Strategies of Fostering Respect in the Classroom

Mutual respect and a comfortable learning environment go hand in hand.

One of the underlying themes of any effective classroom is respect -- mutual respect between the teacher and students. Some teachers feel that that one theme is the most important determinate of success in teaching and classroom management. It is imperative that teachers recognize the importance of respect in the classroom and work to facilitate the development of a two-way street for respect. There are a variety of ways teachers can solicit respect and convey respect.

Consistency

Post rules and apply consequences consistently.

One sure way to elicit respect from students is to be consistent in what you say and do, particularly in the application of consequences for violation of rules. Students like predictability in their day and when the routine of the classroom is consistent, there is predictability. Predictability helps to maintain a structured environment and promotes the development of self-control in students.

Confidence

Appear confident, be preceived as competent.

Exude confidence. In order to gain the confidence and respect of students, teachers must exude a high level of confidence and back up that confidence with confident body language and tone. Respect is earned, but more easily earned if the teacher is confidence in her command of the classroom. Students see the teacher as a confident and competent commander of the classroom -- worthy of respect.

Demand Respect

Respectful actions in class -- raise your hand and don't interrupt others.

Students need to know teacher -- student is an expectation and anything else will not be tolerated in the classroom. Actually viewing that respectful exchange will help them to understand the expectation and serve as a model of acceptable behavior. Also, students need to learn to show respect to their peers and expect that same respect in exchange. The teacher is key in the development of peer respect. The teacher must mandate mutual peer respect as a routine class expectation. Anything less, is unacceptable.

Be Fair and Don't Play Favorites

Play to all students, not just your favorite.

Many teachers play favorites -- intentionally or unintentionally -- and it is a practice is unfair and fosters resentment in the students who do not receive preferential treatment. Teachers are human, so it is possible that a teacher might actually have favorites. However, working hard to not hold past indiscretions against students, allowing them to start each day with a clean slate and treating each student equally will go a long way to foster respect in your students. Treat all of them the same, all the time.

References

• Unraveling the Classroom Management Mystery
• Smart Classroom Management: How to Command Respect from Students
• Elementary Classroom Rules and Management
• Mutual Respect: A Key to Facilitating Learning
• BMCN: Teachers Playing Favorites

Resources

• English Club.com: Respect in the Classroom