Groundrules

1) Explain the ways in which you would establish ground rules with your learners, which underpin behaviour and respect for others. Recommended word count: 150-250 words. When starting with a new group of learners it is important firstly that the group understand what ground rules are and if anyone is unclear this should be clarified. ‘All learners require boundaries and rules within which to work’ (Gravells, p 7). Ground rules can set out the guidelines for behaviour or code of conduct that is to be expected within a group or class. If ground rules are not in place the learning of the group may be affected by disruption. The actual process of setting the ground rules can also be beneficial to a group in that they begin to work in teams and get to know each other. I would begin by splitting the group up into smaller groups and where possible mixing people up so they are with people they may not know. The groups would then be asked to come up with suggestions for what they think would be good ground rules for the whole group. In forming smaller groups it is hoped that everyone will get a say. Those quieter members of the group may feel less nervous or less intimidated speaking in smaller groups and it prevents dominant characters leading the session. The groups would then feedback their ideas to the whole group and choose which ground rules they wish to use. This must be done as a collective group and it is important that people agree on the rules. For ground rules to be successful it is important that the group take ownership of them. If the rules come from them they will have more commitment to keeping and enforcing them within the group. Examples of some popular ground rules are: - • Listen to each other • Don’t talk over others • Respecting others points of view • Switching mobile phones off Input towards the ground rules by the teacher may vary depending on the group and the situation. For example in some instances it may be necessary for the teacher to set some ground rules regarding health and safety or organisational policies and procedures although in the main ground rules tend to be more based on attitudes and behaviours. It is important that ground rules are agreed by the whole group and not imposed on the group by the teacher. Putting the rules up somewhere in the teaching environment helps to remind people of them and helps to keep them alive. Sometimes it may be necessary to decide as a group how a breaking of a rule should be dealt with. In some scenarios it may be requisite for people to sign up to the ground rules, almost like a form of contract.