Cell phones in class: Phones should be on silent (better yet - airplane mode) and put away. Maybe consider a notebook and pencil. I am old school and believe that writing things down will help you remember them!
Classroom climate and full value contract: I am here to teach, but I am also here to learn. I expect all students to be willing collaborators in the learning process. We have much to learn from one another, and can only do so if we can freely share ideas without fear of judgment from your cohort or your instructor. In order to get full value, let’s agree to the following:
Safety - The classroom should be a safe space for all, and we all must do our part to make it so.
Commitment - I expect we will all be committed to learning, to growth, and to the material at hand. Work toward a growth mindset Links to an external site. and commit to trying hard.
Respect - We are all different and respect for those differences is necessary for understanding. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with someone else, but that you will work toward empathy and respond with kindness, even when you disagree. Also, we should respect your own ideas and abilities enough to share them!
Direction: The university has given me the task of teaching and assessing your knowledge and understanding of the material. Therefore, it is important that you listen to directions carefully, do your part to participate in class, and do the required readings/assignments/activities. When it comes to activities involving risk, listening to directions can also be essential for safety.
Fun: We can (and should) have fun while learning, growing, even while disagreeing and facing adversity and challenges. We will work to laugh often and find joy in the journey of this class.