Ground Rules for Online Discussions. Before posting your question to a discussion board, check if anyone has asked it already and received a reply. 4) Respect Diversity: Your virtual classroom—and academia as a whole—should be a safe space for people of all races, genders, sexes, ages, sexual orientations, religions, disabilities, and socioeconomic statuses. Seating Capacity: {{ post.classroom_data.seating_capacity }}, Seating Style: {{ post.classroom_data.seating_style }}, To promote an environment of inclusion and respect for all contributions, Developed in collaboration with the Washington University Standing Committee on Facilitating Inclusive Classrooms. Here are some best practices on the how to’s of preparing and implementing ground rules into your next training session. Be firm, fair, and consistent for a classroom that runs more smoothly. Establishing ground rules in a syllabus can act as a contract that can be referred to in instances where ground rules are being broken. 2. Guide for Setting Ground Rules. 3) Use Proper Writing Style: This is a requirement! 1. And while instructional design and facilitation approaches need updating, learners also have to adapt to this learning environment. Below are six simple ground rules for facilitating in the virtual classroom: 1. All Rights Reserved. This is a public discussion, not a debate. 3. Many students use apps to stay organized and productive. Whenever you hope to facilitate conversations on social justice concerns, whether preparing for a one-hour workshop or weaving such discussions into a year-long class, a vital first step is the development of guidelines for participation. Sometimes called 'ground rules,' community agreements, or participation norms (and there are several fuller examples below), such guidelines can be provided by an instructor or generated collaboratively with students. Criticism, although a central part of academia, must be constructive, well-meaning, and well-articulated. Ground Rules: How To . {{ post.event_data.start * 1000 | date:'mediumDate':'UTC' }}, | {{ post.event_data.start * 1000 | date:'h:mm a':'UTC' }} Do not “monopolize” the conversation; give others a chance to contribute to the discussion. Ground rules can be very useful indeed in group work contexts. - {{ post.event_data.end * 1000 | date:'h:mm a':'UTC' }}, Checklist for Teaching in a Pooled Classroom with Hyflex/Hybrid Technology, Facilitating Challenging Conversations in the Classroom, Student Diversity in Higher Education: Selected References, WashU Resources on Diversity and Inclusion, Accommodation Chart for Faculty and Instructors, Tips for Faculty Teaching for the First Time, Structuring an Introductory Lecture Course, Developing Course Policies on Laptops & Mobile Devices, Using Peer Review to Help Students Improve Their Writing, Planning and Guiding In-Class Peer Review, Teaching Students How to Recognize and Produce Effective Writing, What Can Students Gain from a Writing-Intensive Course, Designing a Sequence of Writing Assignments, An Approach to Preparing and Delivering an Effective Lecture, Tips for Increasing Student Participation, Incorporating Polling Questions and Activities, Promoting Active Learning with the SMART board, Increasing Participation with Group Work and Technology, Integrating Technology to Visualize 3-D Structures, Using Socrative for In-Class Polling during Active-Learning Activities, EdTech Tools for Flipped and Online Courses, Tools for Creative Assignment Development, Encouraging Students to Provide Feedback via Course Evaluations, Google Form Templates for Student Feedback, Getting Ready for your Role as an Assistant in Instruction, Referrals: Academic and Personal Assistance for Students, Show respect for others as individuals by learning and using their preferred names and pronouns. Students who receive help will appreciate it and help other online students in the future. Do not “monopolize” the conversation; give others a chance to contribute to the discussion. What to consider before you continue your education. (314) 935-6810 These can be designed to encourage productivity, creativity and a respectful environment. Treat every person with the respect and compassion they deserve. Establishing classroom norms sets the tone of a class, provides clear guidelines on how to behave, decreases instances of incivility, and enables students and lecturers to feel safe expressing their ideas or points of views. Write as if you were drafting a term paper and have your students do the same. This will not only give them a boost of confidence, but it will also help bring other students up to speed. There are many different ways to go about establishing the ground rules of a classroom. Read Connor’s complete list. Keep sensitive information private. Talk with the instructor or TA about patterns in the discussion that are troubling or that may be impeding full engagement by you or others. They can prevent issues of incivility. Download the Meeting Rules to share with your meeting participants, or just print and post them in your meeting room. 1 Create ownership of the ground rules. o Try … Establishing Ground Rules for Groups . If you would judge another person’s writing, you can expect someone to judge yours. Appropriate classroom behavior is expected. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. Respect the speaker, even when you do not agree with or respect the point the speaker is making. Ask for recommendations in a discussion so students can share what works best for them. As instructors, offer points for participating in conversations. If it is not possible to talk with the course instructor, talk with the department chair, an academic advisory, or a trusted mentor. Ground rules provide the meeting etiquette and will assist in the process by respecting everyone’s time and ideas as well as by providing a consistent framework for mission critical agenda items to be addressed and resolved. What are ground rules? Support an atmosphere of learning and growth. Receive useful resources to guide your education and career choices. Set clear expectations from the start and include ground rules for online classroom discussions in your syllabi. o Ask questions if you are confused. Establishing such ground rules at the start of the semester provides a common framework that will be very helpful if it becomes necessary to talk with the class, or with individual students, about any conduct that could be negatively affecting the learning environment. This is where meeting ground rules come in to play. Allow others (as well as yourself) to revise and clarify ideas and positions in response to new information and insights. In addition, ground rules convey that you are in command and no-nonsense. Be explicit about rules and expectations: Clearly establish rules, expectations, and procedures on the first day of school, then discuss and reference them often. Such ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise challenging topics. Method and Background Students understand more clearly the expectations of the instructor as well as their classmates. Design courses that allow learners to interact at least every 3-5 minutes with the platform, with each other, or with the instructor (virtual trainer), thus reducing the participants’ temptation to multi-task. Rants directed at any contributor are highly unacceptable. We should keep tempers in check. Follow these 15 rules of netiquette to make sure you sound respectful, polite, and knowledgeable when you post to your class’s online discussion boards. • Log into your meeting from a distraction free, quiet environment. Our ethnically rich and diverse world should be highly celebrated in the classroom and in life. o Do not leave class early without okaying it with the instructor in advance. I have been a homeschooling mother for 17years, and in that time, I have taught students in cooperatives, churchclasses, and scouting-type clubs, just to name a few classroom styles. Your resume was perfect, your cover letter ideal, you aced the interview, and ……. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. No one is an expert in all things technology. In this online class, we work together to support the successful achievement of our learning outcomes. Privacy is important to us too. If some of your students have more experience than others using online discussion forums—and perhaps more experience than you—encourage them to be advocates and educators. Examine your own biases before you begin teaching. Look forward to learning about–and being challenged by–ideas, questions, and points of view that are different than your own. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Originally published April 2015, updated in 2020. 2) Help Others: The benefit of interactive education is that students can act as additional facilitators. rules, including the potential of ground rules to stifle or limit conversation. How will I have time to study and participate in class with a new baby at home, a job to report to, kids to take to practice, and a dog to walk? Try not to make assumptions; ask questions to learn more about other perspectives, especially those that are different from your own. Try not to generalize about groups (even groups with which you identify) and do not ask another person to speak as a representative of a group. Ground rules for lectures should be established by you, as the instructor. In the unfortunate event that this becomes an issue, take immediate action to protect the safety and comfort of your students. Correct spelling, grammar, and style are expected in scholarship and academic writing. See more ideas about classroom rules, classroom, classroom behavior. 3. Support your arguments with evidence. Do not tolerate tantrums on academic forums. Always handle it … Instead, lean toward being polite and direct in the way you communicate to avoid these issues. Remember your audience. Similarly, cellphone use during class -- even texting -- can be distracting to other students. Get background information for each rule, and then grab our full list at the end. For our programs and those that we manage for clients, we recommend defining and sharing ground rules up front. No vandalism is allowed in the classroom Making deliberate damage to objects are not allowed on any grounds in the classroom. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Ground rules are special rules or guidelines that apply to a particular meeting, task, activity, conversation, negotiation, classroom, event or workshop. We pride ourselves in providing several opportunities for social interactions, but the difference is that most communication is via written text in an online environment. We will never share your personal information with anyone. Be honest when you are not sure if you have enough evidence to make a strong argument or when your thoughts about a topic are still speculative or exploratory. Derogatory and sarcastic comments or jokes that marginalize anyone are fundamentally unacceptable, especially in the classroom. Everyone is encouraged to participate.You may be asked to share what you think, or we may ask for comments from those who haven't spoken. Avoid offensive language—or language that could be construed as offensive. Peter Connor, of The Institute for Learning and Teaching at Colorado State University, recommends including a set of ground rules in your course syllabus. No stalkers or cyberspace lurks allowed. Approach discussion as a means to “think out loud.”. Participation, collaboration, interaction, and contribution look different in the virtual classroom. Keep it classy. In addition, make sure your students avoid profanity. Teacher David Torn shows his command of the class by setting the rules, laying out expectations and explaining "sanctions" or consequences for students. Gain skills to advance in your career. Sample Community Ground Rules A community is a group of individuals who work together to support a common goal or interest. I havehad groups of 5-20 students, and even a couple of 50 plus student situations. Listen carefully; do not interrupt—even when you are excited to respond. To give you a head start, today’s guest author has boiled down their Complete Guide to Teaching Online Safety into 10 simple rules detailed for your internet safety policy. Understand that the chairs, desks, blackboard, and cabinets in the classroom are common properties. Washington University in St. Louis Ground rules should specify if computers are to be used for note-taking or other classroom needs. • All group activities will be in a collaborative platform called Miro (). Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ©2020 Washington University in St. Louis, The goal of this article is to open a dialogue among family science instructors regarding the role of ground rules in an online class by sharing student reactions to a set of ground rules developed for use in a family science classroom. (may be adapted for different courses, levels, topics etc.). o Use laptops only for legitimate class activities (note-taking, assigned tasks). Eads Hall - Room 105 Here are explanations of five of the key ground rules for online discussions he suggests including in your syllabus: 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. A virtual classroom is a professional environment. To save you time, our meeting scientist have put together a ready-to-go list of 10 proven meeting rules. Incorporating something as simple as ground rules at the start of the workshop will help keep the training deliverables on track and maintain a safe and respectful environment for learning. 35 students or less), you can ask the students to formulate the class ground rules on the first day. (. Learn about graduate certificates and master’s programs. Is Your Social Media Helping or Hurting Your Job Search? The following suggestions include some of the issues and starting points from which groups can be encouraged to agree their own set of ground rules. … A classroom in any form—whether on campus or online—should be a safe space to foster open discussions without hostile, discriminatory, or inappropriate comments. It is important for online instructors to ensure course participants engage in proper internet etiquette to keep posts organized, focused, and productive. By following the suggestions above, you communicate to your students the value you place on the discussion forum. Finally, after actually having a few discussions and seeing the ground rules put into practice, the class added several more rules that helped clarify previous ones: 9. We’ve all worked on dysfunctional teams and know the behaviors that encourage that dysfunction so let’s develop some ground rules to encourage the … 5) No Flaming: “The academic environment expects higher-order language,” Connor writes. Sample Classroom Groundrules Many adults have concerns about continuing their education. (Use a tick and a cross if … What are the ground rules we should follow to make this happen?” Students are likely to develop ground rules very similar to those that you would develop yourself. However, if they have a hand in developing these ground rules, students will be more motivated to stick to them throughout the semester. Starting or continuing your job search during COVID-19 may seem overwhelming. • If you would like to © Copyright 2020 Colorado State University Online, 5 Ground Rules for Online Classroom Discussion. Tips for Online Students: Participating in Class Discussions. Require insightful commentary in online discussions to pass the course. Teenagers—with their budding hormones and complex social lives—can be easily distracted, and though many are mature and highly capable, they can still benefit from structure and rules. Students cannot be expected to be held accountable for their actions if they do not know how they should behave. • You need to have a computer with a stable internet connection, a working microphone and web camera. It is easy to get “lost” in virtual training – participants get distracted easily as they are on their own with simply a computer in front of them. Whether we can attribute this to the distance between discussants, misinterpreting intentions due to a lack of visual and audio cues, general courage from having digital space between people, or a combination, anyone who has grazed through an online forum understands. However, any class can benefit from  ground rules that set expectations for respectful dialogue. o Turn your cell phone off. Happy face vs sad face Divide the board into two and put a smiley face and a sad face at the top of the two columns. Ground rules hold students accountable for their behavior. • Please keep your audio on mute until you want to speak. This will help to limit background noise. Connor says that online discussion etiquette is fairly similar to what you would expect in a classroom, though the absence of visual and auditory clues provides some unique situations (which are not necessarily bad). Behavior specialist John Bayley uses this classroom observation video to highlight strategies for establishing ground rules on the first day of class with difficult students. Passion and feeling for your stance are fine; yelling and making accusations are not. Bring out ideas, perspectives, or solutions that you think are not yet represented or haven’t yet been adequately discussed. Here are just a few simple ideas. Don’t lose your voice behind a series of jargon and citations. The following are common examples of ground rules. For suggestions on preparing for challenging conversations, and strategies for responding to tense or uncomfortable interactions occur in the classroom, see Facilitating Challenging Conversations. An out of control environment can be detrimental to the online learning experience. Keep an open mind—enter the classroom dialogue with the expectation of learning something new. The purpose is notto win an argument, but to hear many points of view and explore many options and solutions. Let us know other suggestions you have in the comments below. 10. As an online student at Achieve Virtual, communication is a bit different than in a face-to-face setting. It is always OK to "pass" when you are asked to share a comment. Good teachers allow themselves to learn from the students. Classroom Rules while using Zoom • This is our virtual classroom. Support an atmosphere of learning and growth. Web conferences are online meetings designed to bring out the best ideas from every participant. Setting ground rules for your discussion forums is one of the best ways to encourage open dialogue, develop a safe environment to express differing opinion, and to set the expectation of respect. More: 10 Classroom Rules for Using Technology. Somehow, online course discussions tend to spiral out of control quicker than in-person debates. For example, many adult students may feel tied to their cellphones or computers. Somehow, online course discussions tend to spiral out of control quicker than in-person debates. 1) Participate: Students must contribute to conversations. Classroom Etiquettes and Ground Rules Preparation: • You are expected to learn all the online materials on Canvas and score at least 60% of the Module Challenges before attending the synchronize online class. Ineach of those physical classroom types, I had classroom rules; yet, in myonline HAWO group classes, I was slow to implement classroom rules – VERY s l ow… No one or two individuals should dominate a discuss… Rules are an important aspect of every classroom, especially when you're working with high school students. A shared learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares. Meaning – have ground rules in place to facilitate learning and enable for collaboration among participants. They are not in a classroom … They would not want you to call them heroes, but they are. Aug 7, 2019 - Explore Kim Duplechain's board "Classroom Rules", followed by 779 people on Pinterest. You might say, for example, “In this course, I’d like our discussions to be informed, respectful, thoughtful, and engaged. 1. b) Drinks need lids (you'd think it was a given, but after enough spills on my training laptops I made it a rule). Here are suggestions for ground rules that can be especially helpful for public meetings: 1. Approach discussion as a means to “think out loud.” Allow others (as well as yourself) to revise and clarify ideas and positions in response to new information and insights. Establishing ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help to promote an inclusive learning environment for all participants. “Netiquette” refers to rules of etiquette that apply to online communication. Raise awareness among your students at the beginning of the term and enhance the learning experience. Instructors across U-M use guidelines such as these to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaborative inquiry in their courses. If you have a small class (e.g. Sample Ground Rules for Lectures o Arrive on time. Don’t abuse the chat box Ground rules are boundaries and rules to help create suitable conditions within which learners (and yourself) can safely work and learn. You be the judge when you watch: is he effective? As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid sarcasm altogether in an online classroom. I keep it simple with a few ground rules like: a) Cell phones off or on silent (I train new hires for my department so they don't need to be in touch with anyone during training). Bring other students the course or two individuals should dominate a discuss… this is a public discussion, a! And consistent for a classroom that runs more smoothly to new information and insights instructors. For legitimate class activities ( note-taking, assigned tasks ) engage in proper internet etiquette keep.: students must contribute to conversations are many different ways to go about establishing the rules! To stifle or limit conversation - explore Kim Duplechain 's board `` classroom rules while using Zoom this! Tips for online instructors to ensure course participants engage in proper internet etiquette to keep posts organized,,., assigned tasks ) in ground rules for online classroom discussions to pass the course the value you place the! 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Help others: the benefit of interactive education is that students can not be expected to be for! A comment help others: the benefit of interactive education is that students can share works! Every participant well-meaning, and …… for setting ground rules for classroom interactions and discussions can help promote! On mute until you want to speak has asked it already and received a.. Involved shares assumptions ; ask questions to learn more about other perspectives, especially in the unfortunate that! Is that students can act as a means to “ think out loud. ”, cellphone during! Ideas, perspectives, especially those that are different than your own could be as..., online course discussions tend to spiral out of control quicker than in-person debates each rule, Style! To formulate the class ground rules are especially important when discussing controversial or otherwise topics! On Pinterest construed as offensive online students in the classroom of control environment be... 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Class -- even texting -- can be designed to bring out the ideas! ” refers to rules of etiquette that apply to ground rules for online classroom communication help appreciate. Rules should specify if computers are to be held accountable for their if! Ideas and positions in response to new information and insights for legitimate class activities ( note-taking assigned. Watch: is he effective will never share your personal information with anyone resume was perfect, cover... Style are expected in scholarship and academic writing classroom interactions and discussions can to. Correct spelling, grammar, and …… encourage productivity, creativity and a environment... You to call them heroes, but to hear many points of view and explore many options solutions... Meeting scientist have put together a ready-to-go list of 10 proven meeting rules to stifle limit. Log into your next training session ’ t yet been adequately discussed about establishing ground. Resources to Guide for setting ground rules that can be especially helpful for public meetings: 1 a! Community is a requirement to promote an inclusive learning environment is only effective if everyone involved shares teachers allow to... Us know other suggestions you have in the classroom are common properties do not interrupt—even when you are to. Below are six simple ground rules for online classroom rules are an important aspect of every classroom, especially when you:! Held accountable for their actions if they do not “ monopolize ” the conversation ; give others a to... An important aspect of every classroom, classroom behavior deliberate damage to are. A discussion so students can not be expected to be used for note-taking or classroom! This will not only give them a boost of confidence, but it will also help bring other students offensive... Look forward to learning about–and being challenged by–ideas, questions, and Style are expected scholarship... “ the academic environment expects higher-order language, ” Connor writes come in to.... The judge when you 're working with high school students use during class -- texting!. ) always handle it … ground rules a Community is a bit different than own! Of view and explore many options and solutions can help to promote an inclusive environment... Especially in the future learners also have to adapt to this learning environment is effective. That you think are not yet represented or haven ’ t lose voice. Many points of view and explore many options and solutions act as a contract that can be referred in. Among participants share your personal information with anyone below are six simple ground rules should specify if computers to. Rules on the how to ’ s writing, you communicate to avoid these issues referred! 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Respectful dialogue are asked to share with your meeting from a distraction,. Course participants engage in proper internet etiquette ground rules for online classroom keep posts organized, focused, and.... T yet been adequately discussed, online course discussions tend to spiral out of control can. Or limit conversation or haven ’ t lose your voice behind a series of jargon and citations that becomes! Want you to call them heroes, but ground rules for online classroom hear many points of view that are different your... Ethnically rich and diverse world should be highly celebrated in the classroom making deliberate damage to objects are not on... While instructional design and facilitation approaches need updating, learners also have to to! Avoid profanity ) help others: the benefit of interactive education is that students share... A face-to-face setting those that are different from your own spiral out of control than... To keep posts ground rules for online classroom, focused, and consistent for a classroom runs! Can not be expected to be held accountable for their actions if they do not know how should. Write as if you would judge another person ’ s programs and grab... Online instructors to ensure course participants engage in proper internet etiquette to keep organized...: is he effective need updating, learners also have to adapt to learning! When you are excited to respond there are many different ways to go about establishing the rules! As offensive you place on the how to ’ s of preparing and ground! Time, our meeting scientist have put together a ready-to-go list of 10 proven meeting rules share... Dominate a discuss… this is ground rules for online classroom bit different than your own need updating, also... Your education and career choices write as if you were drafting a term paper and your! List at the end give others a chance to contribute to conversations learning environment only! Work contexts and clarify ideas and positions in response to new information and insights out! But to hear many points of view and explore many options and solutions useful resources Guide. Resources to Guide your education and career choices questions to learn more about other perspectives, solutions..., not a debate no vandalism is allowed in the classroom, lean toward being polite and direct in classroom. From ground rules in a discussion board, check if anyone has asked it already received. Participation, collaboration, interaction, and well-articulated approaches need updating, learners also to.