Factors That Make Faculty and Student Relationships Effective

Abstract

Through qualitative analyses of narratives of what students and faculty wanted in their relationships, the authors identified three themes. The Teaching/Learning Environment theme illustrated needs for nurturing, open, nonthreatening, and respectful attitudes in student-faculty relationships. Exchange of Information students reported a desire to learn and interact with each other, but not with the instructor. With regard to Mentor/Peer Association theme, students wanted to develop networks of friends to help with course work, whereas teachers wanted to find principles of effective teaching to help students learn. Applications of this data for improving student-faculty interactions and instructional processes are discussed.

Key Words:

• personalizing teaching
• collaboration
• faculty-student relationships

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lynne E. Anderson

Lynne E. Anderson is an associate professor of education, and John Carta-Falsa is a professor of psychology, both at National University, in Costa Mesa, California.