Disrespect in the Classroom

By Sara Jamison

Remember when your parents discussed how they walked 10 miles to school and back in three feet of snow? And what about the stories of being slapped with a ruler when they were acting immature? Most teens like us cannot understand how teachers got away with that. In the '90s, that's considered "abuse" - totally forbidden now. The effects of this drastic change in society? Disrespect. Yup, backtalking and rudeness have become so common; it has become our attitude.

Liz Kelty, a freshman, says, "The more behaved students are, the more they will get out of their education." True, but why do we misbehave in the classroom so much? I mean, I highly doubt it's in our genes. A Spanish teacher at a Nebraskan school stated her opinion on the subject.

"I think students say things to a teacher because they [the student] know the teacher is a 'safe' target - the teacher won't hit a student, and, depending on the person and situation, the teacher may offer some solution."

Ever seen movies where the students show so much respect and manners it almost makes you wanna gag? "Yes, sir. No, sir. Thank you. You're welcome." Well, nowadays, if you talked like that to your teachers, they would fall over from shock! They never get that much respect (since it only happens on rare occasions, if at all) so when they do, it's a total surprise.

In my school and many others across the country, discipline has been sliding. Why? Many believe that the teachers are becoming afraid to approach students, since any student could be carrying a concealed weapon. (Concealed weapons are another growing problem for generation X, which could be covered in a coming article.) According to the Florida Department of Education Web Site, 3% of expulsions are caused by disrespect to authorities and/or verbal abuse. "Offenses for which school personnel were reported as victims generally involve verbal abuse."

So what are some solutions to this growing problem? Joy Stortvedt, 15, suggested "a stricter environment with more rules and fewer privileges might be beneficial." Some say it must be a joint effort of both the parents and the teachers to teach the student respect for others. Adult figures should give examples of respectful behavior, and self-respect is also very important. Teachers these days can't be too strict, nor can they be too lenient.

"A little respect would be nice," stated a teacher I was talking to in a chat room. "The students don't have to go overboard, but they could at least treat us with a little respect and kindness, since we are the ones that decide their final grades."

So what's the ultimate solution to this problem? A teacher at Papillion Junior High nailed the solution head on: "Maybe just good manners or common sense."

About the Author:

Sara Jamison may be contacted by email at sarajamison@hotmail.com.

Article courtesy of www.suite101.com.