Assignment 4 THEORY Ground Rules
Ground rule – a basic rule of procedure or behaviour
Ground rules are the rules of conduct and behaviour that are often established where any gathering of different groups of people take place. Ground rules within a learning environment are important to ensure that a safe and constructive environment is created and to safeguard the rights of individuals and groups. They underpin and form the foundation for all concerned.
In the case of teaching most establishments or institutions where the learning takes place will have their own internal ground rules such as no smoking, health and safety procedures and general codes of conduct around the building or campus. In addition to these ground rules tutors will normally have their own ground rules: class times, assignment deadlines and tutorial arrangements. Ground rules ‘frame’ the learning environment (Joseph L.Armstrong, Adult Learning, 2004 Vol 15, Issue 1)
Individual classes however will have the opportunity to set their own ground rules and these can be compiled in a variety of ways.
Group
When ground rules are set by groups they can enable less confident people to have a voice through others. They can also offer all students the opportunity to debate various ideas and come up with mutually agreeable outcomes. Although the negatives of a group forum are that more confident people can have a tendency to take over and there is the possibility that too many ideas will be offered.
Individual
This method of producing ground rules can prove difficult for less confident students who might feel intimidated. This method could isolate more people and result in rules created by a small minority.
Written
Organising ground rules by written participation would allow students to proffer suggestions anonymously and possibly produce more innovative and creative ideas.
Student Representative
This method is much more institutionalised and would lose some...