I have been reading Urban Meyer's book Above the Line. In this book he talks about the culture of Ohio State and what he expects from everyone of his athletes when they step onto the playing field. It triggered a thought what I should expect from everyone of my students when they enter the classroom. Here are my thoughts which I am going to share and hopefully get some feedback before implementing this above the line approach in the class.
1. All students should be engaged with the class material. They should be focused on the discussion that is occurring in the classroom. In this respect they should have their cell phones off and out of sight.
2. Be the best you can be. When I say that I want you to be the best that you can be on that day. I understand that sometimes people are sick, did not get a good nights sleep but you still can put your best foot forward. It might not be your best effort but it is the best effort you can muster that day.
3. Do not complain. When I look around our school their is a culture of complaining that starts from the administration through the teachers and down to the students. I do not want complaining in our class room from either the students or the teacher.
4. Integrity-No cheating, do not take the easy way out of things. Work hard on each problem without asking for help before you gave it your best. (see number 2). Remember when you think you gave it your best you still have much more in the tank. Learning is a struggle and we need to push ourselves to struggle before giving in.
5- Caring for others-Trying your hardest to take care of the person to your left or your right. Worrying about did they understand the concepts. Helping them become better students. Making them feel comfortable asking questions.
No matter what we decide on we are going to need to be critical coaches of each other. If you see a student with a phone out you need to tell them to put it away. If a student is cheating you need to tell them we do not do that in this class. If the teacher is not following the above behaviors you need to call him out on it. As a team we can make the last couple of months one where we all push each other to be the best we can be.
So is there anything on this that you disagree with? Anything I need to add? Pushback as hard as you want. Let us make this something we can all live with.
