Creating Expectations for the Classroom Community

As we begin another term, thoughts about classroom community are with a number of us. So how does the role of human behavior contribute to or detract from from an effective learning experience? What can we do to create the expectation for a positive learning community?

Something I've tried in the past was to write a section in the syllabus titled something like "The Community You're Entering." It remarked on some positive behaviors: respect for taking chances, respect for differing ideas, respect by way of punctuality, attention, and lack of disruption.

In doing a search on what other practioners would advise, I came across this instructor's practice which was to ask the class to list and discuss what made a good instructor, and then what made a good student--it underscores the partnership in creating that community of learners:

http://www.oncourseworkshop.com/Getting%20On%20Course015.htm

Bottom line, our roles not only include a welcome to the class and a positive wish for accomplishment, it includes shaping the environment. And creating the expectation by talking about it in a conscious way.

We'd welcome hearing about the practices you put into place and wishing you a most positive term.