Strong learning relationships are built one positive interaction at a time.
Each authentic moment of praise or encouragement activates the brain’s reward system — releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and pleasure.
When a teacher provides genuine positive feedback, the student’s brain releases dopamine, leading to feelings of satisfaction and motivation to repeat the experience. As students invest more attention and effort into developing their skills, their competence grows.
Psychological safety in learning
Positive relationships cultivate a sense of psychological safety .When students feel secure and supported, they are more willing to participate, ask questions, and take intellectual risks. They view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as threats to their self-esteem.
Feedback and language learning
Learning a new language is inherently challenging. It exposes learners to unfamiliar sounds, structures, and cultural frameworks — often triggering anxiety or self-doubt. Here is where rapport becomes transformative.When learners feel genuinely respected and supported by their teachers, they are more open. This emotional security promotes authentic engagement, experimentation with new vocabulary and grammar, and deeper communicative competence.
Rapport also strengthens motivation. Just as positive feedback sparks dopamine release. When students feel appreciated
Key elements in feedback
Empathy: Show understanding and compassion.
Open Communication: Create a safe space for honest dialogue and feedback.
Trust: Build reliability and fairness into every interaction.
Positive Interactions: Use eye contact, smiles, and supportive body language.
Respect: Honour diverse perspectives, fostering inclusivity and dialogue.
Shared Experiences: Integrate collaborative projects and real-world connections.
Optimism: Maintain an encouraging classroom atmosphere that inspires curiosity.
Authenticity: Teach sincerely and transparently; students sense and respond to genuine care.
Recognition: Celebrate effort and improvement, not just results.Praise effort, not just achievement. Reinforce the learning process rather than perfection.
Normalize mistakes: Remind students that challenges are part of growth .
Activate prior knowledge. Invite students to share what they already know and link it to new content.
Rapport lies at the heart of effective language teaching. By nurturing trust, empathy, and open communication, educators create conditions where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. This emotional connection drives motivation, engagement, and long-term success.
When teachers intentionally build rapport, they do more than teach a language — they empower learners to believe in their abilities, connect meaningfully with others, and embrace lifelong learning