Connecting in the Online Classroom: Building Rapport between Teachers and Students

Building rapport with students in online classes is crucial for improving retention rates and helping students succeed. Rebecca Glazier provides practical techniques for instructors to use, such as personalized check-in emails, welcome surveys, individualized assignment feedback, and non-content-based discussion threads. She also presents case studies of universities that are already using these strategies and offers data-driven recommendations for administrators. The book aims to bridge the gap between online and face-to-face retention and enable instructors to connect with their students and help them thrive.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2021
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Online education has the potential to be incredibly successful, but it faces a significant challenge: student retention rates are much lower than in traditional face-to-face classes. This is a problem that has been studied extensively, and the solution lies in building rapport with students. In her book, Connecting in the Online Classroom, Rebecca Glazier provides practical, easy-to-use techniques that online instructors can use to build rapport with their students.

One of the most effective strategies is to reach out to students proactively through personalized check-in emails. This shows that the instructor cares about the individual student and is interested in their success. Another technique is to create opportunities for human connection before courses even begin through a short welcome survey. This allows students to get to know each other and helps to build a sense of community.

Faculty investment in student success is also crucial. Instructors should provide individualized and meaningful assignment feedback, and they should be available to answer questions and provide support throughout the course. Non-content-based discussion threads can also be a valuable tool for building rapport. These threads allow students and faculty to get to know each other outside of the classroom, and they can help to break down barriers and promote a sense of community.

Finally, instructors should respond to student questions with positivity and encouragement. This shows that the instructor is approachable and supportive, and it can help to build trust and confidence in the student.

In addition to these strategies, Glazier provides case studies of universities that are already using these techniques, along with specific, data-driven recommendations for administrators. This book is valuable for faculty, instructional designers, support staff, and administrators alike, as it provides a comprehensive guide to building rapport with students in online classes.

By implementing these strategies, online instructors can help to revive the promise of online education and improve student retention rates. This will lead to greater success for students, more fulfilling teaching experiences for faculty, and improved enrollment for universities.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421442655