Communiy of Respect

By Ellen Carpenter

College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post Campus
September , 2010

I think that the Community of Respect is simple, yet needed in most every class from elementary school up to college years. This exercise can ensure that there are no areas left out, or that a student find a specific behavior offensive, but feels they are never able to voice their opinion about that behavior, whatever it may be.

I found the list that was presented to us is very inclusive and pretty much basic common sense, but students were also encouraged to add to this list which some did add things that others agreed with after they heard the suggestions. I found this to be a great way of communication between the class, and in a way forces the class to act more maturely than they may in other classes. In one of my other classes (not an education class or science class), the teacher obviously never thought to bring this point up to the class, as no one respects others’ opinions, and there is constant talking over each other, even the teacher over the students! I find this to be almost offensive, and impeding on my learning in the class. If I end up dropping the class to take at a later time, that will be the only reason behind my doing so, not for the work load, or assignments. I feel I will not learn anything in this class because of the lack of respect which feels like it’s almost promoted, and my time can be spent doing more productive things, such as work for this class as I feel I can and will take a lot out of this class, as well as other classes I’m taking this semester.

In my opinion, having these rules spelled out is something that may seem almost juvenile, and unneeded, but will come in very helpful not only in the classroom, but in the future with any job a person holds, as there are limits, acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, regardless of what occupation one goes in to; teaching or other.