Example: Learning Community Ground Rules

Note: the Learning Community Ground Rules have been excerpted from a course syllabus - see it in context. Links to an external site.

 

Learning Community Ground Rules

In this class, we learn together as members of a community.  In an effort to ensure our community develops, thrives and sustains, the following ground rules will be in effect at all times. 

By participating in our community, you agree to get familiarized with and abide by these ground rules.

As you read through them, is anything missing? What would you want to add? During the first week of the semester, you’ll be invited to contribute your thoughts about these questions.

As a student in this course, you agree to:

  1. Respect one another. Our beliefs, values, and ideas may differ because we draw from different life experiences. In this class, we will discuss, question, and challenge ideas, but we need to be careful not to attack individuals and create an unsafe and unproductive space. We challenge ideas, not individuals.
  2. Challenge our own beliefs, values, and ideas. We need to be open to challenge our own prejudices, assumptions, and interpretations, and discuss things we often do not discuss in public but still feel strongly about. It is okay to feel uncomfortable!
  3. Have patience and a sense of humor with technology. 
  4. Keep an open mind and allow our peers to change their minds. In the give-and-take of collaborative learning, we are open to learn from our peers’ knowledge and experiences, and we also allow others a safe environment to consider new possibilities, learn, and grow.
  5. Ask for help when you need it and assist others when possible.
  6. Understand that communications via text messages are more likely to be misinterpreted than the spoken word. Therefore, when you type a thought or a comment, read it carefully before you submit it. 
  7. Contribute regularly to group dialogue, including blog posts and comments, to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas. The contributions of each individual play a big role in the collective strength and diversity of our community.

What happens if someone violates a ground rule?  

If, at any time, you feel that any of these ground rules have been violated by a member of our learning community, you are encouraged to bring your concern directly and immediately to your instructor.


The learning community ground rules are adapted from UNIV 349: Digital Citizenship with Michelle Pacansky-Brock Links to an external site..