What Does "Fair" Mean to Students?

• In Event: Examining Variables That May Promote Effective Classroom Management

Abstract

Perceived fairness of authority is crucial for students willfully following school rules (Way 2011). But fairness takes on several meanings. This study sought students' definitions of fairness in terms of school discipline, using interview, observation and survey data at a public high school. According to students, fairness means "evenhandedness", "flexibility and understanding", "just deserts" and "accuracy". Findings are important for understanding fairness in relation to authority and understanding tensions between equality and equity. It is also important to practitioners who continue to grapple with problems of student misbehavior.

Author

• Katrina Morrison, University of Pennsylvania