As an educator who interacts with students across multiple grade levels, I’ve developed an understanding of behavioral expectations and how they evolve. I’ve often heard teachers compare grade levels, noting differences in maturity and academic performance. However, a concerning trend has emerged in recent years, especially after Covid: many teachers report that students are more disrespectful.
But is this truly the case? Are we witnessing a genuine shift in student behavior, or is this perception shaped by generational differences? Is it simply a case of Generation X educators struggling to connect with the children of Millennials, or is there a deeper issue at play?
The Brookings Institute reports that by September 2023, at least eight states had proposed new policies for school discipline in public schools, with four states already enacting these proposals into law [Perera and Diliberti, 2023]. Many of these policies have lowered both the age threshold and tolerance level for school violence, as well as redefined what constitutes disrespect in public schools.
Could it be that we’re not seeing a rise in disrespect, but rather a shift in how students and teachers perceive each other? Let’s explore 3 possibilities:
1. Routines vs Disrespectful Students
As educators, we often discuss the importance of classroom routines, but how many of us consistently implement them? Students need daily reinforcement of expectations. This doesn’t require a significant time investment, but it does demand consistency. When students see us maintaining consistent expectations, they’re more likely to meet them. Perhaps what we perceive as disrespect is simply a lack of understanding of these routines.
2. Expectations vs Disrespectful Students
Teaching students for multiple years can be a double-edged sword. While it allows for deeper relationships, it can also lead to preconceived notions about behavior. Are some students entering our classrooms believing they’ve already damaged their relationship with us due to past behavior? Are we inadvertently lowering our expectations based on previous experiences? It’s crucial to examine whether our expectations are limiting our students’ potential for growth and improvement.
“Given these seismic shifts, it’s not surprising that some students’ behavior might be perceived as disrespectful, even years after the pandemic.”
3. The Responsibility Shift vs Disrespectful Students
COVID-19 dramatically altered the educational landscape, reshaping students’ lives in unprecedented ways. As schools shifted to remote learning, many students found themselves shouldering new responsibilities:
– Becoming caretakers for younger siblings
– Managing their education independently
– Choosing their own study schedules and environments
This sudden autonomy allowed students to:
– Decide when to study
– Determine how long to focus on tasks
– Choose their study companions (music, friends, or solitude)
However, this freedom came at a cost. The crucial socialization and school habits typically developed during these formative years were disrupted. Students adapted to new learning environments and methods, only to face another abrupt change when in-person schooling resumed.
Given these seismic shifts, it’s not surprising that some students’ behavior might be perceived as disrespectful, even years after the pandemic. Understanding this context can help us approach behavioral issues with empathy and develop more effective strategies to support our students.
In conclusion, while it may seem that students are becoming more disrespectful, it’s essential to consider the broader context. Inconsistent routines, preconceived expectations, and the lingering effects of pandemic disruptions may all play a role in shaping student behavior and our perception of it. As educators, we must remain adaptable, empathetic, and open to understanding the complex factors influencing our students’ actions and attitudes.