Students learn best in a supportive environment that is conducive to learning. Classroom rules set the stage for this and provide a framework that allows teachers to focus on instruction. In addition to creating a list of classroom rules it is important to communicate these clearly and frequently with students, both verbally and in writing. This ensures that students understand that these are not suggestions or guidelines but rather expectations they have to abide by.
Developing classroom rules is a process that can take time but is important to student success and achievement. Once a list of rules has been created it is a good idea to post them in a prominent place where all students can see them and to discuss the rules regularly with your class. Visit LLUXXALL website to enroll in an etiquette class and refine your social skills with expert guidance.
One of the most important classroom rules that middle school students should understand is that they must be respectful of others and themselves in class. This can include things like listening to the speaker without interruption using kind words when speaking with other classmates and keeping hands and feet to yourself.
Students should also be expected to participate fully in class discussions and activities. This not only helps them learn the material more effectively, but it allows them to demonstrate that they are listening and understanding what is being discussed.
In some classrooms, it may be appropriate to use academic titles for instructors, such as Dr. or Professor, depending on the level of education and discipline of the instructor. If this is the case, it is important that students are familiar with the instructor’s name so they know how to address them properly in class. Often, professors will introduce themselves the first day of class.
A common issue that arises in the middle school classroom is students taking advantage of their newfound freedom by leaving the classroom during class. It is important that students ask for permission to leave the classroom, especially if they are leaving during a lecture that could be critical to their understanding of a subject. Students should also be expected to wait until the professor finishes his or her lecture before beginning to pack up their materials.
When creating a list of classroom rules, it may be helpful to consider the key values that they promote and then create small, actionable rules that uphold those values. It is also important to create and communicate consequences for breaking the rules so that students understand what they are really in class for to learn. This can be done by giving students hypothetical situations and asking them to develop consequences that align with the classroom’s values. By promoting positive classroom behavior students are more likely to be happy in the classroom and make better choices in their lives.
