In order to learn effectively, students need to trust their teachers, their classmates, and even the larger school community includeing students from other classrooms and grades, and staff within the school. Without it, learning cannot take place effectively. Even the relationship between student and tutor requires trust. Opening your mind, sharing your thoughts, and exploring new ideas never conceived before by the parties involved can put the learner in a vulnerable place if there is not a strong foundation of trust.
Part of that trust is built on an understanding of expectations between all members of the school community. Certainly, teachers have expectations of students, but students also must have expectations of their teachers in order for their to be trust. Afterall, trust is a two way street.
Some expectations are so basic that they are more than just expectations. They are promises to each other. Here is one inspirational Classroom Promise that I had hanging in my classroom.
Our Promise to Each Other
We care about each other, our classroom and our school.
We share, help each other, listen carefully, respect ourselves, work hard and have fun together.
We understand that everyone makes mistakes.
We stand up for ourselves, and for others.
We fight fair. When someone asks us to stop, we stop.
That is who we are, even when no one is watching.
(Source Unknown)
Posting a classroom promise doesn't create trust where trust doesn't already exist, but when displayed prominantly it does serve as a daily reminder of what responsibility members in the classroom community have in building and maintaining the trust needed for learning. If you and your learning community create a Promise, display it prominantly giving it the honour it deserves. Recite, share and refer to it in enjoyable ways and positive situations, rather than in teachable moments. Make it part of the fibre of your learners beings.
I like this quote so much that I actually modified it and have it hanging on my fridge at home, and has become somewhat of a family motto.
What would you want included in a promise made between the members of your learning community? What promises do your students want to include?
