C_&_G_7304_Assignment

C&G CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING IN THE LIFELONG LEARNING SECTOR. Unit 1 Theory Assignment 4- Ground Rules. Ground rules are necessary to set clear standards to enable both students and teachers to respect each other and behave in a manner which encourages learning. Mandatory and Organisational ground rules must be set out clearly from the very start, we must explain our organisations procedures for health and safety for example fire drills, school disciplinary procedures, punctuality, respect for each other and to act in a way which promotes the College in a positive way. Negotiated grounds rules are set with the agreement of the whole class such as; flexibility around when classes start, to make sure everybody is present in case any students are having problems with transport timetables or child care issues, agreeing not to interrupt others when they are speaking. Teaching Mandatory and Organisational ground rules. The use of a student handbook or prepared handouts can be an effective method for providing the mandatory rules in a written format which can be retained by each student, clearly defining the rules to be followed; equally effective are posters on the classroom walls, which can be referred to at any time. Getting the students to create the posters themselves helps to underpin the rules and serves as a constant reminder when placed around the classroom. Setting deadlines for homework and assignments to be handed in. Discussing the rules with the whole class, can also help the students to understand how they keep to them and how we can work together to make the learner journey safe and enjoyable. Teaching negotiated ground rules. We can set guidelines with mutual agreement from the students by listening to each students opinion and negotiating with them, these rules are more likely to be followed because we have given the students part ownership, it shows them that we respect their thoughts and feelings and hopefully goes some way to building honesty and trust between the teacher and students. Agreeing that mobile phones can be switched to silent rather than turned off completely, if we have a class of mature students who may need to be contacted at any time, for example managers, supervisors or staff on call. By introducing the scenario of a student giving a really detailed reply to a question and losing the flow because one of their classmates’ mobile phone has started to ring. Agreeing to have some flexibility when setting break times, “Shall we allow ourselves an extra 5 minutes because we have all worked really hard this session”. Using a white board divided down the middle, we could list the positives and negatives of each rule we discuss with a tick or a cross, gaining the approval of everybody before setting the rules. But also revisit the rules and have the option to change them throughout the learning cycle, I believe this would foster a better relationship between the students and the teacher, also with the students themselves, thus creating an environment of trust, and respect, making for a more enjoyable experience.