Inappropriate behavior in a classroom stems from a single issue: respect. Classrooms include different types of people with very different personalities, opinions and backgrounds. Students may or may not like their teacher, and the teacher may or may not like each student. Inappropriate behavior usually occurs when someone, student or teacher, acts disrespectfully towards another person or object in the classroom. Cultivating an attitude of respect can minimize or eliminate inappropriate behavior.
Verbal Respect
Verbal interactions are the most common interactions within a classroom, and they can be the foundation of appropriate behavior in the classroom. Depending on the age of the students, a multitude of disagreements can erupt in a classroom at any given moment. Teachers must monitor such disagreements and assist students in resolving their conflicts respectfully. For example, name calling is an example of inappropriate and disrespectful behavior. Tone of voice is also important when trying to communicate in a challenging situation. Teachers must not use a condescending tone when talking with students. Such a tone invites a disrespectful reaction.
Physical Respect
Physical respect includes respect for the resources within the classroom, such as books, desks, tables, computers, art supplies and white boards. These resources are used by hundreds of students over several years, and they must be preserved as well as possible.
Students and teachers must also respect others' physical bodies by not touching one another in hurtful or inappropriate ways. Eliminating all touch from a classroom is probably unhealthy: the occasional touch on the shoulder or even a hug for a younger student is powerful encouragement. Touches that hurt in any way have no place in a classroom or school.
Attitude
Attitude is a powerful tool for teachers. Students can sense a teacher's opinion of them. Teachers with little confidence in their students show that in their daily attitude. Teachers must give students their complete attention during class, using frequent eye contact and positive body language to demonstrate respect for students.
Students must enter their classrooms with a positive attitude as well, desiring to do their best and give their full attention to class activities. A positive attitude is sometimes hidden in students: by the time learners reach middle school or high school, some may have had difficult academic experiences. A good teacher reaches those students with a combination of encouragement, challenge and respect.
How To Encourage Appropriate Behavior
Because the tone of the classroom stems from an attitude of respect for self, others and physical surroundings, teachers and students can work together to encourage appropriate behavior. When a teacher demonstrates enthusiasm for the subject being taught, students are more likely to perk up to participate in class. When teachers treat students with respect, students are more likely to mirror that behavior with the teacher and with their fellow students. And when teachers treat their classroom resources with care, students are more likely to follow suit.
The Importance of Classroom Management
Every teacher has challenges with students. Some will be more challenging to work with than others, and sometimes teachers will feel that they cannot connect with certain students at all. Some days a group of students may seem to gang up on a teacher--one that the same group may have laughed together with the day before. Teachers must have an understanding of classroom management techniques in order to handle such situations. Classroom management is a set of skills and techniques teachers use to prevent a loss of authority. Such skills are not often taught in teacher preparation programs, making it important for teachers to decide how to handle various stressful scenarios prior to beginning teaching. Connecting with an experienced and successful teacher for mentoring is another way to develop classroom management skills.
