Ground Rules

Analyse the ways in which you would establish ground rules with your learners, and which underpin behaviour and respect for others.  

In all aspects of life there needs to be some form of rules.   Without them probably very little would be achieved, because people would not complete work, digress into other activities, and may develop into disruption or anarchy.  
In the formulation of rules there will be some, which are mandatory.   Those which are made by statute of law of the country (Act of Parliament) for example: - Smoking in a public building”, is prohibited by law.   www.parliment.uk(2006) Health act..January 9th 2011.   In addition there are rules set up by the owners (administrators) of the premises (collage or company).   Some rules may be displayed, when not quite obvious for example “clean muddy boots before entering a building”.   Other rules can be set by the students themselves, and by involving the students in the making of the rules, there is a greater understanding of the need, and less likely to breach the rules.   These rules may include punctuality, time keeping, being respectful to others, (delegates and tutors) being attentive, setting portable (mobile) telephones to silent (vibrate) mode and if necessary exit the class with the minimum of disruption.  
When developing a set of ground rules there are differences between children and adults.   Adults can clearly see the need for rules and clearly see when a rule is breached.   They can in addition see if a rule is perhaps too stringent, and understand there may be times when a rule is justifiably bent or broken.   Some rules may contradict other rules, for example: - one rule may be “The wearing of hats is prohibited”.   Certain religions state that “The head must be covered at all times”.   Should a rule be breached then it may be necessary to impose a sanction, clearly, imprisonment, fines penalty points are out of the question but where a rule is set and approved by the delegates the offender...