Classroom life takes up the majority of our youth, whether or not you continue in school after high school. Observing good classroom manners is essential for teachers and students alike to have the most productive and valuable time together.
Here are tips to help make your time in class productive and pleasant for you, your classmates, and your teacher.
START WITH A SMILE When you arrive in the room, greet everyone pleasantly. It’s as simple as "hi" or "good morning" said with a smile and eye contact. If there’s time to talk with your friends before class, do it quietly so you won't distract others who might need focus to prepare for the day’s lesson.
PUT COATS, BAGS, AND OTHER ITEMS AWAY Be sure to stow your bookbag, coat, or other personal items in the proper place before you take your seat so that they aren’t in the way or left out in a mess or worse are in the way for someone to trip over.
TAKE YOUR SEAT & BE READY Take your seat and get your materials out before your teacher begins class so that you are ready and attentive when they do begin. It might not seem like a big deal to you if you’re rummaging in your desk or bag for a pen or your notebook, but when five, ten, or twenty other students do it too, it delays the lesson.
PAYING ATTENTION DEMONSTRATES RESPECT Paying attention is a huge sign of respect not just to the teacher, but to your fellow students who are trying to focus and learn as well. Making comments, talking when you haven’t been called on, and even things like tapping pencils or playing with your school supplies can all be distractions not just for you but for others as well. By paying attention and not doing these things, you’ll help contribute to a positive classroom environment, and not only will you help yourself learn more, but you’ll help others as well.
NO PHONES If you have a cell phone, it should be off and stowed away. We are big fans of the phone bans happening in schools around the country. Phones are often only a distraction from what you’re meant to be learning in school. Don’t be tempted by that game you were playing before class started, the message you saw come in during a break, or the illusion that you “need it for emergencies.” Turn it off, and put it away.
PROPER PARTICIPATION When you have something to say, do it in the style of the class. If it's a classic lecture class, raise your hand when you have a question or comment. If it's a discussion class, wait until the person speaking has finished. When others are speaking, be an active listener by nodding along to show you understand what is being said or taught. You can also be a responsive listener by asking follow-up questions or offering to share an insight, concern, or related example. These are all ways to demonstrate that you are paying attention.
FOLLOW THE RULES Follow classroom guidelines for excusing yourself to use the restroom, getting up to sharpen a pencil or get supplies, or for raising your hand to be called on. Each teacher may have different standards, and it’s important to pay attention to the rules for each classroom you visit. Listen carefully to instructions, and remember you can always ask if you’re unsure or have forgotten.
BE ATTENTIVE Have an active and engaged posture during class. Sit up at your desk or table. Lying all over your desk makes it look like you’re too tired to participate and is disrespectful to your teacher and fellow students.
PICKING THE RIGHT TIME The middle of a class lecture or lesson is not the time to ask a more personal question about your own work for the class. Instead be sure to look for moments when individual work is being done during classtime, or before or after class when the teacher might have a moment to speak with you. If something is going to take longer than a minute or two, ask if you can schedule a time to meet with your teacher.
WAIT YOUR TURN & GIVE SPACE FOR PRIVACY If someone else is talking to the teacher and you have to wait your turn, stand back a bit from them to respect the other student’s privacy. This is a great life lesson for our other public spaces as well (in line at the post office, the bank, and at the pharmacy or grocery store checkout).
LEAVE ON A GOOD NOTE Leaving class well is just as important as greeting others when you arrive. Remember to pick up after yourself, collecting any tissues, bits of paper, or garbage that you’ve created during the lesson and putting them in the garbage or away if it’s something you’re keeping. Say goodbye to other students you’ve worked with, and to your teacher (and maybe even “Thank you.” to your teacher - they would be thrilled!) as you leave.
Are you still in school? What’s one thing you really appreciate when it comes to good classroom behavior? Leave your comments below! If you enjoyed this article, please consider a Community Member Subscription. With your support, the Emily Post Institute can continue providing advice for years to come. Please join our Community Membership today! Your help really makes a difference!
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