Rules of the Road

Way back when I was a beginning teacher and working on a Masters degree, someone handed me this list of classroom rules (author unknown):

1. There is no such thing as a dumb question or a dumb answer.
2. None of us is perfect.
3. Accept your limitations. It's okay to say "I don't know."
4. You have a right to pass during discussions.
5. Take risks and try new things in here. This is the place to bomb out.
6. If you don't understand, ask. If you still don't understand, ask again.
7. If you don't agree, say so and explain your thoughts.
8. Don't criticize people personally. Agree or disagree with their ideas.
9. Teasing, putting other people down, and sarcasm are not allowed.
10. It's good to have a mind of your own.

I included this list with my syllabus for many years---a written offer to students. I can't say that any of us had 100% follow-through with the ideas, but I always thought it was a good description of what should be a safe learning environment.

For whatever reason, this list popped into my head recently. Maybe it was dealing with all the ISTE "sheeple." Perhaps it was talking with some teachers new to the idea of educational technology and listening to their reactions. Or I might have just needed the reminder when I was feeling like the only voice of sanity in the room. I thought I would pass it along in case anyone out there might like to use it (with students or adults). After all, the 2010 - 2011 school year is creeping up quickly.