In creating technical success for students, dialogue can be a powerful tool.  Try to hold at least half a minute of conversation with each of your students.

Create a style of dialogue on which your students can learn and understand that when you wanted to communicate with them, they will know. For instance, saying “hello,” and asking how I was doing can be a start of a dialogue with them.

Expect and encourage proper eye contact to be maintained throughout the exchange. Emphasize why eye contact is important when talking to someone. That it shows respect and sincerity.  If something is bothering the student, you can usually tell by his body language during this short conversation. You can discuss it during the chat or at a later time. 

By spending a mere 30 seconds with each student, you can help set students up for success during the school day and beyond.  Create an environment where, no matter what the dialogue, students begin their day feeling important and heard. Students get the added bonus of being exposed to, gaining practice in, and developing a tendency towards common courtesy.

For teachers who only perform their job teaching math, science, social studies, and language arts without the extra effort required?  They do not feel the need to ask her students how they are doing.  This teacher may actually find it harder to do her job.  Students who feel that the teacher cares about them become personally invested in pleasing the teacher. 

Students who don’t have a relationship with their teacher may not care about their academic performance, which can have negative long lasting effects.  It is the teacher’s job to create a friendly and caring atmosphere, for if she does not, she may find that her students don’t perform well academically or may not show up to class; the ultimate “technical failure.”

By: Mrs. Robelyn C. Higuit | Master Teacher I | Balon Elementary School | Mariveles, Batan