Respect: A Basis for Behavior

[Dave Samuel]

One of the core philosophies of our dojo is "Out of the Dojo and Into the World" - i.e. taking what is taught in the dojo and applying it to our daily lives.  I believe the most important value taught in the dojo is that of respect.  Treating people with respect, both in and outside of the dojo, helps lead to positive interactions, and creates situations where we can appreciate and learn from others.

 

I see respect in the Dojo stem from Mr. Oliver's respect of the students and parents.  This is reflected by the students through the obvious, such as bowing and saying "yes sir/ma'am", as well as the less obvious such as sitting quiet and focusing when Mr. Oliver is speaking and belt projects which show compassion and respect.  I view teaching respect in the Dojo of great value for three main reasons.  First, it is a core principle of traditional marital arts.  Second, mutual respect promotes an atmosphere in the Dojo conducive to safe learning.  Third, learning respect in the Dojo is the first step in learning to treat all people with respect.  The benefits of respect in the Dojo are reflected in my experience as a classroom teacher.

 

When I taught 8th grade, my classroom management (i.e., discipline) was centered around mutual respect with the students.  At the beginning of each semester, I would explicitly state that my expectation was students would treat each other and me with respect.  As part of the "deal", I would also treat the students with respect.  Specific classroom rules were built around the core idea of mutual respect.  For example, raising a hand and waiting to be called on before speaking was necessary to avoid speaking over (disrespecting) other students.  I reinforced the principle of respect through my actions.  For example, if a student needed to be disciplined, I the student with respect by minimizing public punishment, explaining the reason for the punishment, and asking them if they thought they were being unfairly punished.  Teaching respect helped create a positive learning environment, but just as important, I hope my students saw the value in treating all people with respect.

 

As I look toward returning to teaching, I plan on keeping respect as the core element in my classroom management.  Additionally, I hope to include emphasis on taking respect out of the classroom, and applying it to everyday life.  I believe that even if a student eventually forgets the content learned in a class (whether it be laws of thermodynamics or kata), but they remember to treat themselves and fellow humans with respect, then at least part of my mission as a teacher is accomplished.

[Chrissy Scott]

Great post, Dave. I enjoyed reading this. I especially like your emphasis on the mutuality of respect and how conscious respect in one respect really trickles down and around into other aspects of life.

[Mike Oliver]

Yes! You are getting it Mr. Samuel.