Blog 2: Mr. R’s classroom rules

Some of my rules that I post and discuss with my class would be:

1. Arrive on time.
2. Bring all materials and have them ready
3. Follow instructions and start working on your assignments right away
4. Follow CHAMPS rules:

• Conversation
• Help
• Activity
• Movement
• Participation
• Success

1. Be positive and do your best

By agreeing with my students on these rules at the beginning of the semester, I intend to address the attributes mentioned below that should describe a productive learning environment:

I believe that arriving in class on time it is the first rule students should be aware of. Coming late to class creates premises for class disruptions and misbehavior. In addition, it shows lack of respect for fellow classmates and teacher. Important instruction information could be also missed and teacher may have to repeat his/her instruction or parts of it.

Bringing required materials to class is another important rule in my opinion that students should follow. Missing textbooks, notebooks, due assignments or anything else students need to successfully accomplish their activities in class could negatively affect the schedule and could disrupt class activities.

The third rule addresses the transition time between classes. Without a good reinforcement of this rule, students tend to socialize with their friends taking time away from instruction. As a result, it is very likely that the class noise level could increase to an unacceptable level.

I always remind my students to follow Champs rules. Conversation should be kept to an appropriate level from 1 to 5 function of activity performed. Students should ask for help in order by raising their hand. Help can be provided by the teacher or by other students as well. No activity can be successfully accomplished without a clear understanding of its objective and procedures. To make sure that students understand what they have to do I usually ask some students to review the main activity points before everyone starts it. Movement is allowed in terms previously specified. Some activities like lab experiments are more structured than others so students need to understand their movement restrictions in a particular class. Finally, a good contribution to the class through a high level of participation should be in every student thoughts. Thus, students’ contribution could be individual or as a part of a group and has to be accountable.

Last but not least, students should have a positive attitude and try their best to perform to their potential if possible. School also offers the best environment for students to learn right attitudes that will help them successfully face future challenges posted by an increasingly competitive global economy.

Considering that I used to teach oversized classes and that teachers will most probably have to deal in the future with bigger ones, I’ve stopped to the article Tools for teaching: Managing a Large Class Size written by Rebecca Alber at https://www.edutopia.org/blog/managing-large-class-size-rebecca-alber. In this article, Rebecca Alber suggests four tips that teachers could consider while managing their oversized classes. These tips are in order:

Tip #1: Don’t Give up on Collaborative Grouping

Tip #2: Accept that Things Take Longer

Tip #3: Find New Ways to Know Students

Tip #4: Be Okay with Loud and Letting Go

By applying these tips, Rebecca Alber hopes that teachers will be able to become more efficient in creating the learning environment they all aim to develop in their oversized classes.