This article provides an overview of preparing for classroom norms, especially for Fall 2024. This post is the fourth part of the Civil Discourse in Classrooms series and playlist.
Norms can help set expectations for students that will lessen any confusion that arises when students are not sure of what is appropriate. It is recommended that you set classroom norms through collaborating with students on norms and/or setting norms yourself from the beginning. Some example lesson plans for collaboratively setting norms are detailed on Carleton’s website, Stanford’s Teaching Center, and on MSU’s iTeach article on setting ground rules.
In addition, if an educator wants to set their own norms for students, some common norms may include:
- Respect for All Voices: Listen actively, avoid interrupting, and ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.
- Inclusivity and Equity: Encourage diverse perspectives and make space for quieter voices.
- Open-Mindedness: Approach discussions with an open mind, considering different viewpoints.
- Empathy and Compassion: Show empathy and support classmates in a non-judgmental way.
- Confidentiality and Trust: Respect the confidentiality of personal stories and sensitive information.
- Constructive Feedback: Offer respectful and constructive feedback, focusing on ideas and behaviors.
- Accountability and Responsibility: Hold yourself and peers accountable to the agreed-upon norms.
- Active Participation: Engage actively in class activities, coming prepared and contributing meaningfully.
- Punctuality and Preparation: Arrive on time, be prepared, and complete assignments in advance.
- Inclusive Language and Distraction-Free Environment: Use inclusive language, minimize distractions, and respect the learning environment.
Classroom Management Strategies
In addition to the tips provided on iTeach playlist on managing difficult classrooms, classroom management strategies can be extremely effective at establishing rapport, trust, and transparency with students. Managing disruption in a classroom is challenging, and having clear plans in place proactively is often helpful. Some classroom management strategies, as shared in the inclusive classroom activities article, include:
- Build rapport with learners, as it is one of the most effective ways to increase learners’ belonging and decrease problematic behavior. There are many ways to build rapport, such as sending introductory emails, asking learners to introduce themselves, having asynchronous check-ins with learners, getting to know their interests and goals through one-on-one interactions, providing feedback that also centers praise, and having email check-ins with all learners throughout the semester. Another way to build rapport is to learn learners’ names and pronouns (if they share) and how to pronounce their names correctly.
- Anticipate subject matter that may need content warnings and incorporate pathways for learners to opt-out of content that would put them in a place they can no longer learn effectively. You may also want to reflect and think about bringing up “controversial” issues into the classroom.
- Structure discussions to include all learner voices, such as “take a queue, ask to hear from those who have not spoken, wait until several hands are raised to call on anyone, use think-pair-share activities” (Oral Roberts University).
- Acknowledge difficult current events (but do not force learners to discuss them) and provide learners with student resources if they want further support.
- Provide opportunities for learners to give feedback throughout the semester. For example, you may distribute an anonymous survey near mid-terms asking learners what they would like to continue, what they want to see changed, and any open questions/concerns they have.
Continue to read more about in the next article, “Preparing Before a ‘Hot Moment’ Occurs,” or return to the Civil Discourse in the Classroom playlist.