Gonaim, Faiza Adil
The educational climate of a university plays a significant role in educational outcomes. Teachers can have a profound impact on student development and learning. Currently teachers are expected to not only transmit knowledge but to play an active role in students' personal development as members of society. Course content alone cannot accomplish this goal; more is required from the teacher to fuel students' personal development. Teachers who establish a bond of trust with students can maximize effective educational outcomes. If a safe environment is created where students can express their needs to their teachers regarding course presentation and teaching approaches, this will result in more positive educational outcomes. Conversely, if student input is neglected, learning is adversely affected, and students become disengaged. This study aimed to better understand effective relationships between faculty and students. A qualitative inquiry using an open-ended questionnaire was distributed to university students to investigate what factors students perceive to be the characteristics of an effective teacher. The findings indicate that students value teachers who combine two elements: interpersonal skills and depth of knowledge. Students appreciate teachers with whom they feel safe with and respected, who consider their input in course design and teaching strategies. They value teachers whose concrete knowledge serves as a reference source for them. The study provided recommendations for building positive and productive relationships between students and teachers in higher education.
Student Learning Needs, Faculty Development, Faculty-Student Rapport, Productive Relation, Leaders In Class, Postsecondary Pedagogy.