Importance of respect in classroom behavior managment

By Allyssa Ambrosio
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
November, 2010

Today’s class was a very good one. I liked that today we took a break from taking notes via power point. Usually all my classes consists of a teacher showing slides and me copying them down. Today in class we were handed “fortune cookies.” The lesson consisted of us students going around the room reading our “fortunes.” Our fortunes were statements about teaching regarding behavioral problems. It was nice to be able to have such an open discussion in class. We all voiced our opinions and everyone was respectful.

I think this is because Professor Boyanton set up a community of respect on the first day of classes. I think it is important to set standards and expectations as soon as school begins. I think this is important because if students know what is expected of them they can make the decision to withdraw or make the proper arrangements to follow the rules. If students are aware of the rules they know what they can and cannot do. This is also important because if a student misbehaves they know they are in clear violation of the rules. They cannot use the excuse “I didn’t know.” Setting rules and enforcing them are two different things. Just because rules are established does not mean a teacher follows them. When teachers fail to enforce rules they might as well hand the class over to the students. All rules need to be enforced. Of course there are exceptions to rules. For example if a student is having medical problems or problems at home, rules can be bent. I believe strongly that teachers need to investigate the deeper problem when students are acting out. For the most part, a few misbehaviors aren’t something I would worry about. If a student is continuously acting out there is most likely a deeper problem. Teachers need to be aware of all the goings on in their students lives. Allyssa Ambroedo 11/23/10