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Writer's pictureMu Mei Hsueh

How to Establish a Norm and Procedures

Updated: Sep 27, 2022

M4 U2 Activity 1: Norms and Expectations



Project Description


Overview Norms and expectations in this activity are positively framed statements that focus on creating a safe learning environment. Norms are the basis of creating and managing a positive learning environment. In order to create a safe, engaging, and student-centered learning environment classroom norms and expectations should be clearly communicated and agreed-upon by all stakeholders in the classroom. Performance outcomes

  • Candidates establish three to five clear, concise, and positive classroom norms and expectations.

What will you do?

  1. In the Virtual Classroom or Discussion Forum this week, discuss why norms and expectations are important. Share examples of norms and behavior expectations that you follow, have observed, or would like to integrate into the classroom. Use the Case Studies in the Activity Resources for reference if you have never taught a class before.

  2. Complete step two of the “Learning Environment Plan” that you started in Unit 1, by writing your own norms and expectations. The norms and behavior expectations should be:

    • Framed positively

    • Applicable to all circumstances in the classroom

    • Lead to a safe learning environment

    • Modified for the virtual learning environment

  3. Review at least two peers’ norms and expectations to share ideas and make recommendations based on your research.

Report requirements

  • Section on Norms and Expectations in the Learning Environment Plan

  • Two Peer Reviews

(The above information was cited from the TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program)


My Work

Classroom Norms and Behavior Expectations: Classroom norms are the foundation of a safe, engaging, and student-centered learning environment. List 3-5 clear, concise, and positively framed norms and expectations that will guide the learning environment.
  1. Universal and Simple: Focus on some themes or big ideas that might include respect and integrity. Do not include every possible rule or policy you might need; rather generate a few overarching norms that encompass many rules.

  2. Positive: Norms are positive statements about what students and teachers do in order to learn and collaborate effectively. Avoid negative norms (i.e. “Do not…” “No…”).

  3. Collaborative: Involve your students in developing and discussing norms and expectations. This allows them to contribute and gives them ownership of the class.

Physical Classroom:


Try your best:

  • Don’t be scared to make mistakes, and learn from mistakes.

  • Share students' failures and how they overcame them.

  • Ask for help

Be respectful

  • Respect the space: Take care of class materials

  • Respect yourself: advocate for yourself, ask for help, be honest

  • Respect each other: use kind language, help each other, keep your hands to yourself

Be prepared

  • Bring materials needed for class

  • Arrive on time

  • Go to the toilet before class

  • Check your schedule

Be kind

  • Be helpful to peers and support each other

  • Use positive language


Strategies or Modifications for Learning Environment


Physical Classroom:

  • Procedures scavenger hunt: have students roam the room to learn procedures and norms

  • Celebrate student achievement (posting student work, praising hard work/effort/thank you for…)

  • Model respect toward the students

  • Post norms/expectations in room

  • Develop a class charter as a class activity

  • Model and practice procedures, like when to use the bathroom or pencil sharpener

Virtual Classroom:

  • Active in learning - Positive reinforcement- acknowledge students when they participant and/or complete assignments

  • Be Respectful- Develop a class charter or social contract where students develop their own set of expectations for themselves and each other. Have a student type ideas out on a Google Doc to really keep this process in the hands of the students.

  • Be Present- Giving the students a voice in what or how they learn the information will keep the task relevant to their interests and needs. Build a survey or question system to gauge how they prefer to learn…monthly or quarterly.


Resources

Establishing Classroom Norms & Expectations


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