W11: Classroom Rules

Don’t Laugh When Other Students Make Mistakes

The learning environment in the ESL classroom must be positive, so students can progress and don’t feel uncomfortable when making mistakes while misspelling words in writing or mispronouncing while reading. Explain to students that mistakes are a normal part of the learning process and that ridiculing others will not be tolerated as it shows unkindness.

Raise Your Hand to Speak! Don’t Interrupt!

Tell students that when they are kind and respect their teacher and their classmates, that means that they respect themselves too. Explain that it is vital that every person in the class has a chance to speak without being interrupted and have the others listening carefully.

Be On Time

Tell students that they should sign in to the teaching platform at least 5 minutes before class starts, so they can all start the lesson together. Or if the classes are in person they should arrive a few minutes before classes start.

Respect

The first rule is the 'Respect begets respect', which means that if you want to get respect, you have to learn how to respect others as well. This rule is not only applicable inside the classroom but also outside the school premises. It covers a broad idea but to simplify, every student needs to respect one another and accept the fact that everyone has differences which they have to deal with. The one mouth policy is under this rule. It is a very simple policy that aims to respect other people by simply listening when someone is talking.

No eating or drinking

Just like in the normal classroom, eating and drinking should be prohibited in the online classroom. Students may be tempted to roll out of bed and eat their breakfast during class, but this can be very distracting for students. Also, students are not going to be able to talk and participate if they’ve got a mouth full of cereal. If it is an in-person class then no food or drink (besides water) in the classroom.

No Phones or Toys During Class

Students know that the teacher can not see them fully during online class, so they may be tempted to use their phone or play with another toy or gadget off-camera. Be sure to set the online classroom rule that no phones can be used in class or any other toys or devices that may be a distraction. If it is an in-person class the same rules apply, so that the students can be fully engaged in the lesson.

Respect and Learn From Each Other

Students should listen, respect, and encourage other students in the class. For example, if someone has a good answer or idea, students can share a fun emoticon to cheer on their peers.