In University we were instructed not to smile until Easter. That way our students would never feel close enough to us to treat us like a friend. It is this kind of rubbish that infiltrates many teacher training lecture rooms. They tell you not to become emotionally involved with your students, but what they are really saying is become emotionally distant.
Students need to see the human face of their teacher in order to respect them. Remember, that there is a big difference between a dictatorial teacher that demands respect and a caring one that commands respect. The best way to manage student behaviour is for them to WANT to behave for you. They must want to gain your approval and respect. The only way to achieve this is to believe in them, set fair expectations for them and be prepared to share a laugh at times.
I stumbled across this wonderful answer to a science question which shows that the student in question had absolutely no idea what the correct answer is, but didn’t want his teacher to think less of him because of it. The teacher’s response to the answer is simply brilliant!
Click on the link to read Would You Want Your Teacher Chair Replaced by a Yoga Ball?
Click on the link to read Worst Examples of Teacher Discipline
Click on the link to read Why Students Misbehave
Click on the link to read Being a Teacher Makes Me Regret the Way I Treated My Teachers
Click on the link to read Useful Resources to Assist in Behavioural Management
Tags: Classroom Management, Education, Fun Stuff, Funny News Stories, Funny Student Test Answer, Funny Test Answer, Inspirational Teachers, s, Science, Student Test Answer
Topical Teaching 
December 24, 2013 at 9:57 pm |
I usually left at least a one sentence comment on student papers. It creates a me-you-we relationship in eyes of kid esp in large classroom where personal interaction is rare. Also letsem know you read their stuff.
December 25, 2013 at 10:06 am |
I bet you found that investment was more than worthwhile in establishing the connections. I am also fairly confident that the great sense of humour you possess was put to good use in the classroom.