Rapport Building With ESL Students: 8 Effective Fail-Safe Strategies
10th September 2024
For students who are learning English as a second language (ESL), developing solid relationships is essential to both their academic progress and general well-being. High fives and unique welcomes are just two of the many ways you may establish a connection with pupils. However, it might be difficult to figure out how to get pupils comfortable and interested in the material being covered in class. Building rapport with ESL/EFL students entails being aware of their particular difficulties, accepting their varied origins, and creating a welcoming learning atmosphere.
What Does Rapport Building Mean in ESL/EFL Education?
A relaxed and peaceful interaction between the instructor and the pupils is referred to as rapport. It is the outcome of being able to establish a pleasant connection, communicate, and understand with your students—you just 'click' with them.
However, developing rapport involves more than just discovering shared ideals and interests. It also extends to building a relationship of mutual respect and trust with your pupils, regardless of how old you are or where you were raised.
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Why Is It Essential To Build Relationships With ESL Students?
Building a happy and encouraging environment in the classroom, whether in person or virtually requires having a solid relationship with ESL students. The learning process is improved as a result of:
- Student’s Feel More Comfortable In Class
The majority of first-time ESL students don't know what to expect from their teacher or class. A common concern that prevents them from speaking confidently in English is that they may seem foolish or be misinterpreted. However, if you can establish a rapport with your pupils right away, you can lessen these anxiety levels.
- Learners Become Motivated To Participate
Have you ever been impressed by a teacher who seemed to have no trouble engaging their students in conversation or any kind of activity, and who could even make them laugh? This type of instructor has a cordial relationship with their pupils. You will get greater response and participation from your ESL students in class if you have a closer relationship with them.
- Students Come Back For More
Even while they might not say, ‘You're the best teacher ever!’ you can tell that your pupils get along well with you if they consistently show up to class and try to attend despite their hectic schedules.
How To Establish Rapport With ESL Students?
Here are a few ways to foster strong relationships with your ESL students in a variety of settings:
1. Be Energetic And Smile
A happy greeting for your pupils immediately establishes a productive learning atmosphere. Your energy as a teacher readily transfers to your students, so be careful to project enthusiasm and motivation.
2. Use Fun Icebreakers
Furthermore, it's a good idea to lighten the mood of any pupils who arrive in class feeling apprehensive or sleep-deprived by throwing in a fun activity. Use competitive games to add entertainment value to your group classes. While your ESL student's education is undoubtedly vital, don't forget to have fun in the classroom as well!
3. Know About Your Learners
Show genuine interest in learning about their hobbies and pursuits. Who knows, maybe you'll start a lively discussion about how much you both like traveling or surfing! Don't forget to pay attention to details like birthdays and new family members that you might inquire about in later classes. Writing down these things during or after your lecture might be beneficial, as they are easy to forget.
4. Allow Your Students To Know You
In the same way that you are interested in learning about your pupils' lives, they are also curious about your musical tastes and your upbringing. Play a few of your favorite tunes, tell them your tale, or display some family pictures.
5. Praise Your Students Consistently
Even the smallest errors in pronunciation or vocabulary usage can cause language learners' confidence to falter, but you can readily restore it in the classroom by providing targeted, encouraging comments. Congratulate them on their accomplishments in class, no matter how large or small from successfully pronouncing a word to mastering challenging grammatical tenses.
6. Be Empathetic
Take a moment to find out how your students are feeling if you've seen that they appear to be having a difficult day or are preoccupied with something. Even just listening and demonstrating concern would be much appreciated by your kids. Establishing a personal connection with ESL students may greatly contribute to developing a positive rapport.
7. Customize Your Lessons
You may tailor the curriculum to your pupils' interests and personalities whether you've known them for a long or are just starting to know them. Additionally, you should search for opportunities to transition from one topic or activity to another that would be of interest to your students in any lesson you're presenting.
8. Help Your Students Outside The Classroom
Don't confine your teaching skills to the times you've selected for the classes. When instructing ESL students, establish a rapport by letting them know that they may get in touch with you for assistance with any English-related assignments at any time.
Foster Life-Long Healthy Relationships
Building a relationship with your ESL students may take some time, work, and a commitment to learn continuously, but the nicest feeling a teacher can have is witnessing their happiness and engagement. If you are just starting as a teacher with offline or online TEFL courses, you might find it tricky at first. However, students are more likely to succeed academically and socially when they feel appreciated and encouraged.
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Written By : Park Jin Ae