JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION THEORY AND PRACTICE

How to Win Friends and Influence Students: Applying Networking

Principles to the Teacher-Student Relationship

Author(s): Kay Biga, Patrick Spott, Emily Spott

Citation: Kay Biga, Patrick Spott, Emily Spott, (2013) "How to Win Friends and Influence Students: Applying Networking Principles to the Teacher-Student Relationship," Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, Vol. 13, Iss. 3/4, pp. 101 - 112

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to explore methods that enrich the teacher-student relationship. In

particular, the focus is on applied strategies to improve the relationship between teachers and their

students to enhance and improve student learning. Dale Carnegie, the preeminent writer on interpersonal

relations, provides the framework for the discussion. The paper moves quickly from the theoretical to

practical time-tested tools that can be immediately applied by teachers. Strategies discussed include:

welcome messages, conversation stack, one-to-ones, learning names, giving feedback, thank-you notes,

office etiquette, and post-graduation networking. The paper provides specific methods for application of

these strategies.