistently be at 100% for them, even though I know that probably isn’t the easiest task at times.
I agree with you 100%. Relationships are the key to building credibility with students; especially our population. It most definitely takes time and effort, but it is so worth it in the end.
Building relationships is so important! With Early Childhood kids it is very important to build credible relationships, as many of these kids are leaving their mom, dad, siblings or grandparents for the first time. I do this by earning their trust from the beginning, allowing them to know they are safe with me or their teacher. Sometimes this takes giving them their space so they know they are safe with us but not invading their space. I get to know what they like and don't like. Some kids like hugs while others do not like touch so that is very important to get to know. I am always there to greet them so that they are not scared to know what they need to do. Depending on the kid and their abilities, sometimes I will take them to my classroom and let them play in the sand while just talking to them getting to know them, letting them feel secure. I think at this age it is about them feeling secure in the environment which builds credibility.
I agree with you...feeling safe with the teacher helps to build credibility and relationships with our kiddos. EC kiddos, especially need to feel secure in your presence. That is is the basis for building relationships with those little ones. :)
I build credibility with students by building relationships with them first. I want students to know that they can trust me and that I am there for them, no matter what. I like to make sure that all of my students know that each day is a new day, so that we don't dwell on the yucky days. So many of my students can see right through teachers who are fake with them...they know that I genuinely care for them and would do anything to help them through a situation. In my opinion, relationships are the biggest and best way to build credibility with students.
I believe credibility is built through honesty and being consistent. If students know they can trust and rely on you, they will feel safe and secure in the classroom. Coming from a psychological view point, I believe a positive relationship is a prerequisite to learning.
The creation of the classroom environment in which student success and teacher credibility are likely outcomes relies on multiple factors. Teachers who are consistent in expectations, explicit in their teaching of what is expected for student success with practice before jumping immediately into academics, teaching to mastery with immediate feedback and the expectation that corrections will be made, positive relationship building, celebration of student success and positive feedback, and an understanding of student strengths and areas of concern to help each student be successful are likely key.
In order to build credibility with my students I build a positive rapport, and prove myself to them. By that, I mean that I work diligently to build their trust: I keep my word, I back them up, and over and over I promote honesty. They learn that I will advocate for them and will not lie to them. This goes a long way, especially when they are accustomed to being let down and having to rely on themselves. I also work right alongside them - I will not assign them, or expect of them, anything that I would not be willing to do myself.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to show students that you are honest with them and back them up. They know when you're just saying something compared to when you really mean it.
DeleteAdvocating for them is one of the things that we do as teachers that I think surprises students the most. Some of our students get so caught up in the fact that everyone is "out to get them" that they forget what it feels like to have an adult who really cares about them.
DeleteBacking up students is a great way to build credibility
DeleteI think it is important to have honesty in all relationships!
DeleteI build credibility by being honest with them. When they ask a question, I tell them what I know, and if I don’t know, we look it up together. Though, last week, when I was reading a book with a student, she asked about a character. Without thinking, I told her that I didn’t know. She looked at me and asked, “Really, you don’t know?” I had to be honest. I did know, but I wasn’t going to tell her; she had to read it in the book. From that point on, if she asked a question, I would tell her that she’d have to read it or that I wasn’t going to tell her. I hoped that built credibility.
ReplyDeleteI think it is good for students to see that teachers don't always know all the answers (even if we do). Not only does it show our thought process about how to get an answer, but that it is ok to not know everything, even as an adult.
DeleteI agree with you girls, I don't lie to them if I don't know we look it up. I will be the first to admit that I'm not the smartest. But I will find the answer. I am a good source for a wealth of useless information though.
DeleteI also agree. When my students ask me something I am not afraid to tell them I don't know but would be happy to find out!
DeleteBuilding creditability with high school students can be challenging. In my classroom trust, consistency and immediacy are the first things that come to mind. My students know that one day is similar to the next day and therefore when they come into my classroom they will begin some of the lessons themselves without being told! They also know that I provide as much immediate feedback as I can and appreciate it even when it is not what they want to hear. If for some reason I need to look up the answer to the question or need to time think about how to answer a question, my student s know that I will always get back to them with an answer. I even have students from previous years that come into my room to ask me something and I will tell them I will get to it in a few minutes if I am busy and they know I will follow through and get back to them. I know they trust me with something that is important enough to them to seek me out, especially since I do not see them every day.
ReplyDeleteConsistency is so important. So many don't know what's going to happen from one day to the next at home, but having that consistency at school is exactly what they need.
DeleteI agree consistency is important. Some students like to come to school because it is the only consistent thing in their lives. For some their home life is not always the best situation
DeleteConsistency is especially important with the lower-functioning students. It gives them a sense of security in a world where so much is out of their control.
DeleteI agree consistency is so important. I can think of a few students we share that have more consistency at school than anywhere else.
DeleteI have it fairly easy to building rapport with high school students because most of my students I have had since grade school.
DeleteI build credibility by giving them lots and lots of candy and other free items. Just kidding. I build credibility by building trust and positive relationships with the students. I want them to be able to come to me and the staff with questions when they have them. I want them to build self-confidence and self-advocacy as they mature into adults at the high school level. They trust us also because we are honest with them. We get on them when we need to but also provide positive feedback when they do something well.
ReplyDeleteIf all else fails candy and free items do work!!! Self-advocacy is very important and requires self-confidence. As much as I want my students to have that mind-set I am still amazed at how many adults lack that skill!!
Delete😂😂 CANDY!! Positive feedback is great!
DeleteYou bring up a lot of great points. Teaching students to ask questions and advocate for themselves is very important. The knowledge that is okay to speak up when you need something is lacking most of the time.
DeleteDustin-
DeleteYour comment about candy reminded me of a Kindergarten student I worked with. He was piddle dinking around while I was assessing him and putting forth very little effort, even though there was other data to indicate that he was capable of much more than he was letting on. Towards the end of my 3rd attempt of working with him, I told him if he’d do his absolute very best for the next 15 minutes, I’d bring him his favorite candy the next time we met. He did NOT believe me for the longest time, but finally relented, and was able to accomplish more in that next 15 minutes than he had in the past 2 weeks. The next day, I brought the candy, and he was shocked. He’s a 5th grader now and every time I see him (still), he says “Hey! I know you! You’re the one that brought me candy!” Who knows… Maybe lots of candy really is the key ;-)
I build credibility when I mean what I say. If I state a consequence I will follow through with it, otherwise they are just words and students will quickly see through that. I also show my students that I care and that I am here for them, they are my priority in this building. At times I want their success more than they do! But if I can give them a taste of success then they will follow my lead and become their own educational advocates. I want my students to feel safe and one way to do that is to monitor my tone and body language. What I communicate when I am not talking often speaks louder than when I am talking! I want my students to be able to rely on me to do my job with compassion and empathy. I am not one of those teachers known at school who is a "yeller", students do not respond to those teachers! If can build a relationship with my students then I am trusted to be credible and all students respect that, even when we are at odds!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you statement about follow through - kids catch on quickly when what you say is just words.
DeleteHave you ever noticed how students shut down and almost fold in on themselves when “yellers” are near? I believe students need to be respected and yelling at them does not show respect! Credible teachers talk to students, they have no need to raise their voice, and they also do not talk down to students. I am so glad you are not a yeller, but I cannot picture you that way either!
DeleteI agree that it is very important to follow through with what we say. This makes the students accountable for their learning and actions.
DeleteCarol-
DeleteYou could not be more correct with your comments on follow through. I was in a classroom one time, and the teacher was instructing the students to start putting away their materials because they were going to be transitioning to the next activity. One little guy just kept right on doing what he was doing, so I leaned over and reminded him of the directions and also that the teacher had said if he didn’t finish quickly, he would have to walk at recess. After this, the student just turned to me and sort of flippantly said, “She’s just talking.” Well… Ok then, haha!
I have observed in many classrooms over the course of my career, and find it interesting how teachers establish control and credibility in their classrooms. I agree yelling seldom works, but there is a wide range management styles that do work. I think being credible means using a style that fits your personality while always respecting the student.
DeleteIn my position, I have the opportunity to build trust with students and parents over several years. If things change and we can't do consistently what we have done in the past, I'm sure to let them know why. I try to provide immediate feedback when students do well in testing or let them know what they can do to work on areas where they need improvement. I think consistency and as much transparency in practice as possible are key.
ReplyDeleteTransparency is important, not just to the parents, but also to students. I had not thought about that until I read your post…I think you are right!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have the little kids. Building credibility with them comes pretty naturally as I have 5 nieces/nephews. I talk to them and learn about their interests. If I tell them I will do something I follow through. I had a student recently move back after being gone over a year. He BEGGED to eat lunch in my classroom so I made it happen. He was so excited and said it was the best day ever! I listen to their problems and help them. It's important to have credibility. If I tell them I will bring snack and I don't I would instantly lose my credibility with them. They know they can trust me because I show them in my actions.
ReplyDeleteI think understanding how to approach them on their level is a valuable skill to have and helps to foster credibility. It's amazing how snacks help to motivate! But, you're absolutely right about how easily you can lose credibility.
DeleteSorry my post is late, I just got my book!
ReplyDeleteI believe credibility is very important and can be achieved through various means. First, students need to know I will support them, that they can trust me to help. Building rapport and trust takes different amounts of time with different students. By the time students get to high school, they may have experienced a lot of problems and lost a great deal of self-confidence. I try to boost self-esteem and build a trusting relationship. But, trusting relationships include the notion that I will be honest and provide constructive criticism when necessary. I am not brutally honest, but honest enough the student can learn and continue to grow.
This was a hard lesson for me to learn as a new teacher: I expected immediate respect, rather than to build the relationship. But, given what our students backgrounds are, it takes time to build true, lasting relationships. Your honesty definitely goes a long way with students, and is something they learn to trust and rely on.
DeleteThis has to be one of the most important parts of being a teacher! Sometimes I find that students trust me instinctively and we are able to start working together immediately. Other times, building credibility can be a very time consuming, energy draining process. I've learned to be more explicit with my expectations and methods with my students. Over time, most students seem to come around to the idea that I am actually trying to help them learn. Like you said, trusting relationships are important.
DeleteI like the statement you made about building rapport and trust takes different amounts of time with different students. I think this is so true and especially in high school. Sometimes they have came to you and have not built credibility with any teacher so they may appear stand offish. My son is not special education but I know that he has a hard time trusting anyone but once he builds a relationship then he is good. I think HS is different to be able to build a relationship with.
DeleteI have been firm and honest with my students since they began with me in special education. Most of my students have been with me since elementary school.
ReplyDeleteWe have a trust that has been broken but with some work and reasoning we have rebuilt that trust. Just recently, a student was upset because she didn't fully understand one of the rules that has been put into place. After some discussion, about the rule we were back to having respect and trust again.
As many others have pointed out, credibility stems from the integrity of the teacher in relationship with the students. It is often quoted (in many places and in a variety of ways) that "[Students] don't care what you know until they know that you care." Concern for the other individual is necessary to begin any relationship. Students are experts at discerning whether or not someone cares about them, so I try to constantly show them my concern in a variety of ways. Among countless other things, this means authentically praising them when they do well, explicitly expressing my expectations for the student, asking if they need help, making time for them when they need extra help, holding them accountable for breaking the rules, justly and efficiently enforcing these violations, checking in on them (even when you don't have to), following up on conversations, talking about life outside of the classroom (when appropriate), advocating for students, listening when they speak, treating them with dignity and respect, etc. While character is more important than academics, teachers must realize that their occupation requires them to teach. For this reason, the teacher must present content in student accessible ways. This requires the teacher to know both the content of the material they are teaching as well as their students. If they understand both, they will be able to explain, differentiate, discuss, and encourage student learning in a variety of ways.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important that as teachers we practice what we preach. The old adage of do as I say, not as I do, does not work in the classroom. Teachers have to be willing to show character, patience and respect to everyone they come in contact with, and always need to remember that people are always watching.
DeleteHope: (Sorry, I'm not able "reply") It's amazing how every relationship we have in life requires transparency and communication. I sometimes forget that my students need that. It is helpful to remember that we have to be explicit in communication and dialogue rather than just monologue.
ReplyDeleteIn order to build credibility with my students, I practice what I preach. I make sure that I always follow through with what I say I'm going to do, and I have to be super careful that I don't react out of anger. I also teach by example. We practice character building and do social stories and practice acting out those skills that we just learned. I make sure that my kids know that they are loved no matter what happens, but at the same time there are also consequences for the choices that they make-whether positive or negative.
ReplyDeleteI build credibility with my class by taking an interest in them and by creating rapport with them. I make them feel important and that what they have to say and bring to the table matters. I try to incorporate their interests in to my teaching to help keep them engaged. I try to make learning fun!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great point. It's very important that the students know that we care about them, so they can care about what we are saying.
DeleteI build credibility with my students through creating trusting relationships. I try to do this by being very positive and look for ways to catch my students doing something right. I also do my best to be very consistent with classroom rules so that everyone know what to expect and there are no surprises. All of this takes time and a deliberate approach.
ReplyDeleteI think teachers can build credibility with their students through the relationships they cultivate with them. I feel like if teachers are open and honest with their students, are there to support their students when they need it (both academically and emotionally), are consistent, and walk their talk, their students will trust them and feel that they are credible. However, the difficult part is that making yourself credible to someone can take a great deal of time and effort, but losing credibility can only take an instant. Since we don’t have an indefinite amount of time with our kiddos, I feel like we need to strive to consistently be at 100% for them, even though I know that probably isn’t the easiest task at times.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%. Relationships are the key to building credibility with students; especially our population. It most definitely takes time and effort, but it is so worth it in the end.
DeleteI agree that losing credibility can only take an instant. Sadly, once credibility is lost, it's very difficult to reestablish.
DeleteBuilding relationships is so important! With Early Childhood kids it is very important to build credible relationships, as many of these kids are leaving their mom, dad, siblings or grandparents for the first time. I do this by earning their trust from the beginning, allowing them to know they are safe with me or their teacher. Sometimes this takes giving them their space so they know they are safe with us but not invading their space. I get to know what they like and don't like. Some kids like hugs while others do not like touch so that is very important to get to know. I am always there to greet them so that they are not scared to know what they need to do. Depending on the kid and their abilities, sometimes I will take them to my classroom and let them play in the sand while just talking to them getting to know them, letting them feel secure. I think at this age it is about them feeling secure in the environment which builds credibility.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you...feeling safe with the teacher helps to build credibility and relationships with our kiddos. EC kiddos, especially need to feel secure in your presence. That is is the basis for building relationships with those little ones. :)
DeleteI build credibility with students by building relationships with them first. I want students to know that they can trust me and that I am there for them, no matter what. I like to make sure that all of my students know that each day is a new day, so that we don't dwell on the yucky days. So many of my students can see right through teachers who are fake with them...they know that I genuinely care for them and would do anything to help them through a situation. In my opinion, relationships are the biggest and best way to build credibility with students.
ReplyDeleteI believe credibility is built through honesty and being consistent. If students know they can trust and rely on you, they will feel safe and secure in the classroom. Coming from a psychological view point, I believe a positive relationship is a prerequisite to learning.
ReplyDeleteThe creation of the classroom environment in which student success and teacher credibility are likely outcomes relies on multiple factors. Teachers who are consistent in expectations, explicit in their teaching of what is expected for student success with practice before jumping immediately into academics, teaching to mastery with immediate feedback and the expectation that corrections will be made, positive relationship building, celebration of student success and positive feedback, and an understanding of student strengths and areas of concern to help each student be successful are likely key.
ReplyDelete