Ptlls_1.4

COURSE: PTLLS (7303) TITLE OF ASSIGNEMENT: GROUND RULES 1.4 GROUND RULES INTRODUCTION A human brain never stops learning rather with age and experience people tend to learn more either for their personal or professional development. (Rogers, 2002) Learning is carried out in various stages which are (Petty, 2009): 1. Knowledge 2. Comprehension 3. Application 4. Analysis 5. Synthesis 6. Evaluation Adult learners are more responsible than young ones. They are punctual, enthusiastic and take initiative in learning new skills. (Gravells, 2008) GROUND RULES The learning process involves learners, teachers and learning environment. Every learner has to respect other learners and teachers. (Berkeley, 2009) Ground rules ensure the environment is respectful and everyone gets equal opportunities in learning process. (Londondeanery, 2008). These rules will not only define a learner’s boundaries but will help him improve his organisation skills. (Learningandteaching, 2009) Maslow pointed out some factors important for an effective learning or working environment. These factors of his theory are both physiological and psychological including health, food, environment safety and respect. (Envisionsoftware, 2007) The rules have to be mutually agreed upon by both teachers and learners and revisited time to time during the learning activities. (Excellencegateway, 2008) Factors to be kept in mind before setting the rules are (Edchange, 2009): 1. Age of Learners 2. Previous experiences either good or bad 3. Cultural Background 4. Size of the group 5. Ethnic background These rules could either be controlled or negotiated. The different ways to establish rules are: 1. By designing a contract 2. By group discussion 3. By giving a handout Whatever method is used a teacher has to have ground rules for himself before expecting learners to adopt them. (Balance-therapy, 2008) The rules are useful if they are in class room visible to everyone especially for thoise coming in for the first time. (Mhhe, 2005) After the selection of appropriate method and mutual agreement following ground rules can be laid down for learners at induction: 1. Punctuality 2. No mobile or iphones 3. Tentative absence to be informed before time 4. Listen to others during group discussions 5. Respect fellow group and class mates 6. Talk only when talked to. 7. Respect others’ privacy and limitations 8. Working collectively Hence a learner can learn best and teacher can teach better if both agree on a set of ground rules and apply them in their day to day learning. (Stanford, 2000)   BIBLIOGRAPHY Balance-therapy. (2008) Holistic Health and Well Being. Available at: http://www.balance-therapy.co.uk/assignment%208.1.4.pdf ( Accessed: 13 October, 2009) Berkeley. (2009) The Purpose of Creating Ground Rules. Available at: http://gsi.berkeley.edu/resources/discussion/purpose.html (Accessed: 02 December, 2009) Edchange. (2009) Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Available at: http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/activities/groundrules.html (Accessed: 02 December, 2009) Envisionsoftware. (2007) Maslow’s Theory of Motivation-Hierarchy of Needs. Available at: http://www.envisionsoftware.com/articles/Maslows_Needs_Hierarchy.html (Accessed: 02 December, 2009) Excellencegateway. (2008) Agreeing Ground Rules. Available at: http://tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/pedagogy/assets/documents/agreeing_rules_cl.pdf (Accessed: 13 October, 2009) Gravells. A. (2008) Preparing o Teach in Lifelong Learning Sector. 3RD Edition. Exeter: Learning Matters. Learningandteaching. (2009) Ground Rules. Available at: http://www.learningandteaching.info/teaching/ground_rules.htm (Accessed: 02 December, 2009) Londondeanery. (2008) Setting Ground Rules. Available at: http://www.faculty.londondeanery.ac.uk/e-learning/small-group-teaching/setting-ground-rules (Accessed: 13 October, 2009) Mhhe. (2005) Guide for Setting Ground Rules. Available at: http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/education/multi_new/activities/groundrules.html (Accessed: 02 December, 2009) Petty. G. (2004) Teaching Today. 4TH Edition. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Rogers. A. (2002) Teaching Adults. 3RD Edition. Berkshire: Open University Press. Stanford. (2000) Establishing Ground Rules Among Groups. Available at: http://ctl.stanford.edu/Tomprof/postings/501.html (Accessed: 13 October, 2009)