Classroom Interactions in Science and Math # 05: Classroom Norms

Scavenger Hunt Discussion Get together with another pair and compare results –Surprises? –Comments or observations? –Something you want to know more about? Turn in hard copy

What are norms? From a web response: “They unspoken, unwritten rules which govern the way students and teachers interact in the classroom. These rules are influenced by not only the students and teachers, but also by the families of the students.”

What norms might be reflected here?

Features of norms Norms are usually invisible to people…. –Remember IRE interactions? T initiates“How much is 7 and 5?” St responds“12.” T evaluates“Excellent!”

….Until violated –Tchr:Pippi, can you tell me what 7 and 5 are? –Pippi: Well, if you don’t know that yourself, you needn’t think I’m going to tell you! –Tchr: One doesn’t answer that way in school … And now I will tell you that 7 and 5 are 12. –Pippi: See that! You knew it yourself. Why are you asking then?

Norms can and should be made explicit in classrooms –Helps level playing field Norms take work to establish, whether 1st grade or 12th grade –1-2 months, or more Norms are reflected in everything you, the teacher, say and do e.g., how respond to wrong answers, to right answers, to struggle, to questions; how set up and implement tasks

Teacher moves to establish norms -- examples Prompt reflection –“How could we verify this?” –“What was the reason we wanted to ____ in the first place?” Press for precision –“What does that mean?” Have students direct questions to other students –“Why don’t you ask student #1, see what he has to say”

Activity: Video analysis What practical choices did teacher make? –Set up (room, equipment, people…) –How are questions handled? –How is content addressed? –What are students supposed to be doing? What norms for science are being established? When appropriate? What could you do differently to establish different norms?

Observation #1 presentation Guidelines online Prepare to present next week