Respect

Respect. How do you define something as big and as powerful as respect? Everyone knows what it is, but is there a single best definition in trying to describe it? To me respect can't be described in a single definition. Everyone has their own opinion, and their own definition of what respect is. To me, respect is basically courtesy. In giving someone respect, you are being polite to someone and are listening to them. You 're not being rude or mean to them if you don't agree with something they say. Your appreciative of what they are doing, and you show it. I think there are different levels of respect as well. For example a student respecting a teacher is a different level of respect than a teacher respecting a student. For example the student is a classroom must have respect for the teacher, and often times it is the teachers job to establish it. The students must know that the teacher is the high authority in the classroom. They ought to listen to him or her, and be courteous towards them. There is a type of respect that is expected in the classroom, for example the students call the teacher Mrs. or Mr. and don't talk back to them, and than there is also a level respect that the teacher needs to earn. I think a teacher can earn the respect of a student by first respecting the students. Even though the teacher is the authority in the classroom he or she needs to give out the same respect to her students as he or she wants to receive. The students opinions are just as important as the teachers, and it is a teachers job to show that they appreciate what the students think. I think respect is so important in a classroom. With out respect, no one will appreciate what someone else is doing, and no one will feel appreciated. If the students don't feel like the teacher gives them respect, than they are unlikely to return it. A class that does not respect a teacher is very unlikely to give the teacher courtesy, and is less likely to listen to them. I think there are several signs that a classroom has respect in it. One example is that the students are listening, and not talking when the teacher is talking. I know sometimes students only listen because of fear of punishment, but generally if a student respects their teacher than they will not talk when the teacher is talking. I feel that a classroom with respect often times has students raising hands and participating more, for they know that the teacher appreciates their opinions and participation. No one is put down for what they think. I think respect in a classroom environment should first be established first through rules, like don't touch your neighbors stuff, don't talk when others are talking, raise your hand, etc. However I also think the teacher must establish respect, by first giving it to her students. A teacher is some sense can demand respect, like making students listen to her and take notes, but that only goes so far. If a teacher tries to earn respect I feel that the students are more likely to give it to him or her.