How Do You Build Rapport With Difficult Students?
Have you ever worked in a school or residential setting and tried to reach that one student who seems to be completely out of touch? Do not try to be a friend. If you are in a position of authority, it is imperative that you maintain professional distance and secure your position as the adult rather than “one of the guys”. Not only will the most difficult students reject your attempts at friendship, but your position of authority will also be weakened. Don’t be afraid to give up some of the control. While it is important to maintain appropriate emotional distance, it is also necessary to be flexible. Choose your battles. For example, you may allow the student to spend ten minutes working on something that he enjoys. However, it is not advisable for him to spend the entire class period drawing or working a sudoku puzzle when he is supposed to be learning about the history of China. The most important step: Building Rapport. Look at your difficult student. Most likely, he or she is doing
