The Importance of Promoting Pro-Social Behaviors in Online Teaching
A recent study from the University of Missouri College of Education and Human Development
concludes that “students tend to be more motivated to learn and be engaged in the classroom
when their teacher likes and cares about them. Positive teacher-student relationships change
student behavior, and in this study, we found building those positive relationships actually
leads to better teaching, too. It changes teacher behavior.” The study results highlight the
reciprocal relationship of strong student-teacher bonds at all grade levels: bonding with
students makes teachers better and bonding with teachers motivates students to work harder
at learning.
It's not difficult to imagine how teachers can build strong student-teacher bonds in a brick-and-
mortar classroom, but what are some strategies to do it in a virtual classroom? Perhaps not too
surprising, the same strategies can work in both types of classrooms. You might just have to be
a little more intentional about it in the virtual classroom.
Strategies for pro-social teaching encourage interaction between the student and teacher that
extends beyond delivering content, and focuses on building an emotional connection and
allowing for student reflection:
Use stories (narrative) to build empathy, perspective and critical thinking.
Use service learning to practice important academic and life skills.
Catch people doing what you want them to do, and praise that behavior.
Welcome other people’s perspectives on a situation, and ask the student to explain or
justify the other perspective.
Cheer someone on when they’re about ready to give up.
Practice gratitude in the classroom (gratitude is a mood-enhancer.)
Encourage random acts of kindness (to increase compassion and a sense of inter-
connectedness).
Teacher can model vulnerability (to build empathy, kindness, and self-forgiveness).
Equip students with the language of compassion.
There are courses educators can take to learn and practice some of these strategies. You can
even become a Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES), with the course of study provided
all online.
The University of Missouri study and my research into strategies for pro-social learning confirm
what I’ve always observed in the classroom: teaching is about so much more than lecturing.
When a student (at whatever level of school) is encouraged and challenged to think critically
and empathetically, and when the student’s unique perspective is valued, their learning and
ability to put learning into action are greatly enhanced. Teaching to facilitate this type of
learning is possible, just not (yet) the norm.
Written by Michele Straube
