Explain_the_Ways_in_Which_You_Would_Establish_Ground_Rules_with_Your_Learners,_and_Which_Underpin_Behaviour_and_Respect_for_Others.

Explain the ways in which you would establish ground rules with your learners, and which underpin behaviour and respect for others. Ground rules are essential in setting out the expectations of a tutor and their students during the forthcoming course. I would hope to establish these in conjunction with the learners at the beginning of the course, so that ground rules would not simply be forced upon then but agreed upon collectively. This would hopefully encourage full cooperation in the sessions and then onus would be on students to adhere to their own rules and fulfil their own expectations. Geoff Petty (p102) echoes this idea by saying it is worth negotiating the rules and regimes with the students. He goes further to explain that it is also essential that a similar approach to rules and regimes in class should be in line with other staff who teach the same group of learners. This ensures that a consistent approach is felt throughout the learner’s college experience. In regard to the practicalities of how the rules would be implemented, I would envisage that the rules would be on display in the classroom at all times. By doing so, a constant reminder of expectations would be on show and reference could be made to them if any were broken or called in to question. With my future class I would encourage the following ground rules to be set, in addition to any that the learners feel should be chosen: * Adhere to health and safety guidelines * Starting and finishing on time * Coming prepared * Listening to others without interruptions and with patience * Saying when you don’t understand * Switching off mobile phones * Treating others’ contributions with respect I feel that by following this approach to establishing ground rules, the learners will be in the right atmosphere that fosters respect for others and appropriate behaviour. Petty, G. “A Practical Guide: Teaching Today”, p.102.