How the adversarial versus partnership orientations work among students

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      Partnership orientation A partnership orientation in class is characterized by a cooperative environment where students see each other as allies. Students in this type of environment are more likely to focus on the success of the class as a whole. They are more likely to help each other learn, share resources, and collaborate on projects. Sense of competition for grades In many classes, there is a sense of competition for grades. Students are often ranked against each other, and their grades are used to determine their eligibility for awards and scholarships. This can lead to an adversarial environment where students are more focused on their own individual success than on the success of the class as a whole. Developing true partnerships It is possible to develop true partnerships in class, even in a competitive environment. One way to do this is to focus on collaborative learning activities. Collaborative learning activities involve students working together to complete a task or solve a problem. These activities can help students to learn from each other and to develop trust and respect for each other. Another way to develop true partnerships in class is to create a classroom culture that values cooperation and collaboration. Teachers can do this by setting clear expectations for behavior and by modeling cooperative behaviors themselves. Teachers can also create opportunities for students to work together on projects and assignments. Benefits of a partnership orientation There are many benefits to a partnership orientation in class. Students in a partnership-oriented classroom are more likely to:

• Be engaged in their learning
• Have a deeper understanding of the material
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Develop communication skills
• Develop teamwork skills
• Be more successful academically

How to foster a partnership orientation Teachers can play a key role in fostering a partnership orientation in their classrooms. Here are some things that teachers can do:

• Set clear expectations for behavior and model cooperative behaviors themselves.
• Create opportunities for students to work together on projects and assignments.
• Use collaborative learning activities.
• Focus on the success of the class as a whole.
• Encourage students to help each other learn.
• Create a classroom culture that values cooperation and collaboration.

Conclusion An adversarial orientation in class can lead to a number of negative consequences, including cheating, plagiarism, and sabotage. A partnership orientation, on the other hand, has many benefits, including increased student engagement, deeper understanding of the material, and development of critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. Teachers can foster a partnership orientation in their classrooms by setting clear expectations for behavior, modeling cooperative behaviors, creating opportunities for students to work together, using collaborative learning activities, focusing on the success of the class as a whole, encouraging students to help each other learn, and creating a classroom culture that values cooperation and collaboration.  

Sample Answer

   

Adversarial orientation

An adversarial orientation in class is characterized by a competitive environment where students see each other as rivals. Students in this type of environment are more likely to focus on their own individual success, even if it comes at the expense of their classmates. They may be tempted to cheat, plagiarize, or sabotage their classmates' work in order to get ahead.