Teaching and Learning for Mutual Respect: A Framework for Disrupting Pervasive Power Asymmetries

Abstract

This article establishes a framework for teaching and learning for mutual respect. I define mutual respect as intervening on power asymmetries typically found in classrooms by way of according students increased equality, autonomy, and equity. In highlighting how equality, autonomy, and equity interact in ongoing and unpredictable ways in classrooms, this framework permits greater awareness of the many dilemmas with which educators are faced. Furthermore, by attending to the different ways mutual respect can be operationalized (i.e., instruction, organization, social relations), this framework can assist school leaders when determining how school-level decisions may interact with mutual respect in classrooms. This framework is thus a tool for researchers and educators when considering how to transform teaching and learning to promote social justice.