Last week, an intense student altercation took place in the downstairs orange hallway and, unfortunately, multiple teachers were caught in between the conflict. Although the protocol for matters like this is up to par, these events occur too often. It is natural to assume that this sort of student behavior is a product of their environment outside of school. However, it is not the responsibility of teachers to take time away from curriculum to enforce principles of kindness in an effort to prevent such conflicts. More should be done by students to initiate positive interactions with one another.
Teachers have the most direct influence on the education of students. Their jobs entail planning lessons, assessing student understanding of content, grading, record keeping, communication, professional development, and more. These duties alone take a tremendous amount of time in and outside of the classroom. Teachers simply do not have the time to separate students in conflicts that transpire on a basis of immaturity.
Currently, there is a social disconnect among students. Devices such as cell phones and headphones keep students from interacting with one another. In the absence of social interaction, students are not practicing common courtesy and are failing to show respect for one another. This contention is becoming a problem not only among students, but is burdening their superiors as well, as evidenced by the altercation last week.
However, cell phone bans are not the solution. Students must learn appropriate usage of technology and how to balance it with necessary social interactions. Furthermore, cell phone bans would have to be enforced by teachers, who already have a surplus of responsibility. Student leadership is the only feasible way to initiate positive social interactions and enforce principles of kindness.
Because students’ behavior is typically a product of their environment outside of school, students who are fortunate enough to have more positive environments outside of school should take on the responsibility of initiating positive interactions among students. Students are the key to creating a more positive educational environment, as they make up the majority of a school’s population. This solution demonstrates the importance of connecting with students of different backgrounds and personalities.
Students should assume the responsibility of initiating positive interactions and exhibiting kindness at HC in order to effectively create a more positive educational environment.
