Reading – The Seven Languages of Respect
Share your experiences. When do you feel respected by your students? Is there something that you have implemented with your students that you feel has encouraged respect?
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“R E S P E C T find out what it means to me!” Aretha Franklin and Ottis Reading gave rhythm, beat and popularity to the most vital of human relationship building blocks- Respect. Respect is reciprocal in all healthy relationships. Respect enables active learning to flourish. To be enlightened on the “Gen Y perspective of respect” is reassuring and encouraging. Reassuring: * I can see why my previous (full time) class of Year 5 students were so successful in independently developing and running our school fete. They rose to meet expectations, their ideas were used for all aspects of… Read more »
I teach in the VET sector. A typical VET class comprises of students with different academic backgrounds, considerable age variation, and different expectations from the course. This presents a challenge but also a growth opportunity for the teachers. This inhomogeneous composition of ages and expectations when managed successfully is extremely satisfying. While some students would be happy to get through the assessment events, others would question the value of a skillset and the way it is taught and assessed. Like any other student group, we in VET sector do get gifted minds who need to be nurtured for growth. One… Read more »
In my first session with a new group of teens/adult students, I spend time playing a fun, anonymous game with them through which we find out a little about each other and then together we form “Our Group Rules” based on the circumstances under which each individual learns best. Each student writes on a stick-it-note what they need in a classroom environment of peers to feel safe and secure and stimulated to learn and they place this on the whiteboard. We then discuss each anonymous contribution and develop our group rules as a team. A booklet is printed and shared… Read more »
In my view, respect is most certainly earned – I aim to engage my students and make them feel like I am always on their side. I will help them experience success, support them through educational challenges and encourage and nurture their interests. It is my responsibility that each student in my class feels included and succeeds, and adapt my teaching to suit their styles. I actively listen to them and their narratives, whether about their interests or class materials, and I follow it up in discussions so they know I care and remember. This helps establish a relationship. This… Read more »
I believe that Classroom respect is give and take. Both students and teachers need to earn respect form each other. I understand that respect is not given, nor do I believe that it should be as not all adults are trustworthy and fair humans. I do believe however, that students need to understand that just because a teacher disagrees with them, it does not mean that they disrespect them, different opinions need to be seen as the norm and not a relationships deal breaker.
Hi Belinda
You made an important point about disagreements – I believe this can also promote critical thinking and encourage students to have more empathy as they try to understand different points of view. One can disagree and still remain respectful and we as teachers can model that effectively.
Setting the correct tone at the commencement of class is vital to how the rest of the session goes. Get that wrong and it can hard to bring it back together again.
I teach vocational education and my students are distance students. They often require additional feedback, time and patience as they don’t have the luxury of face to face learning environments. When they are on their work placements I make an effort to let them know that I am there to help, support and guide rather than assess. It makes them feel a lot more comfortable and I believe when a student is at ease then you do get the results you are looking for more often than not.
I agree with your workplacement approach Sophie. I have always found students do better through a warm, supportive approach which allows them to relax more and do their best rather than focus on behaving in a certain way.
In the classroom, respect is a two-way street. I teach on a first name basis, there has to be some form of order so that everyone in the classroom can be productive and has some level of respect. This is usually provided by a negotiated framework in the first lesson of expected behaviours, attitudes and treatment of peers and the teacher. It is up to everyone to maintain a healthy classroom environment.
I work in both vocational education – currently online; and in the classroom with primary school children. My approach is the same – be honest and good humoured. As well as trying to know the content of what you’re teaching/delivering! If students – whatever their age, see that you are ”real’; admit when you make a mistake etc, then they too will usually respond to you in a more authentic way. My personal ‘catch phrases’ are to be consistent; approachable; flexible in my teaching approaches – if it’s not working, change it; and establish a relationship with the students in… Read more »
Hi Sharyn
Thanks for these comments. I think you make a really good point about authenticity – admitting we make mistakes as teachers not only encourages students to see us as humans, but also models how they can deal with mistakes – so if we make a mistake or fail, nest time we can do better.
I Teach at TAFE in a trade class with Flexible delivery so have many different age groups and demographics. I create a time through out the day for students to share a stories of the week that may have happened in there workplace. This shows that even though they work in different areas that some of the same situations happen. This has proven to encourage respect throughout the students and encourage different friend groups.
I like this idea and will use this for future sessions! Thanks Brenda.
Establishing a classroom of mutual respect where all feel safe, having a trusted environment that creates a good space for learning and personal development. My teaching is based on the principles of inclusiveness. This involves modelling, turn taking, encouraging active learning, cooperation, peer interaction, sharing of relevant experiences, providing prompt feedback and positive reinforcement.
It is important to be genuine, authentic ( your actions match your words), consistent in your approach and patient. I am open to sharing appropriate aspect of my own life experience and learning from my students.
Joy I really like what you have said and strive to create the same in my classroom. Thank You.
Inclusiveness is so important – thanks for bringing that up. I think as teachers we all try to show that we value each person in our classes by making them feel included. I love that you spelt it out the strategies so clearly – it’s giving me more food for thought about what I actually do.
I agree with what you say–it is important to treat each person in the classroom with the same acceptance and equanimity, providing an opportunity for everyone to contribute in a positive way.
Joy this is fabulous and exactly what I aim to do as well
Joy, this is so well written and I agree that inclusiveness should be at the heart of teaching. Consistency is the key and helping students to develop their resilience should be considered in our actions.
Joy, we have a similar approach to teaching. I particularly like the creation of a “safe place” for learning, modelling and positive reinforcement. “Your actions match your words” is a good explanation of authentic behaviour. Patience is a gift wrapped in calm, confidence and respect. Thanks Joy.
I teach ESOL for adults and my students are always very polite and respectful however i feel most respected when a student makes the effort to arrive in class on time and try their hardest to complete tasks in class and feel comfortable enough to ask an array of questions. I find if I can share some of the hectic parts of my life outside of class with my students then they can relate a little bit better to me and feel more comfortable in class.
Yes Alanna building rapport with your students is so important and they see you as a real person and are more willing to engage then in the learning process.
Firstly i teach adult migrants and refugees English. They can be young adults right through to in their sixties. I feel respected when: my students interact warmly with me and engage in the activities I have prepared for class. This may mean joining in and completing the activity or asking questions for clarification so they can join in more effectively, or asking why they should complete the activity in a productive way. i feel respected when we interact as equals I guess as it shows they see me as human and someone they are comfortable with. I have encouraged respect… Read more »
What a great example you set, There’s a lot to be said for modelling the behaviour you wish to receive back.
Hi Keryn
This is a compelling post – I think seeking out positives regardless of the story really helps to establish a positive and inclusive classroom context!
Respect for me is a 2 way street and I feel if I show a student that I will listen and be flexible with their learning then in turn they will respect and listen to me and engage in the learning.
I agree being approachable and providing a role model are important in gaining respect.
Agreed. We reap what we sow.
Respect is key for the building relationships with students, when students feel respected for who they are, they feel safe and secure and are willing to take risks to learn and strive for their goals.
I agree Cassie that students feel safe as the relationships builds and the respect comes along then too.
I agree when you have a respectful class students reach their goals in a supported environment which gives them a positive learning experience.
Respect – sounds easy but you do have to work at it. Your wording makes me want to make sure I do this each and every lesson.
I agree Cassie, without trusting relationships where students feel comfortable and valued then they will not be confident in striving for those goals
I feel most respected when my students are actively listening and/or engaged in their lesson. I always find that if you have a sense of humour with your students and allow them to have one with you, it always results in a positive and respectful relationship. Some students like to test boundaries, so with those more “difficult” students I always allow them to, within reason. By allowing students to feel like they have a little control and by being flexible with them it helps build a positive rapport. I also start everyday on a positive note and never take into… Read more »
Hi Jessica I love your comments. i totally agree about humour and flexible boundaries being important to building respectful relationships with students – it is a give and take situation. We can certainly all have good and bad days and if i want to be ‘forgiven’ for mine i need to set the example for that. (not that i allow my bad days to encroach on my classes very much of course!)
Thanks for the thoughtful input (:
I agree with your sentiments. I also find that students will respect the fact that you don’t have an answer for everything, but are willing to collaborate on finding one. I also find that there is a positive reaction when you acknowledge that a student may have more expertise or knowledge on a particular topic, and you encourage them to share this with others in the classroom.
I agree that a sense of humour helps students to stay engaged and also allows us to build those relationships to develop that level of trust and respect . I think testing boundaries is appropriate behaviour, and second chances should be given within reason. Respect should go both ways, all people in our communities deserve respect, how can we teach this without practicing it?!?
Jessica, I particularly like your point about letting students gain a sense of control. Your learning environment sounds jolly and safe with boundaries set. Those boundaries can be challenged, as they are clearly defined. A sense of humour is essential in learning environments. Positive rapport is based on mutual respect and I hope my classes have it. Thanks Jessica.
I feel respect when students actively participate in discussions, activities etc. When I start with a new group, I endeavour to learn everyone’s names as soon as I can (I think this helps to show my respect to them). I am also passionate in my teaching area which I feel comes across in my lessons. Showing students that I want to be there and being open and approachable, I feel also helps with respect.
Exactly, I think it is so important to put that effort into learning the students names. Otherwise they can feel quite inadequate or ignored if they feel like their teacher doesn’t know who they are. Calling a student by their name definitely is an important starting point in showing respect. I will add to this though that I believe it is highly important to ensure you are also pronouncing a students name correctly. Otherwise they can feel like they are being dismissed or disrespected. Making that effort shows you care.
I agree Lorraine that learning their names as quick as we can and also total feel that the passion we have comes across and they then engage as the trust in that we are there to support and help them with honestly comes across. keep them involved and include is also a key.
I sometimes feel that I’ve been passed over. By that, I mean that the Boomers gave respect to their elders and got their “expected” respect from their “juniors” but what do we gen X’ers get? Nada, zip and nothing….unless we earn it. But I’m OK with that because I know its not the millennials fault that they are what they are. They grew up and were taught in a very different world. It certainly helps to have a lot of empathy to both sides though.
We have to remember as teachers we are guides and mentors. We are assisting our students, who are people on their road to their destination We must respect them to the choices they make, whether to be successful or not to, study or not to study, and respecting them by not pushing them, but guiding them and leading by example The ‘treat people as you want to be treated’ catch phrase is one to be focused on as a teacher to a student and hopefully it is reciprocated by your student, but to be mindful they are from a different… Read more »
It is a not easy to intervene when our students make choices which may not help them in their future. I guess the challenge is how to help them in making the right choices.
i found it an interesting session, but wondered how much culture and personality affects teachers’ sense of respect. I definetely do not feel i need many of the outlined practices to feel respected by my students, despite my advancing age!
i think one thing i have always included in my teaching is “authenticity”, and i feel this greatly promotes respect. I have always beliefed that everyone should ask why, and not simply accept “general wisdom” without question, which i think also promotes respect
Laura, I remember when I first stared in a new college and my line manager had a go at me because students were calling me by my first name, and not Mr. I don’t see myself as a teacher, but as a mentor and guide.
Students respect you for the way you treat them.
I also agree with your authenticity and allowed to question…. are we always correct ??
Are we open when we make mistakes?
I had a similar experience but with a full-time (senior) teacher and I was a new part-timer. He insisted on being called Mr W… in class “but if they see me in the street, they can call me what they like.” From day one I allowed students to call me by my first name and I got on quite well with the students to the point that one particular student hated Mr W… and vice versa, but the student liked and got on well with me. I’m sure personality has something to do with it too but it certainly helped… Read more »
Yes i agree being authentic is very important in developing relationships with students
Hi Laura,
Your comments are certainly prompting some excellent responses! I am in my sixties and like you i felt i aligned more with the post-modern mindset. i guess some of us change with the times more easily and yes it probably comes down to personality or experiences.
Like you i am a big fan of authenticity and questioning……probably because i am a questioner myself. i think a lot of what goes wrong in the world is because people didn’t question so i it is important that part of students learning is that thoughtful questioning is a valid behaviour/response.
The biggest sign of respect is when both students and teachers show interest in each other beyond the required content….simple questions such as “how do you feel about this” or “what are your thoughts” that are coming from an inquisitive intention rather than an authoritative are key starters to building trust.
great suggestion Jodie, I think that is an important starting point, and one that greatly supports trust
Yes, something I didn’t touch on in my response but trust is definitely highly important in gaining your students respect. It is always important to give your students the opportunity to reflect on how they felt about their learning. Not only does it show you value their opinion it also shows students how to value and respect themselves.
I feel respected by my students when they engage with the lesson and actively participate. I try to earn their respect by listening to them and showing interest in their lives outside of the classroom.
I feel respected by students when I see that they have been actively listening and engaging, then ‘putting into practice’ the skills i have just demonstrated to them. Ie. The fundamentals of using a camera like a professional photographer
This is one of the many reasons i love teaching
Adam you sound passionate about your teaching, I believe that students pick up on that passion in a classroom which contributes to the respect that students have for their teacher.
I feel respected when students actively engage and participate in activities. I find asking students to present to the rest of the group about areas where they have interest and knowledge builds increased respect within the group.
hi Fiona, interesting strategy. how do you feel this accomodates for those students that are anxious or shy or otherwise reluctant to engage in classroom activities?
My experience is your generation is an influence on the way you learn but not as much as your personality. I am often surprised how placid younger students are in relation to their involvement.
I love this……personality plays such a big role in being an effective teacher
I feel respected by my students when they are engaged and actively participate in classes. I feel I have encouraged respect from my students by getting to know them, remembering things they have said in future conversations, for example if a child was sick, where they work, stories they’ve told. I always ask about their experiences in relation to the topics in class, which is an important part of adult education. I am not concerned with titles as a sign of respect, especially in an adult learning environment.
Barb, I think the getting to know your students as people is key to respect. If they know you care, they respond. I try and do the same, and even years later if i bump into them try and remember something about them. The learning content is interesting to pass on, but relationships with people is a deeper experience to be enjoyed
I agree Barb, being personable is an easy thing to do and it helps to give you something in common with your students when you can find out more about them.
A mutual respect can be a challenge to achieve with many learners and teachers who have had negative previous experiences.
A discussion about “learning luggage” with both facilitator and learners is a good way to clear the air and set both parties expectations
I teach at TAFE and have had lots of positive experiences with all generations in relation to respect however it’s interesting that a cross-generational class (I have baby boomers; gen X and gen Y but not yet any gen Z) and they too find some challenges working together when they share different values however respect for each other has been apparent after ironing out a few issues. My experience has shown that being real with your learners enables them to experience a learning environment where they feel safe and comfortable to test new ideas etc.
Yes I would agree with your comments as an adult educator – being present in the moment and genuine about content is important to all learners
contextualization of content (especially the dry boring stuff) is a good way of connecting with learners I own up to WHS legislation being a bit of a snore fest but totally applicable in health industry
As a TAFE teacher, I can relate to this. It is interesting to see the different values that comes with each generation.
Yes…..students can easily see through you when you are not being real and this does nothing to build trust in a relationship….let alone respect.
Deb, this is often challenging with mixed groups of learners but acknowledging difference and learning about each other definitely builds each students confidence.
I teach at TAFE and I feel respected by my students when they are enjoying what they are learning and engaging with others, plus when the class starts helping other fellow learners if they didn’t get it the first , second or third time. It becomes a team of learning not just a class of learns:) Then we are learning together as we are all in it together:)
A agree Megan, this is a good approach
Great strategies you pointed out Megan.
Fe
Yes I agree with your comment on a team of learning. At TAFE we not only teach a qualification but we teach the skills needed in the workplace, learning and working as a team is one of those skills.
Formal titles can disengage the modern learner. I feel trusted when students acknowledge me outside of class. Students also have a respect when teachers lead by example and do tasks themselves they ask the students to do.
I totally agree with your comment how do we continue to have this hierarchy where teachers are at the top and learners below especially in senior years when we are transitioning to becoming an adult learner
Yes leading by example is a big one thanks David. A good reminder thanks. Adam
Yes, as I TAFE teacher of adults, I have them use my first name rather than a formal title. I do agree that it is important to lead by example.
There are have been a lot of changes in regard to respect in the past 10 years. I feel the formal title are definitely a thing of the past. As we as teachers need to change some of our practices in regard to the 7 Languages for respect to adapt to the millennial student, it will be a difficult task to gain respect from these students who don’t want to be in the classroom.
In saying this I feel I have respect from most of my students as i do engage with them and Listen to any issues they have
Absolutely correct! What do you do about students who do not turn up in the class? The belief that the future is always going to be rosy is partly responsible for this attitude. I believe the parents need to play their role. This is real challenge for the society.
For me it isn’t about the use of formal titles or students demonstrating that they trust me. Trust needs to be earned over time – its a measure of success in any relationship. Even as a baby boomer I have never had respect for titles. Respect has come from actions. So I just assume that it is the same for students, particularly given that I work in vocational and higher education. The other points, for both students and teachers, are simply what I would expect of a professional relationship. I am mindful not to make assumptions based on a person’s… Read more »
I agree Stephen – formal titles have always had a 19th century feel to me; I guess it depends on your upbringing though – I do recall my grandmother addressing her closest friends as Mr and Mrs… To me I found that quite impersonal though they were offended if they were addressed by their first names. I don’t group learners into any category, I believe they each come with their own strengths and desires for improvement.
I agree with your comments Stephen, trust is earned over time.
I’m a gen X’er and always thought respect should be earned and go both ways despite my upbringing So I suppose some of this applies to me too. I can see both sides perspective.
I feel respected when my students are confident to approach me as an individual to ask questions, share a story or just general chat. As I deliver online and face to face this comes in a few different ways i.e. phone, f2f or via email. When we have workshops we ask our students to raise their hands if they have done something be it negative or positive and as a teacher I will raise my hand especially when it is a negative. I do this because I want to show that at some stage I didn’t know and I made… Read more »
Hi Adora,
I also teach across both F2F and online environments and I agree that it is about trying to create an environment where learners feel confident and safe to communicate openly. Establishing your own vulnerability does help in this process. I think of it as trying to create a relationship more akin to a mentor that aides in building that trust and safe environment.
I feel respected by the students when they input and engage in what we are learning about. When they share their experiences on the topic being learnt as this demonstrates that there is a level of trust and relationship for a student to be willing to share. When they have listened to what you have said and can engage with the content being taught and formulating idea and knowledge on the subject. I have found that greeting students warmly has had a great impact as it values them as a person, builds relationship and sets the tone for learning in… Read more »
Alison I agree understanding the students driving reasons to learn can build an instant respect. Once you know why they want to learn and acknowledge that the respect runs both ways.
It is difficult to gauge my students respect as I deliver flexibly, however when they contact me by phone or email to not only ask questions relating to their studies, but to also share some aspect of their lives, I feel I have gained their trust and respect.
Hello Kaye,
I’m am in a very similar situation as our delivery is blended, f2f and online. I can relate to your comment as I have student engage with me about their day-2-day life as well as questions about their assessments or learning content.
Kaye it is more complex to gain respect when not face to face. I agree showing interest in things beyond the classroom helps build trust and respect.
I work as a Support Teacher with students who have low literacy and numeracy. I always greet my students and begin by asking and listening to their stories and lives outside the classroom. I give them feedback is they are asking for questions that don’t necessarily relate to their intended activity. If they arrive late for class, I genuinely ask them to try next time to be on time. When working with them I work through their assignments, asking if they understand what they are asked. I approach each student as an individual, so being support is an added part… Read more »
Maureen I think this approach is wonderful and I follow this way as well in my delivery environment. It really helps learners as they just want to be engaged on there level and things to be clear for them to understand. As all students have barriers with learning and if we understand them then they will continue to learn and we will be able to then prepare them for there career pathway.
I teach in adult education, and am reflecting on my relationships with the students. I work at developing this relationship by listening when they share stories – and sharing some of my own. Taking the first step is worthwhile – and gives a positive example of how to show respect. I don’t want to assume that the students know what respect looks like – or that they will know what it looks like to my generation.
I am in the same situation as you Neryl, one of my students introduced me to her sister as her second mum, with giving her guidance and putting her on the right track
I am in a similar teaching position to Rebecca-although I do not have a degree but have been in Vocational Training and assessing for over 10 years. I have found that not being “above” anyone, and treating each student as equal as the next, engaging each student and being more their friend rather than teacher-does earn respect with the students. Especially if you can relate to them or their industry, I have found that students are more open and vulnerable with me.
It’s good that you can engage each student this way Carol. Being more their friend is quite a different concept for me, particularly in view of the complex rules surrounding us as teachers (eg code of conduct and not being friends on social media etc). I wonder if the Gen Ys have an expectation that if you are a friend in the classroom you should also be a “social media” friend? I agree building the relationship to earn their respect supports the experience both ways. Good point.
I teach adult students who are very diverse – from language issues to already having a degree (yet I am a TAFE teacher). Each semester I try to engage the students into the learning by sharing their experiences and taking an interest in them including their learning issues they may have. I think the key is seeing the students as individuals.
This is so true Rebecca! Totally agree
Hi Rebecca,
Seeing learners as individuals is absolutely the approach to earn their respect, I agree. I think one of the issues we have had, at all levels of education, is the sheer number of learners that we deal with which makes this individual interaction more difficult than it needs to be. Shortening course or qualification lengths has also contributed to this issue, particularly in vocational education.
I totally agree with you Rebecca, as a TAFE teacher myself, there are so many diversity’s we come across. There are some students that don’t want any form engagement from us
Absolutely agree with your comments Rebecca, respect and trust does not come from a persons title or educational status, rather your ability to communicate with the students, support and assist them with their education and most importantly treat them as an individual respecting their learning needs and capabilities.
Recognising that everyone is an individual is so true. Totally agree.
I feel respected when I see students participating in class activities and engaging in the discussion or learning. I always encourage my students to present or share their views and thus be an active and engaging learner. I also listen to their stories and experiences and try to be friendly with them. I have noticed that it develops a good and trust worthy relationship between me and my students.
Yes Sujeet this works great in my classes too!
Thanks for sharing Sujeet! I can see that your underlying core value is to respect the students for who they are and what they have to input into learning in your classroom. I too love when student actively engage in what you are teaching them whether they agree or not with the concept you are teaching they are thinking through it for themselves! I can see trust and relationships are at the core of your teaching with your students which is so fundamental and great to see!
I feel respected by students when knowledge and skills in the classroom is acquired/developed through two-way communication. Students have trust in the teacher and are willing to share their experiences and ideas.
Agreed, I have students will like you if you are open to them in sharing experiences and ideas.
I feel respected by students when there has been a development of trust within the cohort of students and myself. Delivering content to high school students who come together from many different public and independent schools, creates a dynamic and sometimes confronting environment for many of them . By showing a genuine interest in their individual lives , hopes and educational outcomes helps develop a cohesive and supportive environment for all of the students to thrive in . Sharing information about myself enhances this process. A positive indication of respect for me is when the students begin to use my… Read more »
I agree with Fiona that trusts is a key in building relationships between students and their teacher. I am a baby-boomer, but I strongly believe that trust has to be earned.
It can take a while to build this relationship, but I feel respected and connected when the quiet students are prepared to ask a question and take part in class discussions. As Micheal has mentioned in an earlier session, these quiet ones often have the best ideas!
I agree with Brigid- when an introverted student builds their confidence to participate in a classroom discussion , it demonstrates that they feel secure , connected and are in a safe environment.
Thanks Brigid, you have made me more aware of the ‘quiet students’ that i teach and to make it my goal to get them engaged more in class….i too have noticed that when a ‘quiet student’ does muster up the courage to ask a question, it is always a good one that benefits the entire class. Best Adam
This is a shocker: content that seems incredibly patronising to an educator who has practiced reflective practice.
Moreover, there is no such word as ‘disrespected’.
Students respond to good teaching; respect is not a dirty word. And there is nothing wrong with being respectful to your elders: they might even know something.
I think that wee need to look at respect from the students’ perspective and make the necessary adjustments to earn it.
My student are of high special needs, with no or limited oral communication skills : In regards to respect, I (teacher) would use strong body language to enforce Joy, or sadness (disappointment);
If the student has a communication device software in the I pad, then i would use what ever icon they would have available on the i pad to acknowledge good choices and or inappropriate choices.
I feel respected by my students when they engage in class and participate. I have implemented giving students responsibilities within the classroom and I am open and vulnerable with them in sharing some experiences to illustrate the concepts I am teaching. I also show an interest in them personally.
I believe each teacher can only judge their class (students) and find out what works for that group of students. I agree with your response above, for your current students
Being able to be ‘vulnerable’ in a professional way with one’s students, is a tangible way to build relationships. Students love it when the teacher makes a mistake!
Well said, active class room gives so much satisfaction to teacher that is much more that feel respected
Thanks Nanette! I love the idea of giving students responsibilities within the classroom, it would be different level of responsibilities at different stages of learning. I have found teaching Kindy or infants classes they love being involved and being ‘helpful’ yet it is different as they like to have more say in how things are run, own it more for themselves. I love that you reach out to them individually as each child has different interests, experiences and ways of connecting. I also appreciated your vulnerability with your kids so they can get to know you too!
I acknowledge the changes to our teaching space in regards to the younger cohorts of students and the challenge that his has created in my practice, I had a student in a 2019 class ask Siri on her phone to define discrimination after we had discussed what discrimination is and looked at examples of it in class etc. She duly wrote down the definition provided by Siri rather her own definition from our class discussions. This is a challenge for teachers (myself included) who have not understood some of the concepts that this training so clearly identifies about the differences… Read more »
Sounds like you did a great job in incorporating what this student did by acknowledging it. I think that a little acknowledgement of the younger generation goes a long way.
I had an overseas student who seemed to be distracted on his mobile but he was actually looking up the translation of a technical word that had come up in a class discussion. It gave me more respect for him that he was making this sort of effort, rather than just tuning out of the discussion, which can so easily happen.
You were phased with an interesting challenge when Siri is seen as the “Truth” . I thought you handled it very well by showing flexibility as incorporating this into the learning for the group. It would have been a good lesson for the group.
I agree with Liona – Having them submit feedback at the end of lessons/ modules shows their respect and interest in what you are doing…
I agree Lydia – I rely of that feedback to really reflect on what I do, and the tools and techniques used in my teaching.
Building rapport and positive open communication is key to how I approach teaching. If you can have a laugh with students, be quirky, be enthusiastic and supportive and take a genuine interest in their ideas and lives – then the teaching is easy…retention rates and class attendance is always a good indicator of how you are going too.
I agree Lydia, open communication and a flexible relaxed outlook where we can have a laugh and enjoy the learning experience are essential to learning, as is the building of rapport with students and understanding the challenges they may face both in and out of the classroom.
I agree with Lydia-establishing good communication channels through open dialogue , seeking their individual opinions on the content being delivered and remaining open to new ideas all contribute to a cohesive and happy learning environment.
I agree with your approach Lydia – it is what I try to do with my classes (though I am not very quirky) but I still try to be authentic by showing my enthusiasm and interest in their learning – it makes teaching much more rewarding for the teaching and the students!
I agree Lydia. Building this rapport is important and everything follows on from there.
Lydia, this is the only reason why I attended my geography class back at school. The teacher was quirky, enthusiastic and a great support for all the students including me. He really loved his subject and allowed his personality to come through, had stories and listened. I’m sure in this day and age he would be adored by more students than he was back when I was in school.
Totally agree Lydia, absolutely paramount to built that rapport and have the channels of communication open when teaching. Past experience has shown me that allowing students (and myself) time to interact on a personal basis during class builds respect between all parties. Demonstrating a genuine interest in them as individuals also
contributes to a cohesive group who are willing to support and assist one another, leading to their eventual successful learning outcome.
Humour is very important. It helps break the ice and bring people down to the same levels.
I feel respected by students when they feel that they are safe to come to speak to me. I feel respected by students when they follow simple instructions, such as hand in assessments when due. I feel respected when they contribute and share in class. I feel respected when they show up on time.
I feel respect from student when they are polite and don’t interrupt.