Setting Expectations in the Classroom
Clear and consistent classroom expectations can help educators promote positive behaviors. They can build academic confidence and social responsibility. However, effective expectations require trust and respect from students, making firm, clear communication essential.
This guide explores the importance of setting classroom expectations with students, how to set these standards and tips for impactful teacher-student communication.
Table of Contents
- Why Is Setting Classroom Expectations With Students Important?
- How to Set Expectations in the Classroom
- Teacher-Student Communication Strategies
Why Is Setting Classroom Expectations With Students Important?
Setting classroom and behavioral expectations is essential for building a positive school culture. These expectations establish how students should operate in the classroom and treat each other and their instructors. Positive teacher-student relationships can impact students' social and academic growth.
Studies show that while these relationships may not directly affect gains in achievement, students with positive and supportive relationships with teachers are more likely to gain higher levels of achievement than those with conflict in their teacher-student relationships. These positive connections encourage engagement in learning, constructive guidance and better behavior.
Healthy, respectful relationships enrich the learning experience for students who want to feel supported by educators and challenged by schoolwork. Learners will feel more confident and willing to ask their teachers for help when needed for greater academic results.
However, teachers must balance friendliness and authoritativeness to effectively set expectations and ensure students follow their lead.
How to Set Expectations in the Classroom
Given the importance of setting expectations and being trustworthy but authoritative, educators should implement strategies that positively impact students' academic and social development. Here are five effective ways to set classroom expectations with students.
1. Establish Classroom Rules
Setting classroom rules and standards with students on the first day can help them understand the standards for the class. Consider including yourself as the educator in these rules. Doing so may establish trust with students since they understand that just as they will be held accountable for their actions, so will you.
A classroom expectation example using inclusive language might include, “We will keep this room tidy,” instead of, “You will keep this room tidy.”
You can also set rules like, “I want you to pay attention in class, so I will listen to your viewpoints and implement strategies that help you learn better.”
2. Define Behavior Expectations
Consider the type of behavior you believe is acceptable in the classroom. Define each standard in terms that are specific and achievable. These behaviors should be easy for students to visualize and for you to model.
Giving concrete examples may help students understand what's expected of them. Make this more fun by creating an exercise out of meeting behavior expectations and telling students to form groups and perform skits displaying inappropriate and appropriate behavior, followed by a class or group discussion.
You can also communicate these expectations clearly in writing and display them as posters in the classroom or on the school website if these expectations are school-wide. It helps to inform other educators and staff members of these expectations for more consistent enforcement across classes.
3. Prioritize Respect Over Friendship
To help ensure students meet expectations, you should find the right balance of being kind and firm. While being friendly is acceptable, it's important to avoid being too casual with them and ensure they respect you as a mentor, not a friend.
Try to deal with issues graciously. Children thrive under stable leadership, where they can anticipate consistent guidance and support. Be firm but understanding of their situations. This allows students to focus on instructions while putting their best effort into daily classwork. Here are some ways to gain student respect while being kind:
- Guide students like a mentor: Care for your students by guiding them without acting like a peer or being too familiar.
- Have high expectations: Let students know that you believe in their capabilities and hold them to the great achievements you expect of them.
4. Acknowledge Students Who Meet Expectations
Pointing out students who fail to meet expectations may discourage learners and create distrust. Instead, focus on acknowledging the students who meet expectations to remind everyone what they should do.
You can promote positive behavior by offering rewards, such as snacks, school store rewards, student paychecks and behavior points. This may motivate students to behave and perform well in class to receive incentives.
5. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Schedule regular check-ins with students and parents to keep them informed about student behavior and changes to classroom rules and behavior expectations.
By ensuring everyone views these conversations as a shared goal, they may feel more invested in reaching the goal together. This creates a safe and positive school environment where students feel cared for, supported, respected and confident. Teacher planners can be a great asset for scheduling these check-ins.
Teacher-Student Communication Strategies
There can be various reasons for ineffective communication in the classroom. For example, certain students may feel excluded and less seen, while others may want more control over their studies. Here are some practices you can implement to ensure everyone sees eye-to-eye and feels included, enhancing their trust in teachers and engagement in the classroom:
- Transparency and honesty: A supportive environment where students want to meet class expectations promotes open and honest dialogue. Learners may be more apt to share school challenges, achievements and plans. This fosters trust while encouraging positive behavior and a sense of community. It may help to share daily agenda communication folders with students and parents to promote further transparency.
- Collaborative decision-making: Allow students to have a say in their education by holding class discussions to understand students' perspectives and their take on schoolwork challenges. This can strengthen the school community because students feel that their opinions matter.
- Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity: If you have a diverse class, try to be considerate of their backgrounds, experiences and preferences. Ensure that the education they receive is respectful toward their cultures. This will help them feel welcomed, understood and valued, allowing them to respect you and your classroom expectations more.
- Student participation: Keep students in the loop about your effort to enhance their learning experience. Implement feedback sessions or suggestion boxes to encourage students to provide valuable insight and participate in the education they receive.
Set Classroom Expectations With Teacher Planners From Success by Design
While these strategies may enhance the learning experience and transform school culture, the right resources can help you implement them more effectively. Success by Design offers various character-building content and high-quality planners to elevate your classroom operations.
Our teacher planners offer space for class schedules, student information records, long-term planning and more. This can be beneficial for scheduling regular expectation check-ins and tracking student progress. You can use these products to enhance expectations and take control of class schedules.
To learn more about our teacher planners, contact our friendly customer service team today.
- SBD, Inc.