Building Trust Among Students in the Classroom

Do you read your student evaluations? I do, and here is how it went. It is New Year’s Day, and I'm reading through student evaluations from my Fall 2024 Principles of Macroeconomics course: ninety students, one semester, countless interactions - all distilled into numbers and comments. But, between the 4.76/5.0 ratings and paragraphs of feedback, I see more than statistics. I see stories. When I walked into that classroom, I saw more than just students—I saw lives shaped by economic forces they were beginning to understand. One student worked two jobs while studying, another worried about student debt, and the other’s family ran a small business struggling with inflation. These weren't just theoretical concepts in textbooks. They were personal realities. "Economics isn't just graphs and equations," I told them on day one. "It's personal! It’s your morning coffee purchase, a weekend job, and career dreams. Whether you notice it or not, it's everywhere in your life." I created space for their stories. When discussing unemployment, one student shared her job search experiences. During our inflation lesson, another described how her job adjusted business prices. These weren't interruptions—they were the curriculum coming alive. But sharing requires trust. Students needed to know they could be uncertain, could question, and could bring their whole selves to class. So I built that trust, day by day. There was no judgment when someone was confused. No dismissal of any question. Just open dialogue and mutual respect. The same philosophy extended beyond the classroom. One student said, "Dr. A provided office hours but without reason. Most office hours for other professors feel like you need a reason to be there... He provided you the space to be unsure of being unsure." These sessions became more than just tutoring—they were spaces where students could work through ideas, share concerns, or find support in their learning journey. The results speak through their words: "He made sure even the shyest voices were heard."  "He connected everything to our real lives." Ultimately, teaching economics isn't about perfect graphs or memorized definitions. It's about helping students see their place in the economic story and giving them the confidence to shape that story themselves. The numbers validated this approach. Out of 87 students, 33 responded to the evaluation. They gave the course a 4.76/5.0 for maintaining a respectful atmosphere, 4.67/5.0 for clear learning expectations, and 4.48/5.0 for improving understanding through course activities. But most tellingly, when asked what helped them learn, students consistently mentioned the engaging discussions, real-world connections, and supportive environment. One student summed it up perfectly: "Absolutely nothing. He has made this class to perfection, and I honestly wish I could take it again." To my students, thank you for a great semester and your feedback. #highereducation #Teachingevaluations

Yesterday, a student in my class candidly shared with me some of their go-to AI resources. That openness was a big moment for me—not because of the tools themselves, but because it showed me that they felt comfortable enough to talk freely about how they’re using AI in their work. It’s a sign that the trust we’ve been building in the classroom is paying off. When students start sharing how they’re leveraging AI without hesitation, you know the atmosphere you’ve created supports real learning and growth. Trust is the cornerstone of effective AI integration. Here are five ways I’ve worked to cultivate that trust: Be Transparent About AI’s Role: I’m upfront about how AI fits into our learning goals. I set clear guidelines but also explain the reasoning behind them, so students see AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement for their thinking. Show Vulnerability: I let students know that I’m also figuring things out as we go. By being honest about the learning curve I’m experiencing, I encourage them to be open about their own challenges and discoveries. Encourage Real-Time Conversations: When students mention how they’ve used AI, I don’t just nod and move on—I dive in. We talk through what worked, what didn’t, and how they approached it. This normalizes AI use and turns it into a shared learning experience. Celebrate Their Process: Whether they successfully apply AI or run into challenges, I make sure to recognize their efforts. This reinforces that AI is a tool for growth and experimentation, not just a quick fix. Model Responsible AI Use: I regularly demonstrate how I incorporate AI in my own work. When students see me using AI thoughtfully, they’re more likely to adopt similar practices, knowing that the tools have a real, practical role in our classroom. In the end, trust allows AI to become more than just another tool—it becomes part of a larger dialogue about learning, creativity, and innovation. And when students trust the process, they engage with AI more confidently and effectively. Amanda Bickerstaff Aco Momcilovic Brian Schoch Christina B. 👨🏫🤖 "Dr. Greg" Loughnane Goutham Kurra Iulia Nandrea Mike Kentz Michael Spencer Milly Snelling Anna Mills David H.

A Teacher's Simple Strategy That Changed 30 Lives Every Morning Ever wondered how one small gesture can transform an entire classroom's energy? Let me share a powerful thing that's reshaping how we think about starting our school days. Here's how it works: Each student gets to choose their preferred way to start the day: - A gentle high-five - A quick hug - A friendly fist bump - A simple smile and nod - A quiet "good morning" The results? Remarkable. Students who once dragged themselves to class now arrive early, excited to make their choice. Anxiety levels dropped.  Class participation soared.  Even the most reserved students found their comfortable way to connect. What makes this approach powerful is its simplicity. It: - Respects personal boundaries - Builds trust - Creates a safe space - Teaches emotional awareness - Promotes daily positive interactions This isn't just about starting the day right – it's about teaching our children that their comfort matters, their choices count, and their well-being is priority. What if we all took a moment each day to ask others how they'd like to be greeted? Sometimes, the smallest changes create the biggest impact. #Education #TeachingInnovation #StudentWellbeing #ClassroomCulture #PersonalizedLearning