Ground Rules and Icebreakers

Ground Rules and Icebreakers (Ugo Oguh) Ground rules are needed to set a standard in the teaching environment in order to maintain an atmosphere where everyone gets along and concentrates on the subject. We need ground rules to keep everyone in a classroom comfortable, satisfied with the course of study, share a communal respect for one another, be confident with the ability to concentrate a lot more without the worry of being distracted. We can set Ground rules by: 1. Imposing rules on the students Pros: The students know what the consequence of breaking the rules would be. They try as hard as they can to prevent any rules being broken. * Cons: Some students might object to the rules being imposed on them. Disciplining the students might make them rebellious in the classroom 2. Negotiating Rules with the students * Pros: By negotiating the rules that are of more importance, students would feel they are being treated fairly. * Cons: Being fair might have its adverse effect. Some students might need a tougher approach. . Assigning specific rules to individual students or group of students * Pros: Students could watch, learn and see how others obey the rules they have been set. * Cons: Some students may feel they’ve been given the more daunting sets of rules to engage in and so could oppose. 4. Designing posters * Pros: These posters are drawn up by each group of students and hung up on walls. This makes it easier for them to be remembered. * Cons: Some drawings might not have a clear description and would be easily forgotten.

Icebreakers are techniques or strategies used in reducing the tension at the beginning of a class to make the students feel relaxed and also get involved in the class in a light and effective way. In teaching, Icebreakers could be used to foster openness that leads to a bonding experience that causes the student to feel a sense of community, which motivates them to be engaged in their learning. Icebreakers that could be used to cut the tension in a classroom are: * The use of simple games and puzzles at the beginning of the class. This is a very tactical way of getting everyone involved.

The games and puzzle mustn’t be too daunting. It should usually be a task everyone feels comfortable executing. This way it makes the students more content with themselves and confident when the actual learning experience begins. * Sharing of experience between groups or peers would enable each one to get to know each other a lot more * A personal introduction could also be a good icebreaker. Gorski, P (1995 – 2012) Awareness Activities: Guide to Setting Ground Rules [online]. Available at: http://www. edchange. org/multicultural/activities/groundrules. html. [Accessed 18/04/2013]