Class Agreements for Remote Learning
Class agreements take the idea of classroom norms to a new level. Sometimes known as social contracts, class agreements build community because they consider the needs of the students and teachers. Students all participate in contributing ideas that help build a positive culture. This is really different from typical classroom rules, which the teacher often sets with little input from the class.
If students are in remote learning, class agreements are vitally important because they create a sense that all members of the learning community are important.
Why a Written Agreement is Helpful
If students are in the classroom, they can show their commitment when they sign a class agreement. If they are online, they can copy the agreement, sign it, and post a photo in a learning management system, such as Google Classroom. Having a signed agreement provides a framework for discussing what is working, and where we need to improve. I like to refer to the agreement when students are participating in class activities, especially discussions. When we reflect on what we did well and where we need to improve, we reinforce expectations and provide opportunities for growth. Thus, teachers can spend less time on managing behavior and more time on instruction.
How Students Can Help Shape a Class Agreement
In the following video, students and teachers from Haines Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois talk about how they create and use social contracts to create a positive community culture.
Takila Savage, a fourth grade teacher, talks about 4 essential questions that students answer to come up with ideas for their social contract.
- How do you want me to treat you?
- How do you want to treat each other?
- How do you think I want to be treated?
- How will we handle violations of the contract?
When creating the contract, the class should frame class norms in positive language to encourage students to strive to reach their potential.
The teacher and students reflect on their successes and areas where they need to improve on a weekly basis. Ms. Savage uses a simple rating system to see where things are going well and where they need to improve. A rating of 3 means that things went really well. A 2 shows that we had a few distractions, A rating of 1 means that we had major issues.
Keep It Simple
In The Distance Learning Playbook, Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey suggest some tips to make class agreements more relevant and helpful:
- Less is more. Include 3 to 5 class agreements for best effectiveness.
- Co-construct them with students. The four questions above are a great way of collecting the thoughts from students that merit further discussion.
- State agreements positively. It’s so much more meaningful for students to do what they should do than to avoid the things they shouldn’t do.
- Be specific. Students should easily understand the expectations for each class agreement.
If you have implemented a class agreement, especially with virtual learning, please leave a comment and let our readers know what worked well and how the agreement affected the class culture.
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