It can be difficult as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) to gain the respect of your students. They may see you as inexperienced, and they will certainly test your limits. But, gaining the respect of your students is so important if you want them to learn and grow in a positive environment. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to earn the respect of your pupils quickly and effectively.
Why gaining the respect of your students is important
When I first started out as an ECT, I was obviously very nervous. I had been in school for so long and all of a sudden, I was the one responsible for a whole classroom of students. One of my biggest concerns was whether or not the students would respect me. After all, I was still young and inexperienced compared to some of their other teachers.
However, I quickly realized that gaining the respect of your students is one of the most important things you can do as a teacher. If they don’t respect you, they won’t listen to you or take your class seriously. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to earn their respect. These are the things that worked for me:
Modelling Respectful behaviour: What actions show respect for your students?
When you are a new teacher, it is so important to model respectful behaviour. We need to think about what actions show respect for our students. For example, when you are sitting in your chair and a student walks in, you should stand up to greet them. This action shows that you respect them as an individual and puts them on your level.
Another way to show respect is through eye contact. When you are talking to a student, make sure to look them in the eye and really listen to what they are saying. This lets them know that you value their thoughts and opinions. Lastly, be consistent with your expectations for respectful behaviour from your students.
If you model respectful behaviour yourself, they are more likely to follow suit. By creating a respectful environment in your classroom, you can create a positive learning experience for all involved. It is so easy to allow your standards to slip, but remember the children are always watching.
Listening and responding: How can you listen to and respond to your students in a respectful way?
Listening to and responding to your students is important. We need to use respectful language with them. I once had a teacher who would always say “you guys” and it would get on my nerves. I understand now that she didn’t mean anything by it, but at the time, I thought she was being disrespectful.
It’s important to be aware of the language you use with your students and to make sure that you’re using language that is respectful and inclusive. One way to do this is to avoid using gendered language, such as “you guys” or “ladies and gentlemen”. Another way to be respectful is to avoid making assumptions about your students’ backgrounds or experiences. For example, don’t make assumptions about what they know or don’t know, or about how they will feel about certain topics.
Ask them questions and really listen to their answers. And finally, don’t hesitate to apologize if you make a mistake. We all make mistakes, and our students will appreciate our willingness to admit when we’re wrong. By listening to and responding to our students in a respectful way, we can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for everyone.
Being firm and consistent: Why it’s important to be firm and consistent with your students
It’s important to be firm and consistent with your students. They need to know what to expect in different situations. So if you say you’re going to do something, make sure you follow through. If you say you’re going to send a child out of the classroom but never do, you’ll lose credibility and the student will likely continue misbehaving.
Remember that every child is different, so you need to tailor your approach accordingly. Some students respond well to strict discipline, while others need a more nurturing environment. By understanding the needs of your students, you can create a positive learning environment for all.
Building relationships: How building positive relationships with your students can help you gain their respect
As a teacher, it’s important to build positive relationships with your students. After all, they are the ones who will be spending the majority of their time in your classroom. But how exactly can you build positive relationships with your students? Well, one way is to simply get to know them.
Learn their names and try to engage them in conversation. Another way is to be consistent in your expectations and follow through with your consequences. This will help your students to trust you and respect you as an authority figure.
Finally, try to create a warm and welcoming environment in your classroom where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. By building positive relationships with your students, you can gain their respect and create a more enjoyable learning environment for everyone involved.
Gaining the respect of your students is important, but it can be difficult. However, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success. First and foremost, model respectful behaviour yourself. Secondly, be firm and consistent with your expectations. And finally, try to build positive relationships with your students. By following these tips, you can create a respectful and positive learning environment for all.
FAQ
How can an ECT earn respect quickly in the classroom?
There is no one answer to this question, as every child is different. However, some things you can do to increase your chances of success include modelling respectful behaviour yourself, being firm and consistent with your expectations, and building positive relationships with your students.
What should an ECT focus on in their training years?
There is no one answer to this question, as every teacher’s needs are different. However, some things you can do to increase your chances of success include studying child development, learning effective teaching strategies, and gaining experience in the classroom.
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