There are thousands–if not more–of stories about teachers who changed their students’ lives for the better and made such a lasting impact on them as human beings. We’ve all had incredible teachers who believed in us, saw the best in us, and chose to put us first.
But it can be a tad more challenging to foster a strong student-teacher relationship when you’re primarily interacting with each other online. It’s essential to your growth and learning that you build a strong relationship with your educators, however, and here are some important tips on achieving that:
1. Introduce yourself to them before and in class at our online school in the UK
When you’re part of an online school in the UK and tuning in from a different geographical region, it’s challenging to connect with your teachers effectively. This is why we recommend introducing yourself to them before, and in class, so they know who you are and how to identify you.
While we keep our classrooms small to allow for more one-on-one attention, focus, and interaction, we do understand that students may still find it difficult to come forward. There are several techniques you can use to make the introduction a tad bit easier for yourself.
You can introduce yourself to them before classes via email to give them an idea of your name and other basic details about yourself that you feel they should know. This could include any language barriers, potential challenges that you face, and anything else that may be of relevance to them.
2. Take an active interest in their lessons and material
While not every subject is equally interesting or appealing to everyone, it does help make a lasting impression on your teachers if you take an active interest in their lessons and course materials.
Of course, this is not to say that you be dishonest and pretend to love a subject you hate, but simply that you put in the effort to learn. Complete all assigned readings before class, review materials and content for the upcoming lesson, and be sure to take notes in class. An active effort on your part speaks volumes about your capabilities as a student and reflects incredibly well on your commitment. It’s one of the best ways to improve your student-teacher relationship and make sure your instructors remember you.
3. Don’t hesitate to ask questions in class at our online school in the UK
Another excellent way to stand out and build better student-teacher relationships is by asking questions and participating in class. Teachers love when their students express and display enthusiasm and take an active interest in their lessons.
Asking questions doesn’t make you disruptive, so long as they’re respectful, relevant to the material, and intended to benefit you. A great way to ask better questions is to read ahead of the class, make notes, and ask for more clarification and elaboration on the material. This shows that not only did you put in extra effort to engage with the material, but you also paid attention during lectures and seminars.
Questions help clear and strengthen your own understanding of a subject and clear any confusion that you have while also getting you noticed by the instructor. Don’t ask questions just to get attention–ask them because you want to do better and because you care about learning.
4. Maintain personal boundaries and respect their space
Unlike conventional schools, where there are physical boundaries and distinctions in space, online school becomes trickier to manage personal boundaries. Boundaries and space are important in cultivating a safe and healthy student-teacher relationship because they help you interact appropriately.
If they’ve provided office hours, try to keep all communication within those hours, reach out to them via institutional emails and numbers, and avoid using their personal information.
It doesn’t matter how public or private your teachers are on social media and public platforms, a good rule of thumb is to stay away. Social media profiles and accounts should be a no-go zone between students and teachers unless for strictly educational purposes.
Even if you do have access to their personal numbers, email addresses, home addresses, or social media accounts, avoid impinging on their digital spaces and privacy, and maintain a safe distance.
5. Make an effort to get to know them beyond the classroom
Maintaining boundaries does not, however, mean you can’t get to know your teachers beyond the classroom. In fact, it’s often one of the most important cornerstones of a healthy student-teacher relationship to know each other well.
You can respect their personal life and privacy while still discussing hobbies, pastimes, and interests that they hold. You can ask them about what they enjoy doing in their downtime, what kind of music they enjoy, and other questions that help you know them better while still maintaining privacy.
You can ask them certain questions that help you know them better and make an effort to learn more about their interests. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences to connect with your teachers based on mutual interests and shared experiences, which makes them a lot more relatable and a lot less intimidating.
6. Don’t be afraid to talk about your own interests and hobbies
Additionally, don’t hesitate to talk about your own interests and hobbies too. If it’s relevant to your class discussion, or your teacher engages in similar interests, you can always express your passion for that pursuit too.
Remember that it’s a two-way street, and your teachers do want to know you better as well. Nobody will judge you for having unique, varied interests, and you shouldn’t be afraid to explore them with your faculty members. Perhaps some of them may even teach you more about them!
You can also use this opportunity to connect with your peers and classmates, bonding over creative pursuits and interests together. If you know other people who are interested in the same things as you, feel free to start a virtual society or club together at our online British school. You can ask your teacher to supervise or moderate the student club online and strengthen your student-teacher relationship.
7. Ask for their help if you’re struggling with classes or homework for our British online school
We strengthen our bonds with people when we help each other be the best versions of ourselves, and you should not be afraid to ask your faculty members for support. If you’re having a hard time with classes or you can’t seem to figure out an assignment or homework, reach out to your teacher.
Chances are, they’ll be able to provide you with some one-on-one guidance, or they’ll be able to share tools and resources that will help you or generally make recommendations. Study tips, advice, and recommendations from the faculty member that knows this subject are incomparable to any self-study or textbook, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on taking advantage of this. You’re not inconveniencing them by wanting to do better!
You’re bound to see more improvement in your performance and the quality of work when you have the input and help of the highly qualified and educated teachers at our British online school.
8. Do your work on time and study with greater focus and attention
If you want to make a stellar impression and truly impress your faculty members, give your education your all. We mentioned earlier that passion, dedication, interest, and participation play a major role in developing a great student-teacher relationship, and we want to add focus to that list too.
Your teacher will take you more seriously and see you are a great student when they know you’re putting in the work, regardless of your grades and scores. What matters is your punctuality, efficiency, and attention to detail. Teachers are trained to see quality effort and value in their students’ work and will know how invested they are. Nobody expects perfection, just consistency, so do your work on time, focus on your lessons, and pay attention to the details, and you’ll foster a wonderful relationship with them in no time.
9. Join in on different activities and games going on in class at our British online school
Beyond class participation and after-school clubs, you can bond with your faculty members through the many activities and games that they host in class. Many students hesitate to join in on alternative exercises and academic activities, which can show a hesitation to participate and doesn’t make the best impression on your teacher.
Instead, join in on the fun, engage with all the wonderful teaching methods our faculty members apply, and get to see a fun, lighthearted side of your teachers too. Our British online school uses the best teaching methods and techniques to ensure that you grow and develop holistically, which is why our educators are open to different methods of engaging students.
10. Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and take charge
Being a leader, taking the initiative in class and outside academic settings, and demonstrating responsibility will always help you bond with your online teachers. It’s difficult to truly gauge how responsive students are when you’re behind a screen, which is why it’s always refreshing to see students take the initiative.
From leading study groups online and mentoring other students to suggesting bonding activities for your class, there are different ways you can take on leadership roles virtually. Being outside a conventional setting doesn’t shift the dynamic that significantly, and you can always engage with your peers and teachers through different mediums–your enthusiasm is going to be appreciated and won’t go unnoticed.
Cambridge Home School Online is Home to Passionate, Committed Teachers
Hailing from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds, teachers at our British online school are deeply committed to helping students grow and reach their full potential.
Our faculty members are highly qualified and hold MA/MSc/PhD degrees, which makes them some of the most talented, hardworking, and knowledgeable teaching professionals and allows them to create a highly supportive environment for your child.
Whether students are in primary prep school or studying for IGCSEs and Sixth Form, the goal is for us to foster healthy, dependable, and fulfiling student-teacher relationships.
Students at Cambridge Home School Online come from several geographical locations and regions, including the UK, parts of Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It’s a multicultural, multi-ethnic student body that has so much to offer. Our students grow together and learn from one another at every step while simultaneously developing incredible student-teacher relationships too.
If you’re interested in enroling your child at our online school in the UK, you can learn more about our admissions process and other details through our website. Take a look at the following resources for more information:
- Admissions Process
- Term Dates
- Application Form
- Open Morning
- Scholarships & Bursaries
- Grades & Fees
- Online Reviews
Our online school in Cambridge prides itself on being able to provide high-quality education to students across the globe, encouraging and supporting them in their professional and educational careers.
A supportive student-teacher relationship plays a crucial role in setting up students for long-term success and progress. From seeking advice on the top universities to career guidance, there’s a lot our faculty offers.
Together, parents, faculty members, and the school administration are an indomitable force whose shared interest in students’ careers and education creates an incredible environment. Cambridge Home School Online hopes to inspire students to do their best in all facets of their lives.
Reach out to us at Cambridge Home School Online to know more about our school and classes or if you have any other queries.
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FAQ
How can I build a strong student-teacher relationship in an online school?
Building a strong student-teacher relationship in an online school can be nurtured by actively participating in classes, engaging with the course material, respecting personal boundaries, and making an effort to get to know teachers and classmates within appropriate limits.
What should I do to make a good first impression on my online teachers?
A good first impression can be made by introducing yourself to your teachers early on, showing enthusiasm in learning, and consistently submitting assignments on time. Demonstrating dedication and respect for their time and space also contributes positively.
Is it important to engage with teachers outside of lessons?
While maintaining professional boundaries, it is beneficial to engage with teachers on common interests and hobbies, as this can help strengthen the student-teacher relationship and make the online learning experience more relatable.
Can I still participate in extracurricular activities in an online school?
Yes, you can participate in extracurricular activities in an online school. Many online schools have clubs and societies that you can join, and you can also take the initiative to start your own, potentially with the help of a teacher.
How can I show leadership in an online school environment?
Showing leadership in an online school can involve taking the initiative in group projects, leading study sessions, or suggesting new activities for the class. This proactive approach can help you stand out and build a stronger rapport with your teachers.
