Students who are treated with high expectations and respect will ultimately be more likely to succeed. Through these traits, students can grow in maturity at a faster rate.
Teachers deal with different types of students every day. Throughout the year, they can learn what to expect from the students in their classes. With the level of maturity being low in high school, students can learn how to deal with certain situations when teachers hold them to a certain level of expectation.
Often, adults believe that students aren’t able to handle certain responsibilities. Through students being treated like adults, they can benefit by building confidence. The trust that teachers can give students will motivate them to keep trying new things. Teachers influence students to keep trying, especially when they are trusted. In a study done by Connected Publishing, the idea of students being treated like adults suggested that students held to higher standards show more engagement in classes.
Between students and teachers, there should be respect on both sides. Sometimes, when teachers view students as younger than they actually are, their tone can come off as condescending. This will lead students to resentment or disinterest in the subject. Connections believes that the most effective way to communicate with a student is with clarity, precision, and age-appropriate language. It is also important to communicate what is expected from them.
Although communication can be an important part of this, holding students accountable can improve students’ level of learning. With responsibilities, teens are able to learn how to manage their schedule wisely. Holding them accountable is beneficial for the students because it should motivate them to try harder. For example, when a teacher creates a harder rubric, the students are forced to put in their best effort.
Overall, with higher expectations, a student can achieve more. When there is nothing expected from teens, it is hard to have the energy to actually try. Speaking from being a student at South, I understand the amount of work that has to be put into each class. Something that encourages me to work harder is when there is more expected from me. This all comes from teachers treating us students with a higher level of maturity. In the end, students can only benefit from being treated like adults.
