Classroom norms and rules

A teacher’s efficacy in the classroom

A teacher’s efficacy in the classroom is largely dependent on the norms and rules of the classroom. The purpose of placing these general guidelines and standards of behavior is to provide a productive learning atmosphere with less disruption and chaos. The rules also give the students a sense of what to expect in class and a clear grasp of the penalties for breaking them, making the latter seem less arbitrary. In the classroom, teachers interact with both individuals and small groups to clarify the rules and offer one-on-one support (Tomlinson, 2014). The outcome is a cause and effect relationship between rules and consequences.

Being clear and concise in establishing rules

Being clear and is one of the most effective ways of establishing these rules. They should be easy to understand and carry out. Implementing a list format with few items is the approach to take. Long lists of rules are intimidating to students and often hard to remember; this makes them less effective. The general classroom norms should clearly state the rewards if any, and consequences in ordinary classroom environment topics such as tardiness, late assignments, food, and drinks policy, hall passes, and finally the classroom conduct and language.

Involving students in creating rules

Getting the students to help create the rules and consequences is a clever way of getting the students to follow them as they would appreciate the collaborative effort in the process of creating the standards and the opportunity for self-expression and involvement in the matter. Time should be allocated to examine all the rules individually while expounding the reasoning behind it and asking for illustrations for deferent scenarios in the classroom environment where each is applicable. Getting support from the parents and different officials around the school regarding the classroom norms advantageous and would also be a reminder.

References

Tomlinson, C. (2014). The Differentiated Classroom. Alexandria: ASCD.