Building Meaningful Connections with Students: The 5 Cs Approach
As educators, our impact extends far beyond the content we teach. The connections we build with students create the foundation for their engagement, motivation, and ultimately, their success. Over my nearly two decades of teaching economics, I've developed the "5 Cs Approach" to foster meaningful student connections. Today, I am sharing a summary of my discussion at NKU’s Faculty Connections series.
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1. Call it "Discussion Hours" (Not Office Hours)
The term "office hours" often creates the impression that students should only visit when they have a specific problem or question about coursework. By reframing this time as "Discussion Hours," we signal openness to broader conversations and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Why it works:
Removes the implied formality of "office hours"
Encourages students to visit without a specific agenda
Creates space for organic mentorship opportunities
Builds community when sessions are conducted in group settings
I've found that hosting communal discussion hours where multiple students can attend simultaneously encourages peer learning and creates a more relaxed environment. Some students who might feel intimidated in a one-on-one setting thrive in this communal space.
2. Create Space and Structure
Formal programs that engage students beyond the classroom provide structure for deeper relationships and learning. At Northern Kentucky University's Haile College of Business, I've implemented two successful initiatives:
Haile Fellows Program: This research-intensive program introduces undergraduates to economic research methodology while supporting them in producing original research. The program builds a cohort of student researchers who support one another while developing valuable skills.
Haile Research Lab: This weekly gathering creates an accessible space where researchers from various backgrounds present their work in approachable ways. The lab democratizes research by making it understandable and inviting for undergraduates who might otherwise feel excluded from scholarly conversations.
The key is creating structured opportunities that welcome students into spaces typically reserved for faculty or graduate students.
3. Consistency is Key
Student engagement thrives on reliability. When building community, consistency in meeting schedules and expectations establishes trust and encourages participation.
Best practices:
Hold community gatherings at the same time each week
Maintain the space even when attendance fluctuates
Create predictable structures that students can rely on
Allow students to miss sessions without penalty or guilt
While less frequent gatherings can work, weekly interactions create the momentum needed for sustainable community building. Students know that even if they miss one week, the community will be there when they return.
4. Classroom Management for Belongingness
Building community begins in the classroom itself. The culture we establish through our teaching practices sets the tone for student engagement both in and outside the classroom.
Effective classroom management for community building includes:
Learning and using students' names consistently
Creating interaction opportunities that respect different communication styles
Establishing clear norms that prioritize respect and inclusion
Implementing teaching methods that encourage collaboration
For more detailed approaches, see my research paper: "Classroom management and student interaction interventions: Fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the undergraduate economics classroom." Email me if you want a free copy.
5. Care (Be Student-Centered)
At the heart of meaningful connection is genuine care for students' well-being and success. This care must be demonstrated through our actions, not just our intentions.
Being student-centered means:
Recognizing that student needs evolve over time
Willingly adapting our approaches as technology and circumstances change
Regularly evaluating whether our methods serve current students' needs
Making decisions with student welfare as the primary consideration
In my two decades of teaching, I've constantly had to evolve my approaches to meet changing student needs and technological landscapes. This adaptability is essential for maintaining meaningful connections.
The Takeaway
Building strong connections with students isn't a single technique but a comprehensive approach that interweaves these five Cs into your teaching practice. While the strategies themselves are important, the underlying philosophy—that students deserve our authentic engagement—matters most.
For educators interested in exploring these approaches further, I invite you to:
Visit more of my posts on my website at www.WithDrA.com
Follow me on instagram @EconWithDrA
Sign up for my newsletter on economic education and teaching strategies
What strategies have you found effective for building student connections? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Bahrani is a Professor and Associate Dean at Northern Kentucky University's Haile College of Business, specializing in economic education and community-building approaches in higher education.
