Establishing strong teacher-student relationships in a virtual learning environment can be challenging. Students may sometimes feel their teacher is just a name on their gradebook, or they may think the computer is their teacher instead, particularly in canned curriculum situations.
Research on learning and development emphasizes that student success is contingent upon learning conditions that establish “positive, trusting relationships; attachment and emotional connections; physical and emotional safety, and a sense of belonging and purpose.” The fourth principle of the Visible Learning framework summarizes the importance of positive relationships perfectly: “I build relationships and trust so that learning can occur in a place where it is safe to make mistakes and learn from others.”
Without face-to-face interaction and with limited live meetings to rely on, virtual teachers must be creative in how they connect with students. Let’s explore three ways of intentionally building authentic teacher-student relationships in virtual learning environments.
How to Build Relationships in Virtual Classrooms
1. Digital Check-Ins
Showing students that you care about how they’re doing can be challenging, especially without quick hellos in the hallway during class change or side conversations when starting or ending school. Use Google Forms (reviewed here) or Microsoft Forms (reviewed here) to create a way for students to check in with you digitally. Offer a brief set of questions that allow students to share and to ask for help if needed, such as:
- How are you feeling today?
- 1 – I’m great!
- 2 – I’m okay.
- 3 – I’m meh.
- 4 – I’m struggling.
- Please share anything you feel is important for your teachers to know so they can best support you. If you don’t want to share here, you can skip this question and ask a teacher or guidance counselor to check in with you below.
- Would it be helpful for your teacher to check in with you regarding any academic/course needs?
- Would it be helpful for your guidance counselor to check in with you regarding any personal needs?
- What action step can you take to increase positives today?
Regularly send out the link to your form at the beginning of a new grading period, after extended breaks (which can be challenging for some students), or when starting a new content unit. Consider adding the link to your email signature and in newsletters so it’s easily accessible to students at any time and be sure to schedule time to follow up with students in need of support. Consider sending a quick check-in email or text to students who seem to be doing well to build those relationships as well.
2. Multimedia Communication
Leverage technology when communicating with students to show them their teacher is a real human behind the screen, not just a chatbot! Ensure your communication is regular and consistent so your students see you as a reliable resource.
- Video allow students to see your face and hear from you asynchronously. Use recording tools such as Screencastify (reviewed here), Loom (reviewed here), or Screenpal (reviewed here) to introduce a unit, review important assignment directions, give class updates, or share a “morning message.” When making videos, consider the essential elements of a teacher-student relationship identified by Cornellius-White in 2007: teacher empathy and understanding, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness.
- When in a virtual environment, students complete most of their work asynchronously. A newsletter is a crucial anchor point that helps students stay on pace and receive important “just-in-time” assignment directions. Consider using Smore (reviewed here) (particularly if you need translation features) or a design tool such as Adobe Express for Education (reviewed here) or Canva for Education (reviewed here), both of which have a variety of customizable templates.
3. Personal Branding/Customization
While there are no classroom walls or bulletin boards to decorate, teachers can still express their personalities. For example, in Canva for Education (reviewed here), you can set up a Brand Kit of colors, fonts, and images to easily access when creating new designs. Your school may have existing guidelines, but if not, consider establishing your own digital presence. Using consistent colors and fonts helps students tie communications and resources to you as the teacher and builds a memorable connection.
Building strong teacher-student relationships in a virtual learning environment is essential for student success. By leveraging technology and prioritizing intentional human connection, educators can create a supportive and engaging learning experience that fosters academic and social-emotional growth.
What are your ideas for building relationships with students virtually? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments so we can learn and grow together!