The importance of respecting students' human dignity.
KSA 8
My top priority when teaching a class is to make everyone feel safe, comfortable and respected. Maintaining student dignity in class is extremely important to create a positive learning environment. I do this by treating all students with respect and by setting clear expectations for all students to treat each other with respect and dignity.
In grade 3 some students have difficulties following classroom rules. When talking with these students I never raise my voice or make them feel embarrassed. I always get the class settled, then talk to that students privately and calmly. I give them different positive choices, and then walk away for them to make their decision. If they have made the decision not to pick one of the options I have given them, then we discuss the consequences. During this process, I always treat that student with dignity.
In science class we often dissect animals to learn about the structures and functions of the human body. Before we begin to dissect the animal I always have a discussion with my students about treating the animal with dignity. Dissection is only for scientific purposes, and not to mutilate the animal in inhumane ways.
When I teach evolution in Biology 20, I know that students have differing opinions about the topic. Before this can potentially cause conflict in my classroom I discuss the importance of having the right to believe in anything and judging others beliefs is not allowed. I clearly stated that we would be learning about the facts of evolution and that believing in evolution is another topic completely.
In grade 3 some students have difficulties following classroom rules. When talking with these students I never raise my voice or make them feel embarrassed. I always get the class settled, then talk to that students privately and calmly. I give them different positive choices, and then walk away for them to make their decision. If they have made the decision not to pick one of the options I have given them, then we discuss the consequences. During this process, I always treat that student with dignity.
In science class we often dissect animals to learn about the structures and functions of the human body. Before we begin to dissect the animal I always have a discussion with my students about treating the animal with dignity. Dissection is only for scientific purposes, and not to mutilate the animal in inhumane ways.
When I teach evolution in Biology 20, I know that students have differing opinions about the topic. Before this can potentially cause conflict in my classroom I discuss the importance of having the right to believe in anything and judging others beliefs is not allowed. I clearly stated that we would be learning about the facts of evolution and that believing in evolution is another topic completely.