Ptlls_Task_4

T4 – Ground rules Explain different ways in which you would establish ground rules with your learners, which underpin appropriate behaviour and respect for others. When teaching I have always introduced ground rules or a contract that we all abide by. Atherton, J.S. (2009) defines ground rules as “the minimum necessary conditions required for getting work done in a class” and according to the new professional standards for teachers, tutors and trainers in the life long learning sector my aim as a trainer is to create a safe learning environment that promotes tolerance, respect and co-operation between learners. So when I organise and tutor courses I consider the above. On occasions the time scale is limited as some courses I tutor are attendance based only which are only 2 hours long so a different approach is necessary. On courses which are more than a day, I usually allow the prisoners/students to name a rule and I would write on flip chart paper and then stick it to the wall, (democratic) this serves as a reminder to the course and refer back, should any one be in breech of the rules. There are other ways which I haven’t used such as allowing the student to write a rule on the board, the disadvantage to this could be the students spelling may be poor or could suffer from dyslexia which at the beginning of a course would put the student under unnecessary pressure or lower their self esteem which as Maslow States in his hierarchy of needs ”self-esteem: desire for achievement, strength and confidence”. Another way would be to put the course into small groups to come up with rules and then collate them together. The advantages to this would put students at ease. When teaching short courses I give a pre-written list of ground rules (dictatorial) which students sign, the advantages are time saving and eliminates any anxieties of standing in front of a group. The disadvantage could be the student may not be able to read English too well and is embarrassed in asking for help. This is where support from the tutor is necessary. In my experience when the rules are set and where everyone can see them, if at any time a rule is broken it is the other students that have pointed it out and enforced group discipline. Most of the courses I tutor are gym floor based, I have used the yellow and red card system where especially if I’m coaching a football course the offender depending on which card he has got will not participate for a small amount of time as Maslow says the learners need of “belongingness and love” will be effected, this can work for most games and I have found the learner wants and needs to participate. Reference Petty G . (2004) 3rd edition A Practical guide Teaching Today p53-55 Atherton J.S (2009) learning and teaching; contents [on line] uk: Available: http://cc.binj.com/cache.aspq=atherton+js&d