Sunday, September 16, 2007

Ground Rules

Having watched the video on Ground Rules, what's so important about the first meeting with a group of students?

62 comments:

Ellen said...

Laying out the parameters at the beginning lets the students know what type of behaviour is expected of them. I liked that this was done in a firm but friendly way though.

Anonymous said...

Setting the tone is important, and you don't have to do it is a dictatorial way.
Being friendly, personable yet firm in laying the ground rules is important.

Anonymous said...

Setting the expectations right from the start is good approach. The lecturer did not deny/reject the students request directly but indirectly via a healthy means. Tactful and effective.

Anonymous said...

Setting the expectations in a healthy manner at the beginning of the class is a good approach. The educator should make a rapport with the students.

Anonymous said...

I like the video's instructional methods. It is friendly yet firm, the do's & don't are spelt out early, expectations are set.

Anonymous said...

1st meeting:

First Impression counts! That is when the students decide whether they like you or hate you. and that is also when they decide if they want to pay attention in your class, come to your class or even have an interest in what you are teaching. It is also import to let them know what is expected of them and what is allowed and not allowed in class.

Anonymous said...

yes, it is very important that the ground rules are pointed out and that the students know what type of behaviour is expected of them.

Anonymous said...

Ground Rules
Of course it is great to set the expectation right to students in the first meeting but as a lecturer you have to do what you preach (NATO).
On top of that I believe that it is going to be a continuous journey of getting to know each other.

Anonymous said...

Agreed!
1st impression counts. It's also a way of an introducing yourself to the student. very important 1st step to state the expectation.

Anonymous said...

Setting ground rules are important, to let the students know what they can or cannot do.

Anonymous said...

Mark u were excellent with the acting and roleplay.

Definatedly can relate to " Going Off early" and students asking for treats.

Good tips on handling these situations.

Anonymous said...

The lecturer managed to lay down the ground rules and tactfully tackled the questions from the students. This is a good example of how to begin a class as it creates a pleasant impression to the students.

Anonymous said...

The lecturer set his expectations of the students in a firm, tactful and friendly manner... effective!
The first meeting with the students will pave the way on how effective the lecturer will teach the students. In a good first-time interaction, the students will be keen to learn and hence more effective, even if the lectures are dry. However, if the first meeting is screwed up, the students will not be bothered with the lectures, no matter how hard the lecturer tries....

Anonymous said...

I think the important thing about the first meeting with the students is to break the ice.It is easy to just tell them the ground rules but the main thing is how the class can cooperate with you in the subsequent lessons.While Mark sets the expectation he require from the class,he indirectly gets some response for the expectation the class require from him.Expectation is two way.If there is a balance there will be more cooperation and rapport in the future lessons.

Anonymous said...

I like the way Mark did it. He managed to break the ice, tackle tricky questions cleverly and in a humorous way. Most important of all, he did not digress from the main objective which was setting ground rules.

Anonymous said...

Has got some good n bad lah. Ice breaker yes but gotta b careful what is being said. They might quote you later during the term in the event that you dont live up to something that was said on the 1st day. But definitely a gd way to lay the grnd rules n let them know whatz being expected of them.

Anonymous said...

It seeks a common understanding or aggreement between the lectuerer and the students in a firm yet friedly manner. It sets the tone for future classes. Students will know what is expected of them.

Anonymous said...

hahaha mark i thought you were fantastic! in both the acting and how you handled the situation. never an interesting time setting the ground rules but you (the lecturer?) managed to do it with humour and tact, and in a very friendly way. Effective and got the students on your side. good tips for me to pick up!

Anonymous said...

Laying the ground rules is important, but they may quote whatever you say later, even if in jest.

Anonymous said...

Even though you may not fall in love by the first glance but the first meeting is fairly important. If the things goes well from the first meeting, the task has been completed half already.

Anonymous said...

It is important to set the ground rules in the first meeting. Subsequently, we need to show the students that we take the ground rules seriously, I think that is the more tricky part.

Anonymous said...

I'd love this lecturer!
It is always great to have a lecturer who can be a friend to me. And these are the lecturers who stays on with you to probably see you through your career. When a lecturer is a friend, me as a student tend to learn more willingly and would emulate and attain the wisdom of the lecturer.
Having said that, and having been on the other side (the brighter side that is), I have also learnt that it is important to set the ground rules on the first meeting. Having tested several ways, I learnt that it is good to communicate what you CANNOT tolerate in class, and list the consequences of someone testing it. At the end of the day, students must know who holds the fort in class.

Anonymous said...

I agree that the first meeting with the class is very important. All the ground rules must be clearly spelled out and must be acknowledged by the class. We must be very consistent with the rules and must comply by ourselves too.

Anonymous said...

Setting and conveying the classroom expectations to the students, while at the same time, take the first step in building rapport. I will also remind them that life will be easier if they rule their own "kingdom" by my rules than to let me rule over them by my rules.

Anonymous said...

I like the way Mark did in the video. I noticed that although he set the rules but he also gave good explanations (eg give attention to people who are giving presentation, as a respect). He managed very well the first lesson. However, I am thinking this class of students in the video seems rather naughty; they may not put into heart the rules their lecturers have set. Quite challenging for every session!

Anonymous said...

It is good that students know the expectations of the lecturer and thing will not turn ugly if they break the rules.

Anonymous said...

Prevention Measures

1. Setting the ground rule
a. Setting the ground rule at the 1st class is very important. It can help the class the set the right expectation. However, it is very difficult to enforce the rule, as we are lacking of the disciplinary control towards the weaker students ( they do not care about their grades, they do not concern of their own future at this point)
b. Mark had done a good job in the video, as he demonstrated how to do the tough job in a humourous way, which shall be easier for the students to get it.

2. Importance of first meeting.
a. Yes it is very important. But also very important that the ground rule we have set in the first meeting will be upheld in the subsequent classes.

Anonymous said...

I think the lecturer had done a good job. He outline what Dos and Don’t in class. He is friendly. It is very important to make a good first impression. I have read students feedback and talked to lots of students. They said if the lecturer is friendly, they like to go to his/her class. But to listen or not that depends on how interesting the lesson is.

Although the lecturer in video is friendly, he still able to manage the class. He gave funny answer why they should not end the class now. This way is better than just showing authorities.

Anonymous said...

The lecturer introduced the ground rules in a very light handed way and with humour. He also answered the student's demands and questions in a creative and twisted it to his advantage. He also showed empathy in letting students having to answer urgent calls. The first meeting is VERY important as it provides the level as to where students can gauge how far they can push or approach a lecturer. Students tend to judge a lecturer by his or her dressing and deportment.

wai leng said...

Setting the ground rules, by all accounts, from my experienced fellow lecturers, is paramount! I found it helpful as well to let students know what my expectations are, because I can point back to that first meeting if they forget later on. The trick really is how to come across to the students as being firm and yet, approachable at the same time.

Anonymous said...

First impression counts, we are setting the expectations right for both our students and ourselves.

Faith Lee said...

Strongly agree to lay down ground rules. Every new class that I enter, I write down my 3 golden rules that they must all abide by:

#1 - No vulgarity
#2 - HP on silent mode
#3 - Students can talk softly but never too loud or too long to disrupt my lessons.

of course, now & then, students break the rules but we just have to remind them & reinforce the rules. Tried & tested, not that difficult in real life!

Anonymous said...

I have never needed to lay down ground rules, though it seems like a good idea.
I usually start my first tutorial class with who I am, where to contact me (because I expect students to come and contact me).
Then I talk on where I was from (since they always wonder what an Ang-Moh is doing here).
I didn't need to give ground rules as it seemed taken for granted. I seem to remeber having to warn the students about attendence and how the system works, buts thats about it.

Anonymous said...

Ground rule very important.
Letting the students know wat's unacceptable in class keep the student's feet firmly on ground during lesson. If they try to fly, we can hammer them down on ground using these ground rule

Anonymous said...

It is essential to list the ground rules in the first meeting. It sets the image of the lecturer. if rules are not laid out or if the lecturer is easy going, it is extremely difficult for the students to accept any adhoc rules later. The tone must be assertive.

Anonymous said...

The lecturer handled the situation very well...
Persuasive, compromise/cooperative/negotiable, approachable and be able to direct the students' attention to the lesson

Anonymous said...

The expectation was set well. Any negative questions was answered with humour and then properly set. Nicely done.

Unknown said...

Students need the boundaries and they will want to find out how "flexible" the lecturer is. The ground rules are essential for establishing future rapport. This lecturer has done it in a firm and clear manner and did not put down the students for raising the "challenging" questions. I think the class will size the lecturer up as "can have fun with him, but don't play-play". They will know when they "cross the line".

Anonymous said...

The lecturer did a wonderful job. The way he interacted with the students was cool and easy and he managed the students well despite their "nonsense" in trying out his limits. I think the expectations from students were set and he definitely built rapport and respect from the students. Students do want to know that the lecturer is in control and confident, yet approachable, caring and do not lord over them.

Tek said...

I feel that if students are aware of his/her purpose in life in this country, he will somehow know how to plan their own goals, and I will be a platform for them to tap my knowledge.

Anonymous said...

Ground rules are important, especially when it is the first contact between the teacher and the student.

Well managed expectations can reduce the impact of the student not meeting an over rated not realistic goal set upon them.

Just to note, we are living with the generation youtube. Who knows that very short segment of phrases might surface on the internet and the teachers are held accountable to it.

Anonymous said...

I think for the first meeting, esp as a new lecturer, try to know the students.

Certain so called "ground rules" are not really "ground rules" but basic courtesy and respect for another human being. So these "rules" need to be highlighted, if required.

Rules and regulations can be like fences and should be introduced carefully. Too many rules might just distance yourselves from your students even before they have a chance to know you.

Along the way, fine tuning of the rules might be required.

Anonymous said...

Ya...those thing that we don't like to hear as students too! Rules can be a bit over-whelming from 1st lesson but i believe its necessary to avoid 'you never tell me leh' situation in future. What Lect-mark did in the video is v.good reference. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Ground rules are important and have to be established as early as possible but personally, I would use 'Mutual Respect' as the keyword to highlight to my students and further iterate that they are mature enough and should start behaving like an adult.

Anonymous said...

It is important to set the ground rules from the start. It is wise to do it in a firm but friendly way.

Anonymous said...

Think the 1st meeting is important in setting the tone of the classroom. Although important, laying the ground rules and STICKING to them would be equally important. Students will always be students with their funny ideas which also gives the lecturer an idea of their personalities.

Anonymous said...

The first meeting is super-important because it sets the tone for the rest of the module; that's why it's super-scary too (at least to me)! In the video, the lecturer has done it in a way that is humorous and accommodating; he plays along even if the students' questions are cheeky ones meant to test boundaries, and it shows that he is willing to listen to them. The question is whether the students will respect him for it, or try to climb all over him the next lesson! (I've heard that in many cases, it worked out better to be a bit more stern at the start and then loosen up as time passes.) I guess it will be an ongoing negotiation...

Sharon said...

Setting ground rules on the first day is definitely important as it allows mutual understanding between 2 parties so as to prevent future conflicts.

Kim Nam said...

Ground rules are important! It's always important to set the deirection from the get go.

Anonymous said...

There is a chinese saying:
先小人后君子. It is only crutial that we prepare our students and let them know what is expected of them.

CTC said...

Tactful and humorous!
These are really some good tips I can take away. I experienced problems in my first week of teaching as I was tasked to take over only in the last week of term 1 just before the vacation. The ground rules may have already been set but I guess it need to be re-set when term starts again.

Unknown said...

Ground rules, an absolute neccesity. Thanks for the reminder.

The vid had a good way of depicting how to share ground rules in a humorous way, not making a list of do's and don'ts, yet getting student buy-in.

Boon said...

Good to state the rules of the game, so that all can enjoy the game of teaching and learning.

Chee Pieu said...

The first impression is always very important, be it you are the interviewee, sales man, employee or employer. Personally feel that setting ground rules are important so that students know your expectation and hopefully they are willing to stick to that. It should be a 2 way instead of 1. Instead of rigidly setting up class rules by ourselves, we might want to consider some of the relevant pointers from the class. We might also want to consider defining the objective first before setting and confirming the class rules. Make everyone sign on the paper??? “THIS CONTRACT SERVES AS…..” In the event of “disputes” the contract shall prevail…
This is the same as in any other organisation where policies are set to meet their aims/goals/objective and “class rules” might be seen as “policies”. The “contract” represents “terms and conditions” in their appointment letter? What do you think?

Serene said...

It is important to lay down the expectations at the onset. I like it that the lecturer in the video did it with a touch of humour that helped him to establish rapport with his students

Anonymous said...

it's about building the rapport with your students the 1st time round and this will set the tone for the class. Like they say... 1st impression counts.

carmen chan yuen mun said...

Yes, I agree with what he does. It is important to let the students know what they should and shouldnt do. But make sure we can bring it out in a good and friendly way

Asad said...

I think the first session with the students is indeed crucially important for the rest of the term!! Mark, in the video, in a very friendly and effective way conveyed THE message to students of what is expected from them in term of maintaining the discipline of the classroom. Also, he already started creating a good bond with the students. Some students asked questions that might irritate some lecturers but instead of getting angry at the students, Mark "nicely" said No to their inappropriate requests.

Anonymous said...

Jody said...
He used humor which can be very effective when giving the rules. Need to make sure to follow through.

Francis Mah said...

Laying the ground rules is very important. I like the way the lecturer handled the student questions. However I am not in agreement for students to take calls during class time.

Unknown said...

The lecturer had done it well. He used humour to handle the requests of the students. It lightened up the mood and connected with the students.
Good example to learn from.

Debra N said...

The lecturer did a good job in establishing the ground rules, but at the same time, he kept it light-hearted with his humor and managed to connect with the students.