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Having taught English, Study Techniques, and Computers at three different institutions, both at the Community College and University settings for about 10 years, one thing remained constant: Setting the ground rules or norms for the semester as an interactive activity, regardless of the class size, set the tone for the student to faculty and peer to peer interactions. I started by highlighting my expectations, but later revised my approach to begin as a conversation to allow for maximum student input. Only after the list of norms was complete did I add my needs and expectations if they were missing from the list. I always congratulated them for their efforts and willingness to engage. I don’t know if there is any correlation, but incidences of negative behaviors were very low in all my classes. Although there were occasional issues, between this activity and the “statement of student conduct” referenced in the school catalog and linked in the syllabus, there was little need for corrective behavior on my part. Lisa Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Steps To Implement

I found it worked well when I waited for the norms exercise as 3rd of 4th activity. I usually did the following: reviewed the syllabus, shared a 5 minute story about my educational path, asked for a show of hands checking for stress levels in my classroom such as a show of hands for those working more than 20 hours per week, with families at home, and/or taking full time classes.  This broke the ice enough to enter into the conversation about setting norms. It helps to have large post it pads, but white board and later taking a photo and posting that on the class website helped remind students what we agreed to. I never had more than 35 in a classroom so I was able to just prod for participation rather than put students into groups. It also helps to give them language to use such as “I prefer it when,” rather than, “I hate it when…” before beginning the activity. Essentially, call for ideas of what makes for a civil classroom safe to express opinions and vulnerabilities. Second, make a list of those behaviors that might threaten that environment.

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Setting Classroom Norms Rodriguez.pdfDelete Attachment
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