The instructor-student relationship is an important but often overlooked aspect of teaching. Rapport can have a positive impact both for the student and the teacher. Students, for example, may benefit from a more positive outlook towards the curriculum and educator, motivation and commitment, and even good grades. Instructors may benefit from increased classroom participation and positive feedback on their instruction. Building rapport is not a technical teaching and learning strategy. Teachers do not intentionally plan for rapport-building, and no significant portion of any learning experience is devoted to it. However, it is among the most effective methods of motivating students. Rapport can be defined as a harmonious relationship that allows for good communication, improved work outcomes, and quick problem resolution. Rapport is built on mutual trust and respect. It entails learning about someone else’s objectives, likes, dislikes, personal qualities, emotions, opinions, thoughts, values, goals, etc. It is a professional relationship in which problems and issues can be easily resolved or avoided entirely.
