Running head: CONNECT WITH STUDENTS

Literature Review on Five Easy Ways to Connect with Students,

an article by H. Richard Milner IV
By Catherine Brandom
National University
May 3, 2016

TED 690: Capstone Course

Professor Stacia Levy

CONNECT WITH STUDENTS

The article Five Easy Ways to Connect with Students by H. Richard Milner IV (2011)
found in the Harvard Education Letter is both eloquent and speaks for itself. He is an associate
professor at Vanderbilt University and is a firm believer in building relationships with students.
Milner makes the valid point that teachers or professors must make the sincere effort to see
...the good and worth in students. To cultivate such relationships, he lists five methods one
could use. Interviewing your students, giving assignments that allow students to share their
experiences and interests, encouraging classroom discussions that let students be the center of
attention, attending extracurricular activities featuring your students, and lastly, visiting a site in
your students community.
Interviewing students and giving students assignments which ask them to share their own
life experiences and interests can facilitate a safe environment where the students are seen as real
people. With the number of students per class growing each year, it could be easy for a student to
feel lost in the crowd. Acknowledging them as a full fledged person can be a powerful event
which lifts the student up to reach higher potential. Encouraging classroom discussions which let
students be the center of attention is also a powerful method which can support their self esteem
and public speaking skills. Giving students the floor for conversational topics of their choosing
can also support their argumentative communication skills. It is important for students to learn
how to have a directed conversation and stand their own ground prior to attending college where
whole class critiques could tear you apart.
Apart of being an educator is supporting students in their personal growth as young
professionals. Milners fourth concept is attending extracurricular activities featuring your
students. This method in particular can give students the moral support they need to make good

CONNECT WITH STUDENTS

life decisions. I may sound like a judgmental parent, but if a teacher attends a students football
game, art show, or event associated with their new internship, they are showing their belief in,
approval of, and support for them. This can foster more confidence in their work ethic, outlook
on adulthood, and sense of community. The fifth and final way to connect with students is to visit
a site in your students neighborhood. Milner uses a personal experience in which his mother
styled his 2nd grade teachers hair at the local beauty salon as an example on how connecting
outside of school can be positive. Being apart of the same community where you teach can build
stronger connections with students but teachers still need to be mindful of what is appropriate.

CONNECT WITH STUDENTS

References

Milner, H. R., IV. (2011, January). Five Easy Ways to Connect with Students. Harvard Education
Publishing Group: Harvard Education Letter, 27, 1.