Classroom Contracts
It's good to talk to students about classroom expectations and rules. Negotiate if possible.
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I’m not a big one for pledges or oaths. They seem so ceremonial, something one does on automatic but which results in little actual impact on behavior. But sometimes, they do work.
Here are two oaths you might use with teachers and students. Find them here »> A way of declaring your values and expectations in the classroom.
What’s imperative though is to negotiate (even if you do it slyly - while “guiding” the results) what behaviors and expectations you want in class.
One good way to do so, is with this template. Take a look. But a good discussion at the start of the year or a course really is beneficial for all. I call them “promises”.
First, prompt students for some basic rules and what they think should be required from every student. Then, ask students to brainstorm in groups further “rules”. Then rate them and come to a concensus.
You might even consider having students sign a “class contract”. Keep this front and center in the classroom for referral and reference~!
