在新學年的第一天與學生建立關係

Watsons & Ecken（2003）表示，今天的老師多著眼於教室裡學生能獲得多少知識以及如何發展學生的學術技能； 而忽略與學生建立融洽的關係。然而，發展良好的師生關係乃有效課堂管理的鑰匙, 亦能增潤學生的學習體驗。試回想一下，我們有否因為喜歡某老師的教學而在他的課堂特別努力？ 這提醒我們建立一個積極、信任的師生關係是多麼的重要。問題在於怎樣才能於課堂上建立這樣的關係呢？ 能否在學期初贏得學生的信任是非常關鍵的。以下是幫助我們與學生建立良好關係的策略。

了解我們的學生

牢記他們的名字及特徵是重要的。我們可以問及他們的興趣，關心他們的生活從而與他們溝通。我們可主動問及他們喜歡參與什麼活動和忙些什麼而帶出話題。不同世代的學生都有自己的語言，老師可嘗試認識並運用他們的詞彙，以促進兩者的溝通，藉此與學生建立積極的關係。

尊重他們

青春期常為年青學生帶來不安全感。學生們希望得到尊重，並希望在課室裡擁有「話事權」或有影響力。我們可以讓他們參與班規設定，參與決策和解決問題。高高在上或專制的姿態只會令學生反感而令他們疏遠我們。老師若能開放地接受學生的意見，便能做到互相尊重。老師和同輩的認同及尊重，不僅能加強他們的自我價值，同時也能培養學生對該班的歸屬感。

表達關懷和愛

表達關懷和愛是建立積極關係最有力的方法。眾多研究證明，老師透過愛心和循循善誘的教導能夠製造左和諧融洽的課堂氣氛，並能使學生學業成績有所進步。今天的學生大都很脆弱。我們可以表達正面的期望、了解他們的局限，並鼓勵他們在自己的局限內力求進步； 還要保護他們的自尊，表達出我們的愛與關懷。

做一個真實的人

學生喜歡聆聽老師的故事，不論是成功還是失敗的。我們可以談論順境以及逆境的日子，讓他們更認識我們。老師如能以平易近人和友好的態度來對待學生，定能加強相互信任的關係。 建立融洽關係，維護老師和學生之間的良好關係，不僅有助於課堂管理，還能創造一個積極的課堂環境，促進有效的學習。

Building Rapport with Students on the First School Day

Watson & Ecken (2003) express the concern that teachers of today tend to focus on how much knowledge students can obtain and how to build students’ academic skills in classrooms; instead of putting efforts in rapport building with their students. As a matter of fact, developing positive teacher-student relationship is the key to effective classroom management which in turn enhances students’ learning experience. We all could recall classes in which we tried very hard because we liked the teachers. This should remind us how important it is to build a positive, trusting relationship with our students. The question remains, how can we build this kind of relationship in our classroom? It is essential that we earn our students’ trust early on in the year. Here are some strategies to help establish a better relationship with our students.

Get to know your students

We may learn their names and recognise their special characteristics. We could communicate with them by demonstrating a personal interest in all aspects of their lives by asking them about their interests. For example, we could initiate conversations with them by asking what they are involved in and busy with. Students in different generations have their own languages, try to understand and use some of their language to facilitate better communication in order to build a positive relationship with them.

Treat them with respects

Adolescence brings insecurities. Students want to be treated with respect and to feel that they have some “says” or influence on what goes on in the class. We may involve them in ground rules setting, decision making and problem solving. Talking down to students or being authoritarian would only create irritation or push them away. When a teacher is open to receiving opinion from students, a mutual respect will be formed. Being accepted and respected by teachers and peers would not only strengthen their sense of self-worth, but also cultivate a sense of belonging to the class.

Show caring and love

Demonstrating caring and love is the most powerful way to build positive relationship with your students. Many studies have reported that academic progress can be achieved in a friendly and warm classroom atmosphere guided by a caring teacher. Students today are fragile. We could show our caring and love by communicating positive expectations, understanding their limitations and encouraging them to work within their limitations; and protecting their self-esteem.

Be an authentic person

Students like to hear about our stories, our achievements, as well as our frustrations. We could talk about our good and bad days, to allow them to get to know their teachers better. Exercising our position in a student-friendly manner and being approachable to them could encourage a mutually trusting relationship. Building rapport and maintaining good relationships between teachers and students not only helps prevent disciplinary problems, but also fosters a positive classroom environment where real learning takes place.