The Continuous
Improvement Classroom
Ground Rules
Ground rules
created by
students
Classroom
mission
statements
Quality tools and
PDSA used
regularly
The
Continuous
Improvement
Classroom
Classroom
meetings
facilitated by
students
Student-led
conferences
Classroom and
student
measurable goals
Classroom data
centers
Student data
folders
What are the reasons
why we would want to
involve students in
creating classroom
ground rules?
Discuss Expectations
• What do students expect of:
–
–
–
–
the school?
the class?
themselves?
the teacher
• It is important for students to know what to
expect so they know what they should / could
be improving on
• Expectations lay the foundation for: ground
rules, mission statements and goal setting
• CI is really affecting my
learning in a positive way. It
makes me determined because
I know there is a goal.
• Student
Expectations: What is a Quality Kid?
Example: Ground Rules
• Any teacher
anywhere
should be able
to say, “Line
Basics” or
“Body Basics”
and have the
students follow
these rules.
Ground Rules
• Provides opportunity for student
ownership and responsibility
• Serve as the standard for behavior by
which all agree to follow
• Reduces potential behavior problems
because students developed the ground
rules and are more likely to follow them
Ground Rules – Purpose?
• Build a climate of trust
• Create an atmosphere for open
communication
• Emphasize the importance of listening
with respect and acceptance
• Help the class meet classroom goals and
follow the agreed upon mission statement
• Result = Increased communication, risktaking and productivity
Ground Rules - Process?
• Established together with all students
participating – This allows for ownership
of the process
• Tools
– Brainstorm
– Affinity Diagram
– Nominal Group
Technique
What Do They Look Like?
• Everyone participates
• Listen to each other
• One person speaks at a time
• Take turns
• Respect others opinions
Process
The Affinity Diagram being
used to make Ground Rules
Affinity Diagrams
• You know how when you walk into a classroom
for the first time, your new teacher gives you your
assigned seats and then you unpack your school
supplies into your desk. After that, they tell you
their class rules and the consequences for
breaking them. Then they tell you what they
expect for your goal for the rest of the year. When
I walked into Mrs. Thompson's class it was
different, we got to make the rules for ourselves
and determined what our goals are for the
trimester. Mrs. Thompson treats us like adults, we
get our own say about what we do.
• Student
At Your Table…
• Create ground rules for your table
• Your ground rules will determine
boundaries and expectations as you
interact together during training
• Don’t forget to use the 3 Power Tools
– Brainstorm
– Affinity Diagram
– Nominal Group Technique
Create your table’s ground rules!
Be sure to review them before all group
activities and at the beginning and end of
the day!
Journal Writing…
What is your
plan to involve
students in the
creation of
classroom
ground rules?