Adversarial Versus Partnership Orientations in the Classroom

The adversarial and partnership orientations are two different ways that students can approach their work in the classroom. Adversarial students see their classmates as competitors, and they are focused on getting better grades than them. Partnership students see their classmates as collaborators, and they are focused on working together to achieve common goals.

Adversarial Orientation

Adversarial students are often motivated by the desire to be the best. They may study hard and compete with their classmates for grades. Adversarial students may also be hesitant to help their classmates, as they see them as competition.

The adversarial orientation can have some benefits. It can motivate students to work hard and achieve their goals. However, it can also have some drawbacks. Adversarial students may be more likely to experience anxiety and stress. They may also be less likely to learn from their mistakes, as they are more focused on getting good grades than on learning.

Partnership Orientation

Partnership students are motivated by the desire to work together to achieve common goals. They are willing to help their classmates and to learn from each other. Partnership students may also be more likely to be engaged in their learning, as they are more interested in understanding the material than in getting good grades.

The partnership orientation has many benefits. It can help students to develop their social skills and to learn how to work effectively as part of a team. Partnership students are also more likely to be motivated to learn and to persist in the face of challenges.

Competition for Grades

There is often a sense of competition for grades in the classroom. This is especially true in classes where grades are weighted heavily or where there are limited opportunities for extra credit. Students may feel pressure to get good grades in order to please their teachers, parents, or themselves.

Competition for grades can have some negative consequences. It can lead to stress and anxiety, and it can discourage students from taking risks or trying new things. Competition for grades can also lead to cheating and plagiarism.

Developing True Partnerships

It is possible to develop true partnerships in which students’ work depends on each other. This can be done by creating group projects and assignments, and by providing opportunities for students to collaborate. Teachers can also encourage students to help each other and to share their knowledge.

When students work together in partnerships, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning and to achieve their goals. They are also more likely to develop important social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution.

How to Create a Partnership-Oriented Classroom

There are a number of things that teachers can do to create a partnership-oriented classroom. Here are a few tips:

• Focus on cooperative learning. Cooperative learning is a type of learning where students work together in small groups to achieve common goals. Cooperative learning can help students to develop their social skills, learn from each other, and achieve their academic goals.
• Provide opportunities for students to collaborate. Teachers can provide opportunities for students to collaborate on projects, assignments, and presentations. This can help students to learn how to work together effectively and to share their knowledge.
• Encourage students to help each other. Teachers can encourage students to help each other by providing opportunities for peer tutoring and by rewarding students for helping their classmates.
• Create a positive learning environment. Teachers can create a positive learning environment by fostering respect and cooperation among students. Teachers can also create a positive learning environment by providing students with opportunities to succeed.

Conclusion

The adversarial and partnership orientations are two different ways that students can approach their work in the classroom. The adversarial orientation can have some benefits, but it can also have some drawbacks. The partnership orientation has many benefits, and it is the best approach for creating a positive and productive learning environment.

Teachers can create a partnership-oriented classroom by focusing on cooperative learning, providing opportunities for students to collaborate, encouraging students to help each other, and creating a positive learning environment.