Establishing class expectations is most effective when students are actively involved in the process. When learners have a voice in shaping the norms of their environment, they are more likely to take ownership and adhere to shared expectations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to co-constructing class expectations with students:
Co-constructing class expectations fosters a sense of community, accountability, and respect. When students feel heard and valued, they are more likely to engage positively and contribute to a thriving learning environment.
Some key advantages of co-constructing class expectations with students are:
1. Increases Student Ownership and Engagement
When students help create the expectations, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for following them.
They are more likely to engage with and adhere to the agreed-upon expectations.
2. Encourages a Sense of Community and Belonging
Collaborative decision-making strengthens relationships between students and teachers.
It fosters a shared understanding that everyone contributes to a respectful and supportive classroom culture.
3. Enhances Understanding and Clarity
Students develop a deeper understanding of why expectations exist and how they benefit everyone.
They can express their thoughts and perspectives, ensuring expectations are clear and meaningful to them.
4. Supports Positive Behaviour Management
Students are more likely to self-regulate and remind each other of agreed expectations.
Rather than enforcing a teacher-imposed set of rules, behaviour management becomes a collaborative process.
5. Develops Critical Thinking and Social Skills
Students practice negotiation, communication, and problem-solving when discussing and refining expectations.
They learn to consider different perspectives and work towards a common goal.
6. Aligns with Restorative and Strength-Based Approaches
Co-constructing expectations shifts the focus from punitive discipline to proactive, strengths-based learning.
It empowers students to reflect on their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions.
7. Promotes Equity and Inclusion, and Clear Expectations
Co-constructing expectations supports explicit instruction by ensuring all students have a clear, shared understanding of what is expected.
It fosters an inclusive environment by providing opportunities to model, discuss, and reinforce expectations, setting all students up for success.
By engaging students in this process, classrooms become spaces where respect, accountability, and collaboration thrive, leading to a more positive and productive learning experience for all.
How have you seen co-constructing expectations impact student engagement and behaviour in your classroom?
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