Present professional behavior in your glass room; your students learn how to act in class by watching you.. If students see you behave badly or treat their classmates with disdain, they will turn on one another. This is called modeling behavior and students will mimic their instructors' attitudes without even thinking. If their teacher consistently awards another student respect, they will esteem that student, too. It all starts with you, the instructor.
Express a desire to see your students succeed. Let them know that you're there to help them achieve something positive. When your students realize that you are for them, they will open up in class. This creates a very positive atmosphere that facilitates learning and self-esteem.
Adopt a teaching philosophy that illustrates respect for your students. Don't embarrass them in class or make them feel small when they make a mistake. Schedule an appointment after class to discuss their behavior with them, and help them to improve in the classroom.
Demonstrate how much you value open discussion by allowing your students to express their ideas and opinions without penalty. Show them that you value their thoughts by giving them an appropriate response that lets them know that you recognize their intelligence.
Don't show favoritism. If you show preferential treatment, you risk losing their respect. This type of attitude is discouraging to the other students and promotes anxiety. Some students will feel excluded, leading to a lack of positive self-regard.
Do not allow disrespect to gain a foothold in your classroom. It will grow and spread like a cancer once it gets started.