What can teachers do to make the students feel comfortable and facilitate their learning?

Question

Any kind of answer can be useful!

Answer 1

I think you should never speak with a low tone of voice nor loud, that is very importat specially if your working with teenagers you need to keep their attention.
Sometimes get out of the subject (avoid long and boring stuff).
be friendly but show them who is the teacher.

Answer 2

The best thing a teacher can do is let the students know that it is their class. Instead of "teaching them", help them to learn and make them an important part of that concept. Sit down at a desk or table with them, ask them how they feel they could learn what you are showing them. Allow students that "get it" to help the other students.
There are many different learning styles, and it's not possible for a single teacher to teach to all the styles, but if you can be open enough to allow the students to facilitate the class, you might be surprised at how well they begin to learn.

Answer 3

Try to speak their language without condescending to them.

Try to put everyone in the class on equal footing.

Respect the opinions of all.

Recognize good performances of any.

Encourage the students to recognize the strengths of
their fellow students. For example, Joe knows a lot
about audio systems, or sports or .... how can we apply
that knowledge to the topic at hand?

respect students privacy with regard to grades and
class participation (some students may be shy, quiet
and need support, while other students may need
gentle humbling to keep them from dominating the class).

Ask the students the same question (anonymously) and
ACT on the responses.

Keep control of the class so that some students don't feel
like their time is being wasted.

Take suggestions from students, but always have a path
well laid out in your head.

Answer 4

It really depends on what age group you are dealing with. If working with elementary kids I would say always wear a smile on your face. Remain upbeat as much as possible and show genuine interest in what students have to say. These rules also apply to older students, but I like to joke around with students before class begins or even during class occasionally. Go out of your comfort zone and learn more about the popular culture they are into. Students respect teachers who "come down to their level." For instance, last year I "rapped" at a school pep rally. Simply making a fool of myself endeared me to every kid in the school. You may not feel comfortable going that far, but similar actions will show kids you care. And caring, at any age level, is what will most lead to a rewarding learning environment where kids want to be.

Answer 5

It depends on the age group you're teaching, of course. For all age groups, though, be genuine and honest. Don't be afraid to admit mistakes when you make them. Take simple and real interest in the students. If you see one in a new outfit that's flattering, compliment him on it; if you notice that a student has worked hard but hasn't made a great grade, compliment her on the hard work and remind her that with patience, the grades will follow. If a student seems shut down during class time, take a minute to ask what's wrong. When you give rules, try to explain why you're giving them and what benefits the students will see from their being enforced. See as much as you can from their perspectives.

If you genuinely find your students interesting, they will be comfortable around you. If you find that you don't care, though--get out of teaching ASAP! That kind of thing can't be faked.

Answer 6

The single most important thing you can do is to create an atmosphere of safety. Never, ever ridicule a student for an answer, no matter how stupid it may be. If they feel they may be ridiculed, they will stop trying. If they feel that you will treat all attempts with respect then they will start to take risks with answers, and this will lead to them trying more and more. They need to feel it is safe to get it wrong, so they will keep on trying, then eventually they will get it right.

Answer 7

First, I would suggest that the teacher maintain their authority. I'm not saying that they should rule with an iron hand. I'm just saying that it makes the class less chaotic and more enjoyable for everyone. For me, it can be easier and more fun to learn when the teacher assigns hands-on projects. I'm very creative and I really enjoy those sorts of things. It also can depend on the class you are teaching.

Answer 8

Never pick on random students to give answers - this used to be really embarrassing at school, and always made me feel really low if I didn't know it!

If you do want to check pupils know things, let them put their own hands up, work in teams, or ask questions that have lots of answers (for example, ask the students to name prime numbers)

Answer 9

Make an effort to remember a students name, welcome them into the classroom and try to smile.

Plan ahead.

Plenty of variety and also 'time out' to take a breather part way through a lesson.

Do things differently - instead of talking about frogs in a pond, etc, go and find a (safe) pond or bring some frogs into the lesson.

Answer 10

Huh? Bend down to their level and speak to them at eye level. Always speak to them with respect and as a friend, never treat them as pests or nuisances. Always have them interacting and involved in the lessons so they don't get bored. Make it interesting!! Activate their background knowledge, most important thing, activate background knowledge, then direct lessons, then evaluation, group and individual work. There are lots of tricks, but these are good starters.