Being a role model

In education, one principle stands out above the rest: children do what they see you do, not what you tell them to do. This adage underscores the importance of modelling the behaviours we wish to see in our students. As educators, our actions speak louder than our words. Gone are the days when classrooms operated under a strict, fear-based hierarchy. Today, effective teaching is built on mutual respect and understanding. We cannot expect students to respect us simply because of our authority; we must earn their respect through our actions. Treating students with dignity, listening to their concerns, and valuing their opinions are essential components of this modern approach.

Shifting from Fear to Respect

The shift from a fear-based teaching environment to one grounded in respect is crucial. Fear might command obedience temporarily, but it does not foster genuine learning or respect. In contrast, a respectful environment encourages students to engage, participate, and take ownership of their learning. They are more likely to reciprocate respect and develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers. Get to know the kid - ask them what they like, what wishes and dreams they have, find a way to relate to them. Get their parents in for a meeting, with the purpose of getting to know their background more, not to get them in trouble. Be observant of them as an individual. And one key strategy is to learn the students' names quickly. One way to do that is to use a seating plan on a clipboard and make a note every time they ask or answer a question.

Responding to Rudeness

Handling rudeness with grace and patience is a critical aspect of this respectful environment. If we respond to a student's rudeness with similar behaviour, we inadvertently endorse it as an acceptable response. Instead, by addressing rudeness calmly and constructively, we teach students the value of maintaining their dignity and respect even in difficult situations. For example, saying, "I understand you're upset, but let's talk about this respectfully," sets a clear expectation without escalating the conflict.

Remember, we are the adults and they are the children - so we should behave as adults. If we worked in a bank and a customer would be rude to us, we would not scream at them and call them names. Even if they may do that. If pupils are rude, use the behaviour policy and the on-call system available. Do not engage in aggressive confrontation. Go through the process calmly, and let SLT remove the student from the class if that needs to happen to allow all other pupils to continue learning.

Respect and Politeness

To cultivate a respectful and polite classroom, it is essential to demonstrate these behaviours ourselves. Speaking to students with kindness and consideration, even in challenging situations, sets the standard for how they should interact with others. For example, if a student speaks out of turn or uses rude language, responding calmly and politely, rather than with irritation or reprimand, teaches them the importance of maintaining composure and respect in all interactions. If they persist in disrupting, they are being disrespectful not only to you, but to everyone else who is there to learn. It is against the written or unwritten rules of any effective teaching and learning environment and you should not allow it in your classroom. Remember to remain calm as you administer sanctions.

Consistency and Fairness

Consistency and fairness are crucial in building trust and a sense of security among students. When we apply rules and consequences uniformly, we show that we value fairness and equity. This might involve consistently adhering to classroom rules ourselves, such as following the same routines and expectations we set for our students. If we expect punctuality, we must also be punctual. If we value honesty, we must be honest in our dealings with students. With praise and sanctions, I have found the printed seating plan on a clipboard to be effective as I can track how I am delivering these and therefore make it fair. Sometimes we might make mistakes with this, especially if we have already allowed the classroom environment to become chaotic. It is best to nip it in the bud - do not let chaos take over your classroom.

Positive Reinforcement

Encouraging positive behaviour through recognition and praise can be far more effective than punishment. Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, fosters a positive learning environment and motivates students to strive for excellence. For instance, acknowledging a student who has shown significant improvement in their work or behaviour can inspire others to follow suit. But don't forget those who are doing very well day-in day-out. They also deserve praise!

Embracing the Role of a Role Model

Our role as educators is profoundly influential. By embodying the values and behaviours we wish to see in our students, we set the foundation for a positive and productive learning environment. This responsibility is both a privilege and a challenge, requiring us to be mindful of our actions and their impact.