Respect

Just like most things in life, respect is two sided. Both parties involved in the relationship each need to give and take. The key ingredients in respect are listening, good communication, honesty and trust. This can be seen in the classroom in many ways; when a teacher listens to what a student has to say, respect is built from the student to the teacher. The same thing happens when a teacher gives a direction and a student follows their guidance. Respect can also be developed by being interested and asking good questions of students. When a student knows their teacher is interested, respect grows. Honesty and trust form respect also. When a student gives an honest answer or tells their teacher the truth, the teacher gains respect from that student and an attitude of trust forms. The impact of respect shows up quite quickly in classrooms. If a teacher has lost respect for their students, or if the students have lost respect for the teacher, it can be hard to further learning and quality instruction. When respect is achieved, it is easier to continue learning and to build stronger relationships in classrooms. I think the best way for respect to be established in a classroom is to make sure that teachers are being themselves. Students respond better to people who are acting how they would with anyone else rather than someone who is trying to be something they’re not. Respect should be a common goal of any classroom. Respect is such an important part of the learning environment for students and educators.