For any
situation involving people to succeed, there are explicit and implicit responsibilities each person must fulfill. Of course, this
is true in a learning environment.
As a teacher, I must:
-clarify course policies and calendar
via syllabi and class discussion
-attend class regularly and be
on-time for class
-provide quality instruction
-grade assignments accurately, fairly
and in a timely manner
-provide and/or seek additional assistance for
students whose learning needs are not met within the classroom
-enhance my own academic capacity through various
forms of professional development.
And, to academically succeed,
students must:
-be aware of policies and calendar
included on syllabi
-attend class regularly and be
on-time for class
-prepare for class by as directed by the teacher
-be attentive and take good notes in class
-participate in class discussions
-carefully follow directions
-complete all assignments and turn them in on-time
-do their own work instead of choosing to cheat or plagiarize
-ask clarification questions and seek extra assistance* when needed
-prepare well for exams
-notify a teacher, in advance if at all possible, when one must be
absent.
If teachers and students fulfill these
responsibilities, learning will take place. So, why does this not always
happen? As with any other environment, there is a breakdown when any party does
not perform his or her expected roles.
As an educator, you
have my commitment and my college’s commitment that I will fulfill my
responsibilities. Thus, if students do as well, everyone wins.
Another
factor immensely influences the success of a learning environment
– respect.
In a teacher-student relationship,
this means respect
-among students and faculty
-for the subject matter and its
relevance and importance
-for maintaining conducive learning
environments in the classroom with as few distractions as possible
-for the importance of education in
general to prepare productive, successful, involved citizens.
CHOOSING
TO CHEAT IN ANY WAY CLEARLY DISREGARDS THE CONCEPTS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND
RESPECT WITHIN THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT.
*A tremendous resource at GHC is the Tutorial Center,
located in the