Managing the Classroom
Engaging Students in Learning
Indicator 7 - Courteous Climate UETS 2d., 3b.
Effective teachers listen and respond to student questions, require that students listen to each other, encourage cooperation, and model courtesy. They refrain from making any comment that is personally demeaning or embarrassing to a student.
- Develop a sense of community in your classroom and a sense of community within the school.
- Use kind and considerate language when dealing with students. It is inappropriate to use sarcasm, personal affronts, or any distasteful or stereotypical humor.
- INAPPROPRIATE: "We just reviewed this material yesterday, Joe! Did you leave your brain at home?"
- APPROPRIATE: "Since we just reviewed this material yesterday, ask Steve in your group to help you better understand it. If you still need help, see me."
- BEST: "That was difficult material that we reviewed yesterday. Let's talk about it during independent study time."
- Appropriate humor helps create a courteous climate. Any comments or humor, etc. that would be accepted by any group of people are appropriate. Make sure you model acceptable humor so students will understand what is appropriate.
- Greet students at the door with a smile as they enter. Call them by their names. Use please, thank you, and manners regularly.
- Make students feel welcome in your classroom, rather than threatened. Make your classroom a safe haven for students.
- Listen to what students have to say. You expect them to listen to you, extend them the same courtesy. Don't talk while students are talking. Wait until they finish.
- Help students realize that the climate in a classroom also depends upon how they treat each other. Encourage them to listen to each other and make positive comments about each other's work. Students should avoid making demeaning or humiliating remarks about their classmates' abilities, clothes, or appearance.