Clarifying Expectations
There is a wise saying that states “write the vision and make it clear”. For me that means having clarity about my expectations for myself and my students. Knowing what isn’t working and being open to the creativity and possibility that exist within each of us.
As an Educator and facilitator of teaching and learning, I understand the value of setting clear expectations. Therein lies the birth of my passion to facilitate critical thinking and questioning skills in a format that enables learners to broaden their perceptions about themselves, their communities and the world. Ultimately, deepening students ability to comprehend and analyze content that might otherwise elude them.
As a matter of full disclosure, it is my hope to use this tool to provoke thought and reflection, and provide strategies, information, and ideas that support families, teachers and schools in increasing student achievement and deepening the home – school connection. The concepts in and of themselves may not be new or a one size fits all model. However, combined with trusting relationships, clear expectations, models of consistency and accountability, in my experience, yields significant increases in student achievement and social emotional development.
In order to create this reflective environment I asked myself the following questions:
- What are my core beliefs about my child/students?
- What is my vision for my child/students?
- What resources/supports are required?
- What will I do to ensure that my child/students excel? Creativity was necessary.
- What is my child’s/student’s vision for him/herself?
Writing and responding to these questions often provides clarity about where we are and where we need to go.
10 Questions for Clear Expectations in the Classroom:
- How will my students enter the classroom?
- What are my students expected to do upon entering the classroom?
- What are my students expected to do upon completing a task?
- How will I build a rapport with each student?
- What are my students responsibilities?
- How will I foster student ownership of their learning and responsibilities?
- How will I build community in my classroom?
- How will I monitor expected outcomes?
- How will I celebrate my student’s efforts/successes?
- How will I create a classroom environment that supports student’s independent learning?
Creating clear expectations and an environment that supports student’s independence provides opportunities for success, thus expanding student’s perceptions about what they can achieve. As we continue on this journey we will discuss specific ways to support student’s independence and ownership of learning.