I’m posting an article that I realize might be a bit controversial or viewed as “old school” when it comes to student-teacher relationships and classroom management. I’m not advocating name-calling or corporal punishment. I am, however, advocating for teachers to be the instructional leaders in their classrooms. There is a fine line between befriending a student and establishing a strong, mentoring relationship. Students need to understand that we care, we have their best interests in mind, and that we will ensure their safety while at school. Instructors must maintain a “professional distance” in order to build those strong, mentoring relationships.
Students must also realize that respect breeds respect. There is never a time when professionalism takes a back seat. Students will test, and those that have experienced repeated school failure are quite often on the defensive. Taking what students say too personally is a downfall of many good instructors. There is ALWAYS a reason behind the behavior; focusing on the underlying cause is the first step in mitigating those behaviors and encouraging mature, respectful replacement behavior.
There is precious little that modern students have committed to memory. They are resourceful, and that's positive. However, it's alarming how few of the students are able to recite a poem, memorize important facts or formulas, or even recall simple math facts when requested. It’s no wonder that they are unprepared for state-wide testing! That is a sad commentary on the state of education, or maybe just a sad commentary on how "soft" today's students have become. Grit, resilience and hard work will lead to success, and it is imperative that we, as educators, instill those work ethics and character traits in the students we serve.
The eight bullet points in the article, “Why Tough Teachers Get Good Results,” highlight some of the things that have been lost in many of today’s classrooms. It’s okay to experience a bit of pain and failure IS an option. When those things happen, the skilled educator responds with corrective action - and THAT is what builds confidence. Showing the students how to pick themselves up and try again is what will, ultimately, serve them well.
I hope you enjoy the read and contemplate how you might use some of the strategies in your personal growth.
Why Tough Teachers Get Good Results
