Respect

Respect. If I were to define respect, I would define it as the understanding and cooperation between one or more people. It's hard to define because it's not really definable, there are so many ways to show and gain respect that there is not one way to define it. However, in the sense of teaching, if children are cooperating and understanding of the teacher, I think it's because they respect their teacher. Yet they might not because teachers can have a cooperative and understanding class by being extremely strict and harsh. In this case, the students aren't respecting the teacher, but are afraid of the teacher. Yet, if the teacher is understanding and cooperative as well as the students, that may be a closer depiction of a classroom of respect.
If I were to look at a classroom in which a teacher and the students were respectful of each other, I would probably describe it as a comfortable environment where everyone is answering questions, the students are not acting up or horse-playing, even if the teacher isn't looking. I would also probably see the teacher being uncritical and not getting frustrated with the students. The teacher would also probably be very hands on and focused on each individual kid. The teacher would not get upset or angry with the students. And finally, if i were to walk into a respectful classroom, I would not feel any tension or uneasiness.
I think respect can make or break a whole year for a teacher and the students. If the students respect the teacher and the teacher respects the students, a lot,lot more can be accomplished than if neither respect each other. Although it is possible to teach a class without the respect of the students and the teacher, it is much more fun and enjoyable if respect is present. I find that the younger children are, the more respect is found in the classroom, and the older children get, respect becomes rare. This makes sense because younger children enjoy learning because teachers make it fun. The expectations are not as demanding and so there is nothing for students to get upset about. Usually children do not have tons of obligations outside of school and they do not get swamped with homework. At an older age, however, there are so many things kids have to do outside of school and students start either loving or hating classes. If teachers don't try to cater to high-schooler's needs and wants, there will naturally be less respect shown towards teachers. Most high school teachers have a set plan and they stick to it, despite the many extracurriculars students are involved with. Also, often times high school teachers do not try to understand high school students because it is difficult. They are going through a lot at this age. This doesn't mean they shouldn't try because I believe the end result would be better for students and teachers.
I think respect is established through giving respect. At the essence of respect is trust. Students must be able to trust that their teacher is not going to assign a huge, awful assignment, or that they are a horribly tough grader. Also, the students need to be able to trust the teacher in areas outside of academics. I believe that respect lies outside of the classroom setting. The feeling goes deeper than homework assignments. The teacher must express a cordial care for his/her students. If the students know the teacher doesn't care about them in any way, shape or form, most likely, the students won't care at all for the teacher, either. Teachers always bring a part of themselves into teaching and if teachers try to expand that part of their teaching, I feel respect will be better accomplished. At the elementary level, respect is a little easier. Basically, being kind and understanding are the two most important qualities a teacher should possess in order to gain respect. Also, to trust in the kids that they won't do something naughty and if they do, not to freak out about it, but talk about it and explain that everyone makes mistakes. When teachers do something that kids cannot predict, outside of the academic level, respect is gained.