TEACHERS TOWARD STUDENTS: ON CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
JENNIFER M. ULEP
The classroom environment is the atmosphere of learning that is created by interactions between the teacher and students. It plays a crucial part in the students’ learning process and it is indeed essential for them to learn and develop holistically. However, it is the teacher who is responsible in establishing this environment. When rules exist to limit misbehaviors and disciplinary actions are used as back-up when behaviors get out of hand, the students feel safe and the learning environment becomes much more productive.
Every student is a gem. One of the vital duties of a teacher is to see the greatness and beauty within each student. Many students have already assumed of their inadequacy, and it is incumbent on the part of the teachers to make their students apprehend their immeasurable value and counteract the many messages that they create from their judgments. To have a better classroom management, teachers should love their students unconditionally. By doing so, students are being reminded about their real worth. They also have a great sense about the emotional state of a teacher towards them. Students would know if they are disliked or perceived as a problem by a teacher, even if they will not mention it. In that case, teachers are not meeting their significant responsibility which is to view the greatness and beauty of a student. Remember that inspiration comes in many forms. Praise each student when you can, show them that you believe in their capabilities and push them to their maximum potential as an individual. Positive reinforcements aid in promoting positive behavior which can turn a classroom into a positive learning environment.
Teachers, of course, want respect but respect is earned, not imposed. It will be given if their classroom management is fair. Maintaining a steady and equal system of rules and disciplinary actions set a good rapport between teachers and the students.
The late Miriam Defensor-Santiago once said, “A great teacher does not terrorize ignorant students because they know that it is their job to cure ignorance”. Thus, teachers should always take responsibility for their students- both their learning and behavior.
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The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School