Rules and Responsibility

Volunteering. "Doing the right thing! 

Just because!

There can be no questions that rules are necessary in classrooms and everywhere in society. The problem is that class rules can influence the classroom environment in a positive or negative way.

Rules can reveal volumes about the personality of the teacher or cause students to misinterpret whether or not the teacher is “good” or “bad.” Many teachers post their rules on the Internet. Scrutinizing these expectations” often reveals that rules contain pet peeves, are rudely composed, are based on antiquated practices, reveal a hunger for control and an over-reliance on the use of “zeros,” and are unnecessarily threatening. Their carved-in-stone tone leaves little room for exceptions and exceptions are unavoidable. Sarcasm is rampant (“Your mother doesn’t work here!”or "No whining!"). 

I posted one “rule” in my class: “Do the right thing -- just because!” I held a discussion the first day of class about what that meant. Students were always willing to take part in clarifying the statement, and they applied it to behavior, turning in work, mutual respect, and pretty much all issues included in class rules, including exceptions. When students violated “the rule,” there was room to discuss the violation as it applied to students as individuals. 

I was, and still am, a proponent of character education. Therefore, rules had to inspire good character with my students. “Do the right thing -- just because!” was inspirational, because I made it clear that it bound me to be fair to students. A acknowledged that adults are often wrong and students are often right. 

Lists of rules, it seems, are never complete. Teachers and administrators are constantly finding new rules to address new issues. Frequently rules of this type are made in haste in response to an anger or irritation, and in the busy school environment they provide additional burdens for students and /or teachers. Rules should be carefully considered and written when emotions are not involved. Rules may have unexpected consequences. Teachers and principals might avoid problems by discussing the issues with the class or faculty before posting. Gathering the perspectives of others can often be a solution and avoid another rule. 

If you must post rules, resist the stern voice. Encourage politeness by being polite. One particular teacher might be the only positive role model some kids have.