Why You Can't Dictate Fonts in the Classroom: A Lesson in Professionalism

Have you ever found yourself stumped by a problem that feels more complex than a difficult math equation? What if it involves the seemingly simple issue of font preference in the classroom? A student once told her teacher 360 times to type her numbers in Arial font, despite the teacher's consistent use of Myriad Pro. This article aims to explore the finer points of classroom etiquette and professional behavior, urging students to respect their teachers' choices and the importance of adhering to classroom rules.

The Power of Font Choice

Font choice can significantly affect the readability and aesthetic of educational materials. According to the study published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, different fonts can influence how quickly readers process information and their overall engagement with the material.

The Role of Fonts in Education

While Myriad Pro and Arial are both sans-serif fonts, they serve different purposes. Myriad Pro, a popular choice in the corporate world, is clean and professional, making it well-suited for educational materials. Meanwhile, Arial is a more straightforward, easy-to-read choice. However, the choice ultimately lies with the teacher, not the student.

Respecting Teacher's Authority

A disgruntled teacher can turn an A into a D- in a moment. This is particularly true in classrooms, where teachers hold the authority to set rules and norms. There's a fine line between expressing constructive feedback and being disrespectful. In this case, the student's repeated demands to change the font were clearly inappropriate and a violation of classroom etiquette.

Why Demanding a Font Change is Inappropriate

Here are a few reasons why a student shouldn't demand a specific font from a teacher:

Classroom Etiquette: The teacher is the authority figure and should set the tone for classroom conduct. Students should respect their teacher's choices and follow classroom rules.

Respect for Authority: From early childhood education through to higher education, students must learn to respect and follow the guidance of their teachers. This principle extends to respecting their choices in font or other teaching materials.

Time Management: constant requests can be disruptive to class time and may detract from learning. Teachers have a limited amount of time to cover material and engage students.

The Consequences of Being Wrong

The student in this situation learned a valuable lesson about classroom etiquette the hard way. Repeatedly demanding a change in font can quickly lead to a loss of respect and trust from both peers and teachers. Over time, the attention sought through such actions diminishes, leading to isolation and a reduced learning experience.

The Importance of Constructive Feedback

Instead of demanding changes, students should learn to provide constructive feedback. If a student genuinely believes that a specific font could improve their comprehension or engagement with the material, they should:

Approach the Teacher Respectfully: Schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss the matter.

Present Objective Reasons: Provide clear, evidence-based reasons why the preferred font could be beneficial.

Be Open to Discussion: Be willing to consider the teacher's perspective and open to compromise.

Conclusion

Font selection is a matter of personal preference and can have educational benefits. However, as in so many aspects of life, it is important to respect others' choices. In the classroom, a simple matter like a preferred font can quickly escalate into a serious problem if not handled with professionalism and respect. By recognizing the teacher's authority and adhering to classroom etiquette, students can maintain a productive and respectful learning environment.