Respect

Respect has many different meanings. It is a word that is often tossed around and explained in numerous ways. To me, respect means recognizing and excepting differences in people, whether or not you agree with the views of said people. Although a simple statement, it is much easier said than done. Respect is important in every aspect of life, but especially in a classroom setting. Respect should look like students listening to the teacher. It should look like kids attempting to set aside their differences for the greater good. It should look like many different people working for a common goal: making sure everyone is able to be who they are with no discrimination. How often that happens, I'm not really sure. I think it's possible. I've seen it done, but it is definitely tricky. I believe having respect as an important part of the classroom dynamic increases learning and makes it more fun for teachers and students alike. It also brings people closer together in my opinion. The more you respect someone, the better chance you have of wanting and choosing to get to know them and to see why they are the way they are. I think respect is best established in a classroom if the teacher gives respect to the students. The teacher is the "boss" of the classroom, but that doesn't mean that they have the right to make their students' lives miserable. If respect from the teacher is given right from the get-go, I believe it will be much easier to gain respect from the teachers. Leading by example is a very strong tool, especially in classroom situations and with issues such as respect. No matter how you spin it, respect is necessary in all classrooms to allow for a higher level of learning.