--- title: Key Strategies for Building Trust in the Classroom description: Creating group norms, giving wise feedback, and treating all students with respect build trust with students in the classroom. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Key-Strategies-for-Building-Trust-in-the-Classroom.jpg --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog March 28, 2023 3 Minutes Read By : [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Key Strategies for Building Trust in the Classroom [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fkey-strategies-for-building-trust-in-the-classroom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fkey-strategies-for-building-trust-in-the-classroom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fkey-strategies-for-building-trust-in-the-classroom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fkey-strategies-for-building-trust-in-the-classroom%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Key-Strategies-for-Building-Trust-in-the-Classroom.jpg) [Provide Support](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Social Emotional Learning (SEL)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-emotional-learning-sel) # Key Strategies for Building Trust in the Classroom By [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) March 27 2023 3 Minutes Read > *“The secret in teaching lies in respecting the student.”* > > –Ralph Waldo Emerson Building trust in the classroom can seem like a daunting task, especially when factors like resource availability and family influences are mostly outside a teacher’s control. However, teachers do have a strong tool for building trust within their classrooms: [building relationships](https://searchinstitute.org/the-power-of-relationships-in-schools)—those between teachers and students, and those among students. ## Build a Classroom Community Relationship-building must be intentional in classrooms. Everyone wants to feel seen and valued, but not all young people can find that for themselves, or know how to be present for others. Teachers and structured activities have an important role to play here, and the earlier group norms and understandings are developed, the safer and more encouraging the classroom space will be.  Try a group-building activity. [Get to Know You and Establish Group Norms](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/get-to-know-you-and-establish-group-norms) is designed to build trust.  Doing this activity before other relationship-building activities helps establish a foundation for future work. Participants, including teaching staff, get to know each other by exploring what they have in common, and what differentiates them from the others. Then participants discuss what they need from the group to feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings. Another foundational, more individualized relationship-building activity is [2 x 10: Getting to Know A Student.](https://ggie.berkeley.edu/practice/2-x-10-getting-to-know-your-students/) Here, teachers spend two minutes a day for ten days getting to know a student with whom they wish to foster a positive relationship. ## Give Wise Feedback Building trust and learning in the classroom is often about lifting up students, communicating high expectations, and your belief in their ability to reach those expectations. Everyone should feel valued and challenged, and be valued and challenged by their peers. This is the basis of [giving wise feedback](https://ggie.berkeley.edu/practice/giving-wise-feedback/#tab__3) and creating a culture of respectful, encouraging classroom communication. It is also an effective method, for teachers of middle and high school students, to give feedback that builds students’ academic mindset, trust, and positive identity. ## Stereotype Anxiety All students want to be successful, but some face more barriers than others in reaching their dreams. Stereotype threat—or the anxiety that results from the possibility of being reduced to a negative stereotype based on group membership—is one such barrier.  Research shows that by the time students reach 7th grade, they are aware of negative stereotypes associated with their racial, ethnic, gender, or other group membership, and they may be concerned that their teachers believe these stereotypes. Teachers unknowingly confirm this belief in many ways, including giving remedial schoolwork or overpraising students’ efforts. If this is experienced often, a student may stop caring about a particular subject area or even academic success in general. However, research shows that by communicating high expectations and a belief in students’ ability to meet those expectations, or “giving wise feedback,” teachers can assure students that they are not being judged based on a negative stereotype—instead, they are being seen in their full humanity. This not only builds trust between teachers and students, but it also helps students to view themselves as academically capable—thus enhancing their academic identity as learners and, hopefully, lessening the effect of any future stereotype threat. ## Respect Matters Trust is a core feature of effective schools and learning. According to a recent long-term [study of 400 Chicago elementary schools](https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/trust-in-schools-a-core-resource-for-school-reform), relational trust is grounded in the social respect that comes from the kinds of social interactions that take place across the school community. Respectful exchanges are marked by genuinely listening to what each person has to say and by taking these views into account in subsequent actions. Even when people disagree, they can still feel valued if others appear to respect their opinions. As teachers and students interact with one another around the work of schooling, they can’t help but sense the intentions underlying each other's actions. They consider how others' efforts advance their own interests or impinge on their self-esteem. In a positive scenario, this can build trust and camaraderie in the classroom. If, on the other hand, a student feels ostracized or talked down to, for example, or a teacher is disrespected, this can lead to a deterioration of the classroom environment. Building trust is about creating respectful relationships to empower young people to follow their dreams. A comprehensive approach to making this happen can be found in the [Developmental Relationships Framework](https://info.searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships-help-young-people-thrive). When young people experience these [Developmental Relationships](https://info.searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships-help-young-people-thrive) in their families, schools, programs, and communities, they are more likely to be resilient in the face of challenges and to grow up thriving. For further resources, visit the [Search Institute Resources Hub](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub), a research-based collection of tools, activities, measures and other resources designed to support you in helping young people succeed and thrive. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6693290/007dc5d9-7332-4e2d-b620-7665eec4a5de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6693290/007dc5d9-7332-4e2d-b620-7665eec4a5de) [Provide Support, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Social Emotional Learning (SEL), ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-emotional-learning-sel) #### Search Institute Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Math-Student.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/the-importance-of-developmental-relationships-in-fostering-black-and-latino-students-math-engagement) [Provide Support](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Share Power](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/share-power) [Challenge Growth](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/challenge-growth) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Express Care](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/express-care) [Expand Possibilities](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/expand-possibilities) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity) 3 Min Read ### [The Importance of Developmental Relationships in Fostering Black and Latino Students' Math Engagement](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/the-importance-of-developmental-relationships-in-fostering-black-and-latino-students-math-engagement) [Diane Hsieh, Ph.D. June 24 2024](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/diane-hsieh-ph-d-) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/confronting-learning-loss-by-building-developmental-relationships-1.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/confronting-learning-loss-by-building-developmental-relationships) 3 Min Read ### [Confronting Learning Loss by Building Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/confronting-learning-loss-by-building-developmental-relationships) [Search Institute May 26 2021](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Lq9TNkmv_w1d4E0nAFGnVxpvBwMil0BxpDG4uumm416iI23GeaaDMgB8_3lvDIKzwjOcLzqU6CInMGtHm1IjjVXFQ-xaxZSnfTqSq_PSViQGMsC3Sgh4Z3zqN8p7I2KCdgM9nWk=s0.jpeg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/activating-the-power-of-peer-relationships-in-the-covid-era) 5 Min Read ### [Activating the Power of Peer Relationships in the COVID Era](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/activating-the-power-of-peer-relationships-in-the-covid-era) [Search Institute September 20 2021](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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