Honors College Theses

Publication Date

4-1-2022

Major

Early Childhood Education (B.S.Ed.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Abraham Flanigan

Abstract

This study examines the initiation and maintenance of rapport between teachers and students in kindergarten through second grade classrooms. Three teachers participated in phenomenological interviews to identify what strategies they employ when initiating and maintaining rapport with their students as well as the perceived benefits of student-teacher rapport. Research has shown that there are several effective strategies for initiating rapport with students, but if this effort is not maintained throughout the school year, the quality of student-teacher rapport can weaken. Through thematic analysis, this study identified the strategies these three elementary grades teachers use to initiate and maintain rapport with their students. Findings from this research could be used as a framework for elementary school teachers to guide how they cultivate rapport with their students.

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