Hi, I am a high school student at a school in Dar es Salaam. I had been doing well in school recent years until our teachers were changed. I don’t seem to get along with the new teacher, and I know it isn’t good for my studies.

That is why I need to know how I can create a communication channel with my teacher. From the time a child is in pre-school, they develop and build relationships with their teachers. However, sometimes these communication skills are not developed properly, and this can have a negative impact on how well a student does in class, especially at the high school and college levels.  

Teachers are impressed by students who are willing to reflect a genuine interest and positive attitude toward the class work. The key to getting on the good side of your teacher is to always be an interested student.

Give your teacher the opportunity to know exactly what you appreciate about the specific class work. This gives a clear message to the teacher that you are paying attention and that you appreciate the work they do.  Do not complain, condemn or criticise the teacher's performance. This will cause human nature to set in and an instant defensive mechanism to form.

The teacher will not see this as constructive, but will see it as disrespectful. Instead, focus on the positive attributes of the class like the actual material and your true understanding of that material. Do not argue with your teacher. They may actually be wrong, but arguing leaves everyone feeling bad. No matter what, the teacher is the authority figure in this educational equation.

That does not mean you cannot respectfully and tactfully approach the teacher privately to discuss a situation. Arguing with a teacher in front of the whole class is a sign of disrespect. Show interest by smiling and attentively listening to what the teacher may say about themselves.

This will let the teacher know you acknowledge them as a person who happens to be your teacher. Being wrong is not the end of the world. When you are wrong, quickly and meaningfully apologise. Talk to the teacher and not at the teacher.

In the same respect, ask the teacher questions and do not give orders. The mannerisms with which you use to speak with your teacher will say a lot more about you than you may realise. Being prickly and cold in your tone and approach will be interpreted as lack of interest.

Make an honest effort at seeing things from the teacher's point of view. Show up to class on time and prepared with all the textbooks and tools needed for that specific class. This shows the teacher that you really want to do well in their class. Try to participate in all discussions.

Even if you are not sure that you are correct in your thinking, you should try to add something meaningful to classroom discussions. This shows the teacher you are willing to put yourself out there and take a risk even if you are wrong. It also gives the teacher an opportunity to help.

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