How to Achieve Mutual Respect in the Classroom  

Mutual respect in the classroom encompasses more than the interaction between students and the
teacher. An atmosphere of mutual respect means that students also treat each other properly. The result is
a classroom where more learning takes place as students feel safe, motivated and, of course, respected.
Achieving this atmosphere takes considerable effort on the part of the teacher as well as the students.
Once established, however, students will usually work to maintain the positive classroom environment.
1. Establish clear classroom expectations from the first day of school
Establish clear classroom expectations from the first day of school. Post your classroom rules and
procedures on the wall where they are clearly visible. Consider having only one rule in your classroom --
respect. Students will be expected to respect you, each other, themselves, their work and property. Let
students know what to expect from you, as well.
2. Have a discussion
Have a discussion with your class about respect and why it is important. Talk about what it looks like.
Discuss the language that makes them feel respected and disrespected. Establish the idea that respect is
something that everyone wants and is capable of giving to others.
3. Model respectful behavior at all times
Model respectful behavior at all times. Show respect to students by addressing them by name in a calm
voice. Speak to students in the same way you expect to be spoken to by them. Speak to administrators,
support staff and other teachers with respect. When you are a teacher, you teach all of the time -- even
when you are in the hall having a discussion with another teacher.
4. Need help
Role play situations in which students need help showing respect. Many students have been raised in
environments where respect is only given out of fear. They may need help learning the right words to
respond to a given situation.
5. Provide students with consistency
Provide students with consistency. Enforce rules fairly, without favoritism, and enforce consequences as
warranted. Whenever you must give a student a penalty, do so privately, with respect for her dignity.
Calmly explain the reason and end on a positive note. For example, "When you chose to interrupt the class,
you knew the consequence. I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow in class."

Effective & Ineffective Classroom Management

Classroom management is the act of managing time, space, teaching tools and students to create an
effective learning environment. There are many ways to manage these elements of the classroom. Some
are effective and other ineffective. Understanding the difference between effective and ineffective
management techniques can help you gain control over your classroom and will facilitate a better, more
productive learning environment.
1. Preventative Measures for Behavioral Issues
Take a proactive approach to bad behavior. Taking steps to prevent common behavioral issues in the
classroom helps avoid losing valuable time dealing with behavioral issues. One effective method for
accomplishing this is to start the school year with a list of rules. Involve students in setting the rules and
the consequences of breaking these rules. Review the rules at the start of each school week. Continually
explaining rules and consequences as each student disrupts the class is ineffective because valuable time is
spent dealing with individuals as opposed to the organized approach of addressing the group. With a set
list of rules and consequences, students know what to expect.
2. Punishment and Consequences
Corporal punishment is a type of punishment that involves physical pain. Paddling is no longer considered
appropriate and is banned in most school systems. There are many reasons corporal punishment was
deemed ineffective. One of problems with corporal punishment is that it addresses only the behavior and
not underlying causes for the behavior. Corporal punishment can also cause a lowering of student self-
esteem and sets up a situation where the student does not like school. Rather than stopping bad behavior,
corporal punishment can reinforce it. An effective and alternate method of punishment is the parent and
student conference, which gives teachers the ability to address concerns directly with the student and
parents involved and to work cohesively from both the school and home settings to employ a more
rounded method of bad behavior consequences.
3. Peer and Group Activities
Controlling the seating arrangement and developing activities that encourage students to work together
can be an effective way to help ensure your students get along. Forcing students to interact with their
peers is ineffective and doesn't accomplish the end goal of a classroom environment where everyone gets
along, but creating activities that teach students how to respect others and appreciate the differences of
others can encourage a better working relationship among students.
4. Positive Atmosphere and Role Modeling
Keeping a positive atmosphere in the classroom begins with the teacher. Keep a positive atmosphere by
highlighting good behavior and rewarding those students who follow the rules of the classroom. Go out of
your way to keep personal troubles out of the classroom and show that you are happy to be there. Model
the behavior you expect from your students. This atmosphere can make being in the classroom enjoyable
for students. Letting students see you as moody or aggressive can undo all that you try to achieve.
5. Ineffective Responses to Bad Behavior
Don't make it personal. Don't get angry. As a teacher, your job is to look out for the good of the entire
classroom. If that means removing a student from the classroom, remove the student and refer to the
consequences as they apply to your classroom and the situation. Being sarcastic toward a student or
engaging in a power struggle are also ineffective responses. The rules and consequences are outlined.
Adhere to them and be consistent.

What Are the Benefits of Classroom Management?

By successfully managing your classroom, you can increase student success and create a productive and
cooperative learning environment. Effective behavior management plans allow students to get the most
out of their time spent in school and ensure that you maintain your sanity. While many fail to recognize it,
learning to behave can be just as important as learning the academic lessons taught in school.
1. Safety
If a teacher has control of her classroom, it is less likely that a fight will break out or violence will occur. By
establishing clear and consistent standards of behavior teachers can ensure that their classes are organized
and productive, and that students do not have the opportunity to engage in fights or inflict harm on
another student. Additionally, by punishing students who name call or are disrespectful to others, teachers
reduce the likelihood that verbal conflicts will escalate and become physical.

2. Positive Class Environment Building

Students work more productively, and share more openly, when there is a positive classroom
environment. Through behavior management, teachers can create an atmosphere of mutual respect in
which all classroom participants feel safe to share their options without risk of censure. Without classroom
management, students will likely feel that they are not free to speak their mind or participate, as their
peers may make them feel unwelcome or unworthy.
3. More Teaching Time
Time spent dealing with continuous behavioral interruptions is time taken away from teaching. By setting
up clear behavior expectations and consequences at the beginning of the year, teachers can create a fluid
and productive class in which time is spent engaging in educational activities, not responding to student
misbehaviors.
4. Relationship Building
Through effective classroom management, teachers can build healthy and mutually respectful relationships
with their students, and allow students to build these positive relationships with their peers. Effective
classroom management ensures that students interact appropriately, allowing for them to create and
strengthen relationships.
5. Preparation for Workforce
Many students eagerly look forward to adulthood, thinking that they will be free of the restrictive rules and
guidelines that they follow in school daily. However, as any adult knows, succeeding in the adult world is all
about following rules. To be a productive citizen, you must follow laws, abide by workplace restrictions and
follow community regulations. Classroom rules help prepare students to successfully follow the rules that
will dictate their actions later in life.

Ways of Maintaining a Healthy, Safe Learning Environment for Children

Creating a safe learning environment for students is a daunting task. Students not only need to feel
physically safe in their school and classroom, but emotionally and intellectually safe as well. Students who
feel safe and secure in their classroom are more likely to do well in school and graduate.
1. Avoiding Accidents
Designing a classroom and learning area that is environmentally safe should be relatively straight forward,
and yet many dangers are easy to overlook until an accident occurs. The physical environment of the
classroom depends on the age group being taught; educate yourself on the developmental abilities of your
age group and plan accordingly. For example, sharp scissors are not appropriate in a preschool classroom,
but are a necessity for the high school art room. Sharp utensils are necessary for a middle or high school
biology class, but should be stored out of the way until they are needed to avoid any accidents. Teachers in
a preschool classroom should avoid furniture with sharp edges, since some preschoolers are still
developing their large motor skills, and may fall frequently. Also consider the individual students you are
teaching. Students with behavioral problems or developmental disabilities may require alterations to their
physical environment to ensure their safety. Do not hesitate to make changes to your classroom as
necessary.
2. Creating a Welcoming Learning Environment
Students learn best when they feel safe and comfortable. Make students feel welcome by taking the time
to get to know each of them. Be consistent in the way that you treat students so that they feel they can
trust you. Promote a friendly atmosphere between students through group activities that foster respect for
others. Do not allow students to laugh at or tease one another, and let students know that bullying is not
tolerated. Ensure that your classroom is a place where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts,
experimenting with new ideas, and making the mistakes that are an inevitable part of the learning process.

3. Setting Boundaries
Students need boundaries in order to feel safe and secure enough to explore the world around them. One
way to set boundaries in the classroom is to create rules. Rules should dictate how students behave in the
classroom and interact with peers. The rules you create will depend on the students you teach. However,
the simpler and straightforward your rules, the more likely they will work, no matter the age group. Too
many rules will overwhelm younger students, or make older students rebel. Whenever possible, engage
students in the rule-making process; this makes students feel like a valued member of the classroom. Take
time to explain classroom rules and the rationale behind them; students will not follow rules they feel are
arbitrary. Make certain that the rules and the consequences for breaking them are clear and posted in the
classroom.
4. Promoting Healthy Behaviors
Students who are physically healthy are better learners. Promote good health in your classroom by
explaining to your students the importance of good nutrition and exercise. Whenever possible, get your
students out of their seats and moving during lessons. Model a healthy lifestyle by staying fit and eating a
healthy diet. Encourage your students to get plenty of rest, and communicate with parents how a healthy
lifestyle can enhance academic achievement.
5. Helping Individual Students
It is important to form a relationship with your students so that you will know if a student needs help. If
you notice that a student seems unhappy, depressed or angry, try to talk to that student, and contact
parents if necessary. If a student displays behaviors or actions that are aggressive or otherwise disturbing,
tell your principal and contact the appropriate personnel, such as police or counselors, as the situation
demands. Every school should have guidelines for how to handle such situations; if your school does not,
talk to your principal and school board to suggest that guidelines are put in place.