Recommended Classroom Norms and Moral Principles
Activity: Establish group norms... as a group!
Overview
Collaborative learning is influenced by the quality of interactions, both among students and between teacher and students. Use this activity with students to co-create norms that foster a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for science inquiry learning.
Establish group norms... as a group!
Collaborative learning is influenced by the quality of interactions, both among students and between teacher and students. Use this activity with students to co-create norms that foster a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for science inquiry learning.
- Establish group norms right from the start, and revisit them periodically and flexibly to grow with student and group needs.
- Invite students into the process of creating group norms. Start with a single, non-negotiable rule (e.g., “No one has the right to interfere with the learning, safety, or wellbeing of others.”) and then have students brainstorm and select 5-6 more “rules” for the class for the year.
- Post the “rules” prominently in the classroom. Plan to revisit group norms periodically and ensure that they are flexible to grow with student and group needs.