To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
Save to my list
Remove from my list
Incivility is a common issue in today's society, including college classrooms and campuses. It can involve inappropriate behavior or insults towards others based on factors like race or appearance, as well as disrespect towards professors. While colleges may have policies on incivility and proper conduct, the focus on respect and civility within the classroom environment may be insufficient. It is crucial for campuses to prioritize civility to maintain courtesy and mutual respect between students and faculty.
California State University San Marcos has a Standards of Student Contact that focuses on preventing behaviors like cheating, drug involvement, and lying to authorities.
These policies address actions with serious consequences but do not address issues related to civility among students or the importance of respect in classroom settings. Prioritizing civility on campus and in classrooms is crucial for fostering a mature and comfortable environment for both students and faculty.
Professors are observing an increase in student incivility on campus, including bullying, disrespect towards professors, and a lack of kindness.
Verified writer
Proficient in: Classroom
4.9 (247)
“ Rhizman is absolutely amazing at what he does . I highly recommend him if you need an assignment done ”
Regrettably, these problems are often overlooked and not addressed adequately. The significance of civility on campus is frequently underestimated and should be highlighted more. Incoming college students expect to transition into adulthood and independence. Unlike high school, college students must bear the expenses of tuition and other fees to obtain their desired degree.
Realizing they are paying for their classes can cause a shift in behavior among students. College provides more classroom freedom than high school, as students fund their own education and take responsibility for their choices.
Considered adults, college students must care for themselves and receive a higher level of education compared to high school. Starting college opens up a whole new world to students.
College newcomers often underestimate the challenges they will face, which can have negative consequences down the line. As a college student, new responsibilities emerge once parental supervision is no longer present. Tasks that were once seen as insignificant now hold more importance and must be handled with care. The financial strain of living independently is a common aspect of college life.
College students have the responsibility of paying for tuition and other fees in order to earn their desired degree, unlike high school. This often means sacrificing class time to work and fund their education. In addition to the financial challenges, college students are also independent adults who make decisions that impact their own lives, rather than relying on their professors.
College standards differ from those of high schools. Students can leave classes at will due to their numerous responsibilities. While these responsibilities are often cited as a reason for this freedom, they overlook the bigger issue of preparing students for adulthood and the challenges that lie ahead. The focus on present circumstances is a key flaw in this argument.
College serves as a preparation for adulthood, offering challenges to help shape students for the future. Despite the transition from high school, some may misuse the freedom of college and bring disrespect to the campus. In her article "Cropping Out Incivility," Maria Shine Stewart highlights how unkindness and hate in college can lead to violence.
Many students enter college with a sense of empowerment, believing they can reinvent themselves and may misuse their newfound confidence. Unfortunately, immaturity from high school can linger into college, leading to larger issues such as bullying. While minor disagreements may occur in high school, in college where individuals are expected to behave as adults, words can carry more weight and result in severe consequences. College should be a space for academic growth, not a place where disruptive behavior and unnecessary drama detract from the experience.
It is essential to create a positive atmosphere for students to thrive on campus. The shift from high school to college is a major step for new students, as college is perceived as an environment of learning with increased independence. Unlike high school which has stringent regulations on cell phone usage, attendance, and behavior, college provides more autonomy as it caters to adult individuals; however, the standards of conduct have become blurred.
Students may feel empowered to take control of their own learning because they are the ones paying for college. Some students believe it is acceptable to leave class whenever they please, as they believe that their academic success is their own responsibility. However, what students often overlook is the immense effort that professors put into crafting their lectures and notes to guide students towards success in their coursework. Professors are dedicated to educating their students and helping them pass their classes. Therefore, disrupting class by leaving early is disrespectful to both the professor and other students.
The professor provides students with the opportunity to commute to campus and contribute to their education, so leaving in the middle of class is showing a lack of respect for their efforts. While some professors are lenient and overlook minor misbehaviors like eating, texting, and talking in class, students often interpret this leniency as permission to continue these behaviors without realizing the disruption and disrespect it shows towards their professor. Many high schools have strict rules against using cell phones in class, but some college students mistakenly believe that they can freely use their cell phones during class time.
Despite some professors explicitly stating "no cell phones" in their syllabus, students often believe that texting under their desk will not be noticed by the teacher. Even if some professors ignore this behavior, students fail to understand that professors can tell when they are distracted by something unrelated to the lecture. Being preoccupied with something other than the class undermines the professor's efforts to help students succeed. Students may not realize that showing disrespect towards professors can ultimately impact their own academic performance.
In his article "Remedial Civility Training," Thomas Benton emphasizes the significance of upholding civility in the classroom. Despite his attempts to engage students with interesting and relevant content, many view his classes as a mere obligation. This lack of respect impacts not only professors but also fellow students striving for success in their education. The relationship between students and professors is strained by varying interpretations of civility. It is essential for professors to receive the respect they merit, just like any other educator.
In her article "Colleges Grappling with Incivility," Marilyn Gilroy discusses how some students mistreat their professors by confronting them about grades, which can escalate to threats. Despite the majority of faculty members not facing such behavior, the fact that even a small percentage experience violence is concerning.
It is important to establish a clear boundary between professor and student to avoid incivility in their relationship. While a professor may be at fault, they should not bear the sole responsibility for a student's performance. Instead of jumping to threats and accusations, a discussion would be more appropriate. Professors have the right to maintain respect in the student-educator dynamic, which should be focused on promoting civility in the classroom.
To prevent students feeling less involved and under complete authority of the professor, discussion and communication through the class room would produce civility. Mary Deane Sorcinelli’s article “Dealing with Troublesome Behavior In The Classroom” suggests seeking feedback from students, or allowing classroom policies to be open for discussion amongst students. Sorcinelli claims that by giving the student a voice in the rules, appreciation will be given to the policies set by the professor. Compromise can create a more civil relationship for the students and professor.
On college campuses, incivility can take different forms, but emphasizing civility can foster a positive learning environment. Addressing immaturity and bullying is crucial for students to concentrate on their education without disruptions. While campuses typically handle incivility, it is important to reinforce good behavior in classrooms.
Professors are concerned about the behavior of students in their classrooms. Students believe that because they are paying for college, they have more freedom. While freedom is allowed, students are expected to maintain a certain level of conduct. Paying attention, being prepared, and attending class should be handled independently by students. However, professors are observing a lack of civility in their classrooms. It is important for colleges to have a policy on civility to ensure that both professors and peers are treated with respect.
Prioritizing Civility in College Classrooms: Fostering Respect and Courtesy. (2016, Sep 19). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/incivility-in-college-classrooms-essay
👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!
Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.
get help with your assignment
