Respect:

First and foremost is an intention and effort to develop a climate of respect. That means first establishing  a sense respect from me towards my students.  Then I expect an initial response of respect from students toward me.  I then feel that we all continue to earn that respect through our daily actions.  When there is mutual respect, discipline problems are significantly reduced. Finally I demand respect for the environment within which we are working.  That means being respectful toward and responsible for all components within the environment -- other people, equipment, software, furniture, resources, etc.  As we demonstrate respect for others and our environment we build respect for ourselves.  All of this adds up to a positive self image and comfortable work environment.

In this vein, I accept responsibility to set the learning stage and facilitate the learning.  The way I describe it to my students is that the classroom is a Democratic Dictatorship.  Students are definitely in charge of their own learning. They have an opportunity for success at all times. They are encouraged to explore their options and make decisions about their own learning experiences.  Yet they all know that the final decision and ability to override all student decisions is mine.  The structure of the curriculum and of the learning environment is ultimately my responsibility and my decision.  All of this places me as the "guide on the side."  I like this much better than the "sage on the stage."  Some time ago I somehow came across a quotation that pretty well describes my approach.  You can find it at My Teaching Attitude (opens new page).  Teaching for me is a matter of building self-discipline, life-long learning habits and my role in the process.

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Teaching Strategies

Overall I take a constructivist approach in my teaching strategies.  

                      
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