9 golden rules of class
be prepared
stay focused
just try
no excuses
PG
respect all
think positive
no hating or snithching
rules are subect to change at any time!
I agree Kimberly! I hear horror stories of instructors dealing with disrespect in their classrooms and I wonder how they set up the expectations on the first day. It is important to me that I have their respect, but I also know that they need to feel like I respect them. They are adults, and I treat them like they are. I have expectations for responsibility, but I don't talk to them like they're children.
Gail,
You make a key point about ownership of their learning. Students need to realize that it is their future that is at stake in their educational training.
Gary
What I find very effective is talking about classroom civilty on day one of class.Then having THE CLASS make up a list that we will follow and hold eachother to throughout the mod. This gives them a sense of ownership of their education and accountablility...that they themselves set. This has been very successful. I often type it up and then pass it out and each student signs it.
Gail
Love this rule. I found teaching easier et much more fun when I taught the class just being myself. I know for a fact that the students can sense when you are not being yourself.
Hi Karen,
Excellent point and one instructors need to keep in mind. The more students can get comfortable with asking questions the greater the learning rate. Thank you for sharing the quote. It is a great one and one that I had forgotten since my kids got through the Big Bird stage.
Gary
I think I would add "ask questions" to this list.
As the librarian at my college, I do a lot of coaching for students outside of class. I've had some of them tell me that they don't ask questions even though they don't understand something because they think they are the only one who doesn't get it. I always tell them they should ask anyway because if they don't understand something, chances are good that someone else doesn't as well. This can be a real challenge for some students, but I think instructors can go a long way toward creating an atmosphere that is conducive to asking questions.
To quote Big Bird from the Muppets: "Asking questions is a good way of finding things out!"
Great rules!
I would like to add use of mnemonics to retain informations.
Hi Heidi,
You make a good point about how to format a class and introduce the operation methods, including rules of conduct. These need to be seen as building opportunities for the soft skills of employment rather than just a set of rules to be challenged. They need to be enforced as needed so the students will see value to them.
Gary
I think the main thing that I have learned to have in any classroom to have Respect and Responsibility - on the part of all students as well as faculty.
When I see these, I see someone's value system on display. While some of these are "good" values, others, "no snitching" are insulting. How about using the original Golden Rule - a value that most people can identify with - instead of placing value on something like "no snitching". What does that even mean? Does it mean that if you have a problem with someone else's behavior that you should not ask for help because it can be seen as "snitching"? What is PG? What is "no hating"?
Hi Sarah,
Right you are about the need for consistency in using the golden rules so they can be kept on course and making progress in their education. This will increase their satisfaction with their education as well.
Gary
These golden rules are very important for us to demonstrate to the students. If we behave in this manner then maybe this will be reflected back to the students and they will behave accordingly. All of these rules will help the students become a better student. I think that students use excuses way too much and will not take ownership of any outside problems that may occur. It is our job to hellp keep them focused on the big picure.
Hi Jason,
I really like these rules! No excuses is a great way to get students to realize an internal reason that is within them can make the difference! Coaching a student to understand they are the answer to most of their challenges will help them become a better person overall. Thanks for the post!
Shelle
Way to go Jason. I think we can add one more....BE ON TIME!
Yes Mary this is my number one rule
Students and Faculty need to respect each other and this will lead to a better learning enviroment
Hi Mary,
Right you are. Respect is earned not gifted so the instructor has to earn the respect of the students and the students in turn have to earn the respect of the instructor. This makes it a win win for everyone.
Gary
Respect is #1 on my list. If I respect my students then I feel they will respect me.
Hi John,
So true. They need to feel secure and welcomed into the class. Then they will be ready to focus on the content.
Gary
I'd put respect first. Students need to be comfortable that they can ask questions, admit their mistakes, seek help even when everyone else in the class already gets it, etc. Using Maslow's Hierarchy, a student that feels threatened is in no position to learn.
