5 Steps to Establishing Mutual Respect in the Classroom

Both teachers and students value inner freedom, which allows them to cooperate with each other, accept responsibility, feel safe to speak their truths respectfully and agree on common ground when there is conflict. Consider the following tips to help support respect in your classroom.

Avoid scolding, nagging, threatening or intimidating students: This response usually gives students the attention they are seeking. Furthermore, students cannot learn how to practice self-discipline in a hostile environment.

Do not reward good students, reward good behaviors: Praising behavior verses the student minimizes bias and promotes equality within the classroom.

Try to understand the purposes of behavior: It is important to understand how students manifest their need in their behavior. Having the ability to do this will increase communication and foster cooperation.

Establish relationships with students based on trust and mutual respect: Treat students equally over time students in turn will respect you and truly believe you want to help them.

Emphasize the positive: Avoid shaming and blaming students and refuse to take misbehavior personally because it may have a ripple effect on other students in the classroom. Whenever possible let students bow out gracefully by saving face in front of their peers by speaking to them privately.

Use the ABC Model to Minimize Disrespect in the Classroom

Action: Keep this objective and explore what occurred by reviewing the facts. This keeps the focus on the behavior and not the person, which quickly de-escalates the situation.

Behavior: Discuss behavior the student chose in response to the action. Discuss constructive ways the student could have responded to the situation. Teach re-placement behavior.

Consequences: Explain the consequences of choice made. Check for learning by asking the student, “If this action happens again, what is the expectation and how will they respond in the future?”