Decide rules together

Duration: 5-15 min
Participants age: All ages
Subjects: All subjects
Well-being area: Social and mental
Student participation: High
Feasibility for teachers: Easy
Materials: None needed. Paper, whiteboard or a computer to write on might be used.

Description

Engage students in the process of formulating, refining, and finalizing rules of conduct.

Individual Reflection: The students are given some time for individual reflection.
Pairwise Discussions (optional): Let students discuss in pairs. While this step is not mandatory, it can be a good transition for some students.
Presentation of Suggestions: Encourage students to present their suggestions to the group. Alternatively, suggestions might be collected using small paper notes or similar methods. The teacher or a designated student records each suggestion.
Clarification and Interpretation: Engage in joint discussions to clarify and interpret each suggestion. Ensure that all students comprehend the intended meaning and purpose of each rule.
Evaluation: Evaluate the feasibility and reasonableness of each suggested rule. This step may be omitted, but it holds significant potential for generating valuable insights and fostering a sense of responsibility among students.
Student Voting: Finally, conclude by allowing students to vote.

Why

Establishing rules of conduct can contribute to the creation of safe learning environments and the promotion of student well-being. Allowing students to participate in the formulation and selection of these rules can enhance their acceptance of the rules and simultaneously foster greater student participation and a sense of belonging within the school community. This democratic approach ensures that the final rules reflect the collective input and preferences of the group.

Learn more

See Gardelli et al. (2023). “You Talk and Try to Think, Together”. Childhood & Philosophy, 19, 01–28. https://doi.org/10.12957/childphilo.2023.70493 for more information.