The research topic I chose to learn more about is teacher student interaction. The reason why I chose this topic is because teacher-student interaction plays a large role in a child’s life while on their education journey. This does not end in your elementary years nor high school, but on to college also. Establishing a positive relationships with any teacher can help a student feel more comfortable and safe in their classroom environments. (ELTC, 2018)
A personal experience I have witnessed with teacher-student interaction was my first year working as a family service worker. Even though I am not a teacher, I go in the classrooms from time to time to check on all my students, whether they are returning children from the previous year, or a child I have recently enrolled. While I know any child has a hard time adjusting to a new environment, there was one specific child that was having a hard time and opening up. The child would cry every day at drop off for the first thirty minutes. After breakfast, the teacher would have circle time, this was a way that each child would have the opportunity to introduce themselves and something they love to play with at home. This was an activity that they did every morning, that way if some children weren’t comfortable one day, there might be a chance they would the next day! This morning activity helped the child open up because they were able to see the other students actively participant, along with the teacher and teacher assistant. Even though I am not a teacher, I had to interact with the children also. So, that was a reason I went to the classroom to check on them from time to time. Once I knew they were comfortable within their environment and had gotten use to seeing me in their classroom, they would be comfortable to come with me to do their screenings. I knew them by name and I tried to make sure I knew something special about them, that I knew would put a smile on their faces.
What I have gained so far from my research is, there are so many activities that you can do to help teachers be more interactive with their students. It is more than knowing their name, but something they like, their “special skills”. Teachers have to set communication expectation with their children and even know we don’t think about this as they get older, it is just as important to them then, as it is when they are in kindergarten. It is also important to encourage the children to be positively active with other children within their classroom. How do you feel teacher’s should interact with their students? Do you think there is a cut off time or this could last through adult education also? How do you feel teacher-student interaction can benefit a child?
Here are some more ways teachers can get students to interact with their more… (Watson, 2021)
-Don’t steal the struggle
-Move from the front of the classroom
-Teach students signals for your often-repeated phrases and for transitions
-Use non-verbal reinforcement for behavior whenever possible
-Turn your statements into questions and promots
-Instead of asking, “Does that make sense?” say, “Can you put that in your own words?”
-Stop repeating yourself
-Notice moments when you summarize/review for students and instead get their input
Smiling students and teacher looking at the camera at the elementary school
Reference
Empowered Learning Transformation Center. 2018
Watson, A. ( 2021). The Cornerstone for Teachers.
8 ways teachers can talk less and get kids talking more
Early Childhood Studies 
Hey Shakita, you provided some great tips even I found myself practicing as a teacher. Teacher-student interaction is so important for the success of a child’s academic future. I can recall teaching Kindergarten and I had a few students in my class who were so shy. They would not talk to other students. By the end of the school year, they were interacting with me and their peers. The difference was I made them feel included. I had the typical students who knew the answers and asked the questions. I did not go a day without acknowledging them or comforting them when needed. One little girl in my class was non-English speaking and she would just look every around. One day, I was sitting at my desk and she walked up and said, “I love you Ms. Bates”. I will always treasure that moment with her. If you decide to teach in a classroom, be prepared to express a whole range of emotions. Great post! 🙂
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