Class Charter and Rule Creation Activity
First, we will examine how rules are often created.
simple_rules_to_follow_in_class.ppt | |
File Size: | 433 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
In History 12 to celebrate and live the concept of democracy we will create the rules as a class. This includes general rules that we will endeavour to follow about deportment and teacher/student relations as well as student-student relations. We will also create a list of expectations. Democratically, we will also try to create a cellphone policy that honours our classroom constitution, but respects your journey towards adulthood.
This is an exercise in democracy but also in the first nations concept of Consensus. For instance, in Nunavut, the legislature practices consensus which involves lengthy consultation of stakeholders and re-working, re-wording and re-examining laws prior to passing them so that there is universal consensus. Remember, democracy can exclude 49% of people, if a majority of 51% is sought. As a class, we will practice consensus. If even one student has an issue with a rule, we will not be able to use it on our charter. Indeed, unlike the adversarial parliamentary system / House of Commons which places "opponents" across from each other (two sword lengths, in fact - a tradition dating back to medieval parliaments, where MPs needed time to unsheathe their sword if an opposing MP got violent), Nunavut has a circular chamber - what does this tell us? |
What did we decide? What did we talk about? --- THE PROCESS (see below for product)
Mr. Fitton also discussed the importance of each person attending every day. When one person is away, their voice is silent, they do not contribute and we are all at a loss as a result. Mr. Fitton then conducted an activity - called "The table" where students sit down on chairs in a specific manner, and the teacher pulls out a chair. At the conclusion, everyone is relying on someone else. If one person is not there, then the "table collapses" this is a microcosm for our class.
Cellphones:
A student stated "we are responsible adults" we then deconstructed the words "responsible" and "adults."
Adults:
Denotation: Person 18 or over.
Connotation: A respectful, mature person who makes good decisions and contributes positively to society.
When we use our phones in class, are we fulfilling the concept of "being an adult." ? Just a question to ponder.
We did not like the concept of an embarrassment/punishment as it does not respect our first rule.
A student stated "we are responsible adults" we then deconstructed the words "responsible" and "adults."
Adults:
Denotation: Person 18 or over.
Connotation: A respectful, mature person who makes good decisions and contributes positively to society.
When we use our phones in class, are we fulfilling the concept of "being an adult." ? Just a question to ponder.
We did not like the concept of an embarrassment/punishment as it does not respect our first rule.
The Product: Below is the History 12 Democratically created Constitution for 2015. (Achieved through a consensus model of government)
History 12 Class Constitution
History 12, 2015-2016 has hereby created a set of standards for the duration of the course:
1. Be Respectful of others
2. Be on time
3. Self-Monitor: Allow all students to participate; be cognizant of other students and their needs.
4. Be considerate of others.
Cellphone Policy:
Students may use cell phones during their own personal work time if they have completed all assignments and are caught up.
Students may not use them during the lesson or while others students or the teacher are talking.
Consequence: A breach of this policy will result in one warning and then the student forfeits custody of the phone to Mr. Fitton for the remainder of the class.
1. Be Respectful of others
2. Be on time
3. Self-Monitor: Allow all students to participate; be cognizant of other students and their needs.
4. Be considerate of others.
Cellphone Policy:
Students may use cell phones during their own personal work time if they have completed all assignments and are caught up.
Students may not use them during the lesson or while others students or the teacher are talking.
Consequence: A breach of this policy will result in one warning and then the student forfeits custody of the phone to Mr. Fitton for the remainder of the class.
history_12_-_class_constitution_2016-2017_.docx | |
File Size: | 67 kb |
File Type: | docx |