Respect

There are several definitions for the term respect, but I believe there are many notions that should be present when giving or receiving respect.  To me, respect is showing consideration or appreciation for another person.  When distributing respect, the recipient's self-esteem will rise.  In addition, when showing respect, regard for another person should be present and there should be a sense of care for the recipient.  Finally, to get respect, you have to give respect.

Respect should be displayed by both the teacher and the students in a classroom.  A teacher needs to show his/her students that he/she is there for them and regards them in a high manner.  A teacher needs to be able to relate to the students to gain their respect and show their appreciation for having them as students.  If a teacher shows the students respect and that he/she is not just their to teach them or judge them based on performance, a student will return the respect.  In a sense, a teacher and his/her students must show consideration and appreciation for one another.  If this happens, it will make for a successful classroom and uttermost respect will be demonstrated.

If there is a lack of respect in a classroom, there could be problems.  If a teacher doesn't establish the aspect of respect in the classroom, the learning environment might not be conducive.  A teacher will struggle for control in the classroom if there is a lack of respect between students or between the students and teacher.  The behavior of students will not be good.  It is crucial to establish respect early on in the school year so issues do not arise because if respect is lost or not prevalent, problems will arise.  For example, kids might not listen or turn in homework, or they might stop showing up.  If the students respect the teacher, they will feel comfortable attending and attempting to learn day in and day out.

Respect is best established in a classroom environment by relating to the students.  A teacher should illustrate to his/her students that he/she is always there to help and care about the students.  A teacher should also show the students that they care about them as a person and not just about their grades or their learning abilities.  Basically, respect is best established by showing respect.  If a teacher demonstrates respect to the students very early in the year, the students are most likely to follow suit.  Early in the year, the teacher should explain to the students what he/she expects and what needs to get done.  Don't scare the kids, but be firm and show the students you can be tough.  Students will respond if there are guidelines and their teacher is firm and consistent in their teachings and techniques.  A teacher should also be wise and have an open mind with his/her students.  In addition, to establish respect, a teacher's purpose should be to serve others and not manipulate.  Kids don't want to be manipulated, they want to be respected.  Thus, if respect is given, respect will be received in return.