Teachers Doing Research : Relationship Building with Students Holly Tuft  Professional Development School Student Teacher  Riverside Elementary School & Les Bois Junior High Cooperating Teachers Sheila Brown, 3rd Grade Josh McConnell, 7th Grade Math  Research Project Purpose: To learn different ways in which teachers build positive successful relationships with their students and how this my differ at the elementary and junior high levels.  Research Questions: In what ways to teachers build relationships with their students? What impact do teachers think those relationships play in students lives? Methodology: A survey with identical questions was distributed to all teachers at both Riverside Elementary and Les Bois Junior High. Teacher interviews and observations were also done at both schools to gather data. Once the data was gathered, it was sorted by school and then compiled. Results: In analyzing the data I found that the respondents who felt that they did not have as great an impact in students’ lives were the same ones who were vague in their responses. The respondents who were very specific and detailed in their answers felt that they had a higher impact in students’ lives. At the junior high level, teachers on average felt like they had less impact on their students then their elementary colleagues, except when it came to motivation. For example, 57% of the teachers at the elementary level thought they had a great impact on student motivation, whereas at the Junior High 67% of teachers felt they had a great impact on student motivation. Teachers at both levels felt it was important to know the individual student and to take time for each student, smile and give positive feedback. STATEMENT: Findings not generalizable due to small sample, but important for personal professional growth. Reflection: By doing this research I was able to find out some great ideas for building relationships in my own classroom with students of all ages. It was a great opportunity to work at both levels and see just how much building relationships with students is the same, just at a different level and how different it can be also. If I had the opportunity I would like to give a similar survey to students to see how they view relationships with their teachers and then compare the data with that of the teachers. Survey Results From Junior High Teachers On a scale of 1-10, 1 being it has little effect and 10 being it makes a great impact please rate the following items for this question: How do you think positive, successful relationships with students affect them in these areas? Survey Results From Elementary Teachers On a scale of 1-10, 1 being it has little effect and 10 being it makes a great impact please rate the following items for this question: How do you think positive, successful relationships with students affect them in these areas? In what ways do you build positive, successful relationships with your students? Treat all students with respect and love Spend extra time working with students Community circles Eat lunch with students Celebrate each student on a “Getting to Know You Board” each week Show them you care Students know that the room is a safe place; no teasing allowed Ask them about their interests outside of school and their family Let all students know what is expected behaviorally; what is in lace in terms of a reinforcement system and consequences Instruct students on a level where they can be successful Know the “whole” child College of Education How do you know that you have made a positive connection with a student? They are happy to see me and happy to come to class Younger students tend to give hugs, while older students like to hang around to help out or just talk Positive student and parent comments When students become more confident in trying new things Student actions will show respectfulness in their attitudes and behavior In what ways do you build positive, successful relationships with your students? Watch & attend their sports and other activities Listen to their music Talk to them; ask t hem questions that have nothing to do with school Get them to see a reason to learn the material Give positive feedback in class and out of class Treat them as young adults rather then children Know and use student first names (This is huge!) Have respect for them and in return expect respect from them for you, as well as their peers Look for the positive characteristics of individual students Treat students as individuals, not a class Smile How do you know that you have made a positive connection with a student? Sometimes you don’t, many times you don’t A smile Students call you by your name, even in the hallway If they are motivated and work for us, we know we’ve got them When they have a level of trust and comfort around you They show academic progress You might get a comment from a parent or student many years later “No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship of mutual respect, teacher to student.” -- Dr. James Comer, Yale University “Listen to the hearts of your students, instead of simply challenging their minds.” -- Unknown