Mutual respect goes a long way

(U-WIRE) DETROIT – Many parents stress that their children should go to college and do… (U-WIRE) DETROIT – Many parents stress that their children should go to college and do the best they can in hopes of finding a well-paying job. But shouldn’t your motivation be to do your best in the field for which you have an honest and true passion?

Many students at Wayne State University have had different situations with teachers and felt as if they were treated unfairly. From grades to attitudes, teachers continue to work in their particular teaching style, disregarding what would benefit their students. In secondary education classes, I wonder if they discuss ethics or respect, because from what I have experienced, there is a true lack of it.

The only time a student actually has his or her voice heard is when he or she goes above the instructor to a higher authority. I, as well as several of my friends, have had no results when talking with our instructors. Generally, our next step has been to bring the issue to the department in question. From there is a hierarchy of faculty members to whom the problem is addressed, and if they don’t perform efficiently, it is then taken to the president of the university.

I thank President Irwin Reid for his help when I have trouble with teachers. As soon as I inform his office of the problems, the next day my voicemail is full of apologies from the department with which I’ve had a problem.

My question is: why does it take President Reid’s approval to gain respect from teachers? This principle of respect should be taught in college to all students wishing to pursue a career in the education field.

A student to whom I spoke said that math 0993 (MAT 0993) was an example of the relaxed approach instructors have to their profession. This class is taken over the computer with a minimum of five hours in recorded attendance each week. This student said the teachers in the class provided her with no help throughout the entire semester. It is a shame that this person will have to retake this class when all she needed was some one-on-one attention from her instructor. I hope teachers will regain their passion for education through working with those attending college.

According to a Web page “Discipline by Design” at honorlevel.com, teachers who are courteous, prompt, enthusiastic, in control, patient and organized provide examples for their students through their own behavior. In any school, a teacher should always be respectful and willing to help, regardless of your educational level. In college, however, it comes down to having a common courtesy and humbleness when dealing with your students.

These qualities should be practiced and exemplified more throughout Michigan as well as at Wayne State University.