Relationship Between Respect and Classroom Management

It is good for me to substitute other classes during my conference period, because it gives me a perspective on how other teachers are handling or mishandling their classrooms.

Today I covered an Algebra class of 9th graders.  It was first period and many came in late.  Many had electronics in front of them, and were chewing gum or eating.

My classroom management would allow none of this if I were the regular teacher.  When it comes to things like gum, phones out, mp3 players, game boys, etc., they are a huge distraction and in my discipline system none of that is even allowed to be visible.

Many teachers seem to think that this does not directly affect instruction, so it is easier just to let it go.

A better question to ask is, “Does this work for or against what I am trying to accomplish in the classroom?  Does this help or hinder classroom concentration and the educational process?”

Several teachers at my school say they don’t like it, but have given up the battle!

So now students are dictating the rules and curriculum in some schools.

What happens whenever you lose ground this way is that you may think you have a temporary victory by not confronting a student, who may remain quiet as long as they get their way, but you lose the student’s respect whether you realize it or not.  The next time you have to confront them about something ‘more important’, you will get resistance, because the student knows you will back down if it is too much effort.

Keep anything not contributing to academic instruction out of the classroom, and you will gain the respect of your students more quickly.