Establishing_Ground_Rules

Purpose of ground rules The main purpose of establishing the ground rules are Facilitate discussion To make the environment of the class respectful that everybody has an opportunity to participate in the discussion Encourage the students to work collaboratively in a respectful environment I will discuss three different ways of establishing the ground rules “Animals and human relationships are governed by rules. Some, such as the rules of golf, are explicit .they are available to all players in a written form .any player who breaks these rules is penalised. Other sets of rules, or codes of conduct, are implicit ,unspoken,uncodified.Hens for example, have a pecking order.” John Bryson(1998) Effective Classroom Management.London.hodder group 1 Small group method • 2 Brookfield and per skills method • 3 Acronym method • Small group method Break students into group’s .Give each group and index and ask them to make a list . Ask them if they want to add any more to the rules . Select that method and ask them why they select that method there might be some overlap. Open the list for discussion. Let the student’s debate. At the end of the debate let them vote this allow them to select which should be the ground rules for the semester. Record the rules .Copy the list and bring it to the section the following week . Periodically let the class look at the end weather the ground rules have been followed or not • Second method Brookfield and perskills method In this method divide the class into two groups .Best or Bad . Note the things which make it best. Also note the things which make them bad . Use the student suggestion to draft a set of ground rules on which you all agree Record the ground rules .Copy the list and bring it to section the following week . Periodically have a look weather the class followed or not followed the ground rules. “Consulting pupils about the social conditions of learning in the classroom and how these social conditions relate to pupil learning can be painfully revealing. At the same time it can offer valuable insights into the impact of teaching on particular groups of pupil.” Madeleine Arnot (2004) Consulting in the classroom. London .Pearson Publishing • Third method Acronym method 1. Write the words "Ground Rules" on the top of the board. Write the word "ROPES” on the left hand side of the board (or use a similar word). 2. Explain that, like a safety net, the ROPES will serve as communally agreed-upon rules to which everyone will adhere during the discussion section. 3. Elicit from the students words (related to ground rules) that begin with those letters. Ask the students to explain why they have recommended a word and what it means to them. For example, R: respect, responsibility; O: openness, etc. 4. Add your own suggestions. 5. Ask for a general consensus about which rules are chosen. 6. Record the ground rules. Copy the list and bring it to section the following week. This way all students have copies that they can refer to over the semester. 7. Periodically, have the class take a moment to evaluate whether or not the ground rules established at the beginning of the semester are being followed and if they work. Source http // gsi. berkely.edu./teachingguide2009