Specify how students can respectfully disagree with you to let them know you are interested in their opinion and to create a better learning environment where students feel free to express themselves.

Goal:
  • Establish a classroom where students can express their opinions.
Reason:
  • The normal power distribution between teachers and students means that students are often hesitant to share their opinion in class.
  • If students disagree with you, they might not realize that they are allowed to express their disagreement or they might not know how to express their disagreement respectfully.
Action:
  • Recognize that all teaching involves a varied distribution of power dynamics.
  • Explain the norms to your class for respectful and acceptable communication.
  • Make sure your students know that if norms are violated, you’ll step in.

More about this tip

External Source
External Source: Interview with Gopinaath Kannabiran