making expectaions clear
I find that from day one you should lay down the ground rules so everyone is on the same page
What is expected from student and what they can expect from me no gum no excessive make up or jewlery no excessive peircings etc
Elizabeth,
It is essential that you do this or you will be playing catch up with your students in terms of reminding that they can or cannot do certain things.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Clear expectations are vital at the beginning of the course. Cell phones are a big issue. I find it very disruptive and disrespectful for students to be texting on their cell phones during class. The students will say my other teachers don't have a problem with it. I just let them know up front no cell phones use it my class. they can check their phone every 50 minutes at break time.
Barbara,
I have a no cell phone requirement as well. If they have a family situation I am OK with them putting their phones on vibrate so they are available but I emphasize that it must be a dire situation. I give professional points so they can lose them if they use their phones and these points have an impact on their final grade. I have had only one student to not obey this class rule and I have reminded her numerous times. She is not going to pass the course and I have documentation to support my position since I know she is going to complain about this even though she has been made aware of the consequences. My point is that I am not going to allow one student to interfere with the learning of the other students. So keep up the good work you are doing and be the learning leader that you are for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
