Class_Ground_Rules

A method to help students create ground rules

1. Ask students to think about the best group discussions in which they had participated and reflect on what made these discussions so satisfying.
2. Next, ask students to think about the worst group discussions in which they have participated and reflect on what made these discussions so unsatisfactory.
3. For each of the positive characteristics identified, ask students to suggest three things the group could do to ensure that these characteristics are present.
4. For each of the negative characteristics identified, ask students to suggest three things the group could do to ensure that these characteristics are not present.
5. Use students’ to draft a set of ground rules to which all agree, and distribute them in writing.
6. Periodically ask the class to reflect on whether the ground rules established at the beginning of the semester are working, and make adjustments as necessary.

Sample Ground Rules

For discussions

• Listen actively and attentively.
• Ask for clarification if you are confused.
• Do not interrupt one another.
• Challenge one another, but do so respectfully.
• Critique ideas, not people.
• Do not offer opinions without supporting evidence.

*Avoid put-down (even humorous ones).

• Take responsibility for the quality of the discussion.
• Build on one another’s comments; work towards shared understanding.
• Always have your readings in front of you.
• Do not monopolize discussion.
• Speak from your own experience, without generalizing.
• If you are offended by anything said during discussion, acknowledge it immediately.
• Consider anything that is said in class strictly confidential.

For lectures

• Arrive on time.
• Turn your cell phone off.
• Use laptops only for legitimate class activities (note-taking, assigned tasks, looking something up).
• Ask questions if you are confused.
• Try not to distract or nor your classmates.

SOURCE: Exhibit E.1 from Ambrose et al. (2010) using Brookfield and Preskill (2005)