What is it? Component 2A of Domain 2 is all about the different ways in which showing and receiving respect is key to the learning process. Respect is a learned trait. If a teacher does not show respect to the students they are teaching then the students will not be able to show respect to the teacher. The atmosphere of a classroom needs to be one that supports learning and growth. One way to ensure that learning and growth are taking place is by engaging in respectful behavior.
Why do we need it? Every classroom needs respect and rapport because classroom participation is a building block in a students development of self-confidence. If students are in an environment where they feel they cannot actively participate without being judged then that stunts their self-esteem and learning. On the other hand, if a classroom is built around respect and rapport then the students have the opportunity to participate in an environment where they feel supported and valued. We need to encourage children from a young age to not be afraid to share their ideas and to acknowledge the ideas of others.
What are the elements? There are two elements important to a successful and respectful environment. One element is teacher interactions with students (including both words and actions). The other element is student interactions with other students (including both words and actions). There are some things the teacher must control while others fall on both the students and the teachers. Examples that fall inside the teachers responsibility include promoting fairness in the classroom, showing that they care about and are interested in their students lives, and physical proximity within the classroom. Responsibilities that fall upon both teacher and student include listening to everyone's ideas, encouragement, politeness, body language, taking turns when talking, and respecting one another's backgrounds.
What does implementation look like? Implementing respect and rapport in the classroom should ideally begin on day one. In my own classroom I would begin with having each child complete a little biography about themselves. That way, I could learn about the different aspects of their lives and take an interest in them. I would even focus a lesson at the beginning of the year on the importance of respect by having students complete an activity on the topic. Lastly, I really love the example shown in the picture below where the kids can be reminded of the classroom expectations on a daily basis by looking at the board.
Sources: Danielson Group » The Framework. (2017). Danielsongroup.org. Retrieved 21 September 2017, from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/