Ptlls_-_Setting_Out_the_Ground_Rules_Early

Analyse different ways in which you would establish ground rules with your learners, which underpin behaviour and respect for others. Setting out the ground rules early in a session is very important, it can ensure good and fair behaviour and the respect for others within the teaching environment, this is necessary in order to create a positive learning environment in which everyone can thrive. The NHS London Deanery (2010) states “Sometimes the ‘rules’ are assumed and problems are rare, but it usually helps to establish the ground rules from the start”. By establishing the rules early, and with the agreement of the learners a level of behaviour can be set that is conducive to learning, and allows all learners within the group to feel comfortable. Assumed rules can be those relating to smoking areas etc. If a learner breaks a ground rule it should be taken seriously and the impact to be considered. I agree with the point Gravells (2008: 8) makes “Often, if a ground rule is broken, it is the other students that will reprimand the offender, saving you the job” Sometimes it is necessary to immediately set pre-defined ground rules, this can happen during short teaching sessions. In this case I find that a polite approach is always the best policy, such as “would you all mind ensuring your mobiles are on silent so we can ensure finishing on time.” The use of the ‘finishing time’ argument here is enough of a reason for most within the group to agree the rule. Another method I have used in the past is to set the rules beforehand. When sending course information to companies wishing to book a number of places, I can insist on rules that cover disruptive behaviour etc. This will then establish a requirement of behavioural standards in order for the course to be completed. While this method may seem harsh, often learners who know each other well can see these training sessions as an excuse to have a laugh with other work colleagues. By sending the rules to the company in this way I put the onus on them to enforce good behaviour. I would always advise having a copy of the ground rules to hand or better still on display, that way they can be referred to at any time and quickly so that learning can be resumed as quickly as possible after any kind of disruption. The longer it takes to correct a problem, the more difficult it becomes for learners to return to the learning process. Gravells A (2008) Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (3rd Ed) Glasgow: Learning Matters NHS London Deanery (Online) Setting Ground Rules, Available at http://www.faculty.londondeanery.ac.uk/e-learning/small-group-teaching/setting-ground-rules (Accessed 06 September 2010)