Good Values and Character of Students

Teachers are the most important element in the classroom. As a teacher, there is a tremendous power to make a student’s life joyous or miserable. In all situations, it is the teacher’s response that decides whether how the learning will be in the classroom.

In our classroom, there are two important relationships happening – the relationship between teacher and student and the relationship between students. Both of these potentially will affect the character of the students. But in what ways will the teacher affect the value and character of our students in the classroom? Is such an impact significant compared to their student peers?

Sadly to say, not all teachers use their impact on the students in positive ways. Some treat students in ways that damage their self- esteem. Personally, I remembered the painful humiliation I felt as a Primary student when a teacher gave me a slap with no apparent reason.

Other teachers err through neglect. They say that it is the task on our discipline group. So they do not have time to try to foster good character and values through their interactions with the class or individual students.

There are others whom I regard as great teachers, who do relate to students in ways that model and nurture character. We have all come across such teachers. What is it that such great teachers do? How do these teachers develop teacher-student relationships that foster values and good character?