Responsibility In School
vs. unreliability
Knowing and doing what is expected of me
To practice Responsibility, I will: 
- do my work to the best of my ability
- keep my commitments
- clarify expectations
- not make excuses
- correct my mistakes
The Value of Teachers Instilling Responsibility in Their Students
by Sandra Szczygiel, LPCC-S (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)
Teachers who foster responsibility in their students reap benefits that are both immediate and long-lasting, for themselves, the students, and society as a whole. Students who learn to take ownership of their thoughts, emotions, and actions build positive mental health/wellbeing.
Teachers set the tone for their classroom through their expectations, interactions, and guidance. Effective teachers create opportunities for students to practice responsibility.
Specifically, a teacher can instill responsibility by:
- Establishing and maintaining clear rules, routines, and boundaries.
- Delegating classroom jobs to students.
- Encouraging critical thinking about the natural consequences of actions.
- Empowering students to take ownership of their learning progress.
- Offering choices and encouraging decision-making.
- Modeling responsible behavior.
- Teaching goal setting and problem solving.
If students are taught responsibility, they develop independence, resilience, and learn to:
- Follow through on commitments.
- Respect others’ time, property, and viewpoints.
- Reflect on their actions and learn from mistakes.
- Balance personal goals with the needs of those around them.
There can be significant challenges to fostering responsibility in the classroom. Not all students have the same level of support at home. Some may struggle with attention, behavioral control, or personal issues. However, when students do learn responsibility, they inspire those around them to do the same, which contributes to a culture of empowerment and success in their classrooms, families, and communities.
References:
“How Personal Responsibility is the Route to Positive Mental Health”, The Society of Modern Applied Psychology (SoMap)
“Personal Responsibility and Its Impact on Sobriety and Mental Health”, Discover Recovery, December 6, 2021
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in the classroom or in homeschool
to teach the Character Quality of Responsibility.
Need to build community in your classroom? Try these team building activities!
Platforms and Promises
Set the stage for an election with your group. You can choose or create a position that all the participants will run for such as “President”, Principal” or “Activities Director”. You may also allow each person to run for whatever office they choose encouraging...
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in an educational setting or for education professionals.
Visit Responsibility in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Responsibility in the Community>>
Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)
Visit Responsibility in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources