Lesson 3: Creating Class Discussion
Rules
OUTCOMES: Students will develop their
own set of class rules for open discussions of ethical issues. The teacher will
facilitate this activity.
CONDITIONS: The majority of the class
should be in attendance. The class will choose one leader and one person to
write down the suggestions. This activity should require one class
period.
ACTIVITIES:
Teacher
Student
|
¨ Explain to the
students that they are in charge of creating a safe
classroom. Remind them that the main purpose of studying ethics is so that each person can better understand his own reasoning, that there is no right or wrong. Because of this, if students are to tell the truth, there will be disagreements. And we need to encourage you to tell the truth. Therefore, discussions must be safe for everybody. ¨Help the students
quickly choose a group leader. You will stand by to help to move things
along if necessary – and to make suggestions if it seems as though the
class is leaving out some essential rules (see
Appendix) ¨Engage only as a
facilitator while the class decides the rules that they want for these
discussions. ¨Make sure that the
rules on written on something permanent. You can then post them for the
remainder of the unit. |
¨ Think about how you
would feel if you were discussing something very personal, like your first
kiss. What rules would you want so that you could talk about this without
feeling worried that someone
was going to tease you about it? ¨Choose a leader who
will move the group along quickly. Choose a writer who is fast and
accurate. ¨Read over the rules
that your class has chosen. Are there others/ Will this make you feel safe
enough? What will you do as a group if the rules are broken? |
MATERIALS AND
RESOURCES:
Flip chart and pens, Appendix,
“Sample Classroom Rules”.
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT: Students may be assessed
using the Life Skills Rubric
for teamwork, cooperation,
and completion.
MODIFICATIONS /
ACCOMODATIONS: It is possible that, if you
have a class that is
slower to think about
abstractions, this activity could easily be extended to two days.
Be certain that the print is
large for the display of the rules, or have someone read
them as they are written.
The final product should be in a large font size.
STANDARDS: Language Arts, grade 9/10,
Organization and Delivery of Oral Communication, 1.3.