september 10 assignment

Respect can be very simple.  It just means, to me anyway, that to function in society and with others you have to be consciously aware of the fact that everyone else in the world has feelings, and opinions, and a past, and stories of their own. And that simply because something seems okay to you, that doesn’t mean it will be the same for everyone.  The dictionary defines respect, in terms of another person, as an act of giving particular attention (consideration), or high or special regard (esteem).  Both of those I believe play very well into what respect should look like between students and teachers, and really between all people.  Making the effort or just actively be aware of what you say and how you act is very important, because all people deserve to be treated with respect, just as everyone wishes to be respected themselves, they should in turn respect others.  This goes for students and teachers as well. In order for students to respect their teachers I believe it is equally as important for teachers to have the same level of respect for their students that they expect for themselves.  Without this established respect, the classroom dynamic can be completely thrown off balance, with either the teacher playing the role of totalitarian leader, a dictator of sorts, completely in control with no outside input from any of the students which, although some may argue that that is the best way to conduct a classroom, does not allow for the same level of learning and growth as a classroom in which students feel they can express their feelings and opinions freely and then discussion and eventually mutual understanding can take place.  On the other hand, a classroom where the teacher has lost control is never really a pretty sight.  I key to all of it is really just to establish the fact that the teacher really does respect and have the best interests of all the students in mind, that they are there to help and allow the students to succeed. Because in a world where young people are discredited almost immediately simply because of their age, an environment in which they feel as though they can have a voice and be important is a really vital thing.  So if the classroom has the potential to be that place for them, which I believe it should be since they are required to be there anyway, then it absolutely should be.