Sometimes children think that it’s smart and cool to ridicule other students during classes or even to challenge their teacher’s authority. This behaviour is not appropriate as it may make other children feel humiliated or, as a consequence, your teacher might have to take disciplinary action against you.

Some children violate the classroom norms and make fun of other children if their question to the teacher sounds stupid to them. It is mandatory to maintain classroom decorum and follow some etiquette during classes.

There might be some who think they can show how smart they are by misbehaving with the teacher or by challenging their right to implement policies to discipline the students. This kind of attitude distracts students from focusing on studies during class and it is very disturbing for the teacher too.

There are some steps which you can take and show your teacher that you are a responsible individual who takes responsibility for his/her work and also for maintaining discipline in the classroom.

Be on time

Students who come late into the class usually disturb other students and disrupt the learning environment. Therefore, make sure you are punctual so that you can make the most of the class time.

No whispering

Nothing irritates a teacher and disturbs other students more than cross conversations during lectures. This practice falls in the category of ill-manners. If the teacher has given you a break during lectures, then make sure to talk only with his/her permission in class.

Avoid slangs

Technology has given us advantages as well as disadvantages. With the growing number of social networking sites and apps, the style of conversation — both oral and written — has changed.

Youngsters, and even some adults, are seen using shortened words and even slangs that are inappropriate by any standards. Even if one is sitting with friends, it doesn’t mean you should use words that are impolite. Besides, you should opt for a formal, yet conversational, style to interact with your teachers.

Respect others’ right to learn

Everyone should get a fair opportunity in class to learn and participate. Others might have different ideas than yours or they may (sometimes) give wrong answers to the teacher’s questions. In such situations, your classmates deserve your respect and support, not mockery!

Respect your teachers

You may have different ideas than your teachers but they know more than you. Always respect your teachers’ knowledge and trust their wisdom.

You can put forth your ideas in a respectful manner, but don’t challenge the teacher’s knowledge in a hostile manner. Neither should you challenge the teacher’s right to formulate policies for the smooth running of the course.

Turn in your work on time

Time management is very important in a student’s life. Students who don’t know how to manage their time between outdoor activities, school and homework, often miss deadlines and end up frustrated with grades lower than their potential. So it is better to know your potential and work accordingly.

Come prepared to class

The importance of this has been discussed countless times. Reading beforehand at home has a lot of benefits. This way you not only know something about the lesson that will be taught in class, but it will also make you better prepared to ask those things you don’t understand. This way you will be making the most of your class time and grasping more.

Don’t forget your stationery!

Students who don’t bring erasers, pencils, pens and all the required stationery items to class only add to the disturbance by asking for them repeatedly. It is always wise to check your bag and keep your things according to the timetable before you go to bed every night.

You must realise that every teacher is different. Some might be strict with class timings while others may give you some grace time.

Similarly your classmates may have different ideas that they bring to class. Therefore, you need to respect both your teachers and your classmates. Moreover teachers should be respected as we respect our parents, after all they are working for the benefit of our future.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 3rd, 2018