Most students don't live in a fantasy world. Teachers and parents
think they do but they really don't. Students realize that life
is NOT fair but they expect to be treated fairly in the classroom.
Fairness in the classroom fosters a sense of unity, pride and it
provides a comfortable environment for learning.

When students realize that a certain instructor has a reputation
for NOT being fair, it casts a pallor over the classroom. Students
will become resentful, belligerent and upset. How can they learn
and perform well if they realize that things are not equitable in
that classroom?

The teacher needs to exhibit an attitude of fairness in order for
the students to learn that same attitude so they can apply it to
their lives. Those students, some day, will display an attitude
of fairness with the people they live with and work with...

Students want to be treated fairly by the other students. Tragic
consequences can take place when fairness disappears from the
school setting and the student's home life as well. Teachers must
stress the importance of fairness in the classroom from preschool
to high school. This can be subtly incorporated into daily
activities and conversations.

Learn more about this author, Susan Kleinhans.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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