Manners in the schoolroom are as important as everywhere else.Western manners differ only slightly from good Chinese manners.
Greeting the Teacher
If you are in a very large class, it may not be necessary to greet the teacher on arriving,but it is always quite proper if you happy to catch the teacher's eye as you enter.In a small class the teacher will probably notice each one as he arrives,and you should smile and say,"Good morning,Dr.Smith.''Western manners do not require you to stand up when the teacher comes in or when you answer a question,nor do you need to stand still at the door at the door for a moment when you come in.
One never addresses his teacher by his first name,either in speech or in writing.If one's teacher's name is Sam Smith,it is not proper to say "Sam''.And one never speaks to one's teacher as "Teacher''.It is quite proper to say "Sir'' to a man buy if your teacher is a woman,you must use her surname.
Coming Late
It is bad manners to come late to class. If you are unavoidably late,an apology should be made to the teacher either at the time or after class.Repeated lateness is a form of rudeness,as a latecomer takes away everyone's attention from the lesson.
Talking in Class
It is bad manners in the classroom,as elsewhere,to talk while anyone else is talking.If you have someing to say on the subject,wait till you have a chance and say it to the whole class.If it is not on the subject,keep it till the class is over.Who has not been annoyed by having his attention taken away from something interesting that he really wants to hear wants to hear!And it is especially rude to the teacher,making it very different for him to continue the lesson.Thoughtlessness of others is considered bad manners at any time and in any place.
It is bad manners to interrut anyone who is reciting or speaking.It is bad manners to wave the hand in the air to attract the teacher's attention.It is bad manners to show an overeagerness to recit and show off your knowledge or cleverness.It is also bad manners to keep silent when the teacher asks you a question.If you do not know the answer,say so immediately in a voice loud enough for the whole class to hear.