Establishing norms

Definition

Establishing norms refers to the process of creating shared expectations and guidelines for behavior within a learning environment. This helps set a foundation for how students interact, collaborate, and engage with each other and the course materials, ensuring a positive and productive atmosphere that enhances learning outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Establishing norms is crucial in online and blended learning environments to ensure that students understand what is expected of them in terms of communication, participation, and collaboration.
2. Effective norms can lead to increased student engagement by fostering a sense of belonging and accountability among learners.
3. Norms should be collaboratively created with input from students to ensure buy-in and ownership over the established guidelines.
4. Regularly revisiting and reinforcing norms can help maintain a positive learning environment, especially as new students join or as the dynamics change.
5. Technology tools can be used to facilitate the establishment of norms, such as discussion boards or collaborative documents where students can contribute their ideas.

Review Questions

• How can establishing norms improve student engagement in an online learning environment?
  • Establishing norms improves student engagement by creating clear expectations for interaction and participation. When students understand what behaviors are encouraged or discouraged, they are more likely to feel comfortable contributing to discussions and collaborating with peers. This shared understanding fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for motivation and active involvement in their learning.
• Discuss the importance of student involvement in the norm-setting process and its impact on classroom culture.
  • Student involvement in the norm-setting process is essential as it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility over the established guidelines. When students contribute to creating norms, they are more likely to adhere to them because they feel invested in the rules governing their behavior. This collaborative approach enhances classroom culture by promoting mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Evaluate how the establishment of norms can be adapted for different types of learning environments, such as fully online versus blended learning.
  • The establishment of norms can vary significantly between fully online and blended learning environments due to differences in interaction and engagement opportunities. In fully online settings, norms may focus on digital communication etiquette, timely responses, and respectful participation in forums. In blended environments, where face-to-face interactions occur alongside online activities, norms might emphasize both virtual collaboration as well as appropriate conduct during in-person meetings. Evaluating these differences allows educators to tailor norm-setting practices to fit the unique dynamics of each environment effectively.

Related terms

classroom culture: The collective beliefs, values, and behaviors that shape how students and teachers interact in a classroom setting.

collaborative learning: An educational approach that involves groups of learners working together to solve problems, complete tasks, or create projects, fostering engagement and deeper understanding.

behavioral expectations: Clearly defined standards for how students are expected to behave in a learning environment, promoting respect, responsibility, and active participation.