Classroom Behavior Expectations

1. Classroom Behavior Expectations

2. Classroom Behavior as Communication • A student’s behavior in the classroom communicates information about the student to other people • Universities set behavioral standards for the classroom to communicate their expectations to students • As with other forms of communication, ensuring everyone is on the same page is important to a smooth transition

3. Setting High Standards • Colleges and universities set high standards • Assumption is that students are there to learn • Students are paying for this experience • Attending is a privilege, not a right • Basic guidelines reflect the university culture • Variation may exist within the university • Individual instructors • More rigorous in upper-level courses • Variations between majors/departments

4. General College Classroom Expectations • Take initiative to learn and adhere to written guidelines as well as unspoken/unwritten “rules” of university culture • Demonstrate maturity in actions and words • Demonstrate respect for professors and other university personnel • Demonstrate respect for peers • Contribute to the academic environment in a positive way by listening and participating • Do not demonstrate any behaviors that may disrupt the academic environment

5. Disruptive Behavior • Classroom disruptions are taken seriously • Colleges enforce policies on disruptive behavior • Policies exist to protect students who are investing time and money in their education • Definitions of disruptive behavior / classroom disruption • “…any behavior likely to substantially or repeatedly interfere with the normal conduct of instructional activities…” (East Carolina University) • “…behavior a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly interfering with the conduct of a class…” (Butler University) • “…behaviors that hamper the ability of instructors to teach and students to learn…” (UNC-Wilmington) • “…acting in a manner so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it materially or substantially interferes with normal classroom procedures…” (Fayetteville State University)

6. Specific Examples of Disruptive Behaviors • Making loud or distracting noises • Exaggerated or distracting movements of oneself or one’s belongings • Disrespectful, insulting, profane, or otherwise inappropriate language • Disrespecting or ridiculing others’ viewpoints • Passing notes • Repeatedly arriving late or leaving early • Repeatedly entering and exiting the room during class • Cell phone or electronic device going off • Answering cell phone • Texting • Unauthorized use of any technology or electronics

7. Specific Examples of Disruptive Behaviors • Sleeping • Eating • Reading material unrelated to the course during class (e.g., newspaper, websites) • Ignoring instructions • Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention • Intoxication • Loud or prolonged side conversations • Speaking without being recognized • Interrupting • Monopolizing class discussions • Unnecessary or repetitive questions/comments intended to delay instruction

8. Threatening or Dangerous Behavior • Behavior judged to be physically threatening, violent, harassing, intimidating, or otherwise dangerous supersedes these policies • Students believed to be dangerous can be immediately removed from class by law enforcement officers

9. Consequences for Disruptive Behavior • Consequences vary according to the college and the severity/frequency of the disruption • Colleges have specific procedures instructors must follow to deal with these situations • Consequences may include: • Being asked to cease the behavior in class • Meeting with the instructor and/or department head • Being asked to leave class and being counted absent • Reduction in course grade • Verbal warning; written warning • Formal charge of violation of code of conduct; referral to disciplinary board • Permanent removal from class with a grade of “Withdrawn” or “Dropped” • Probation; suspension; expulsion

10. Tips on Avoiding Disruptive Behavior • Pay attention to your school’s policies and culture, as well as individual instructors’ preferences • Practice self-control and develop good habits • Meet with the instructor to address any concerns you have; if that doesn’t bring resolution, meet with the department chair • Avoid any behaviors not directly related to classroom activity

11. Disruptive Behavior Video Clip Watch the video clip to see an example of a disruptive high school classroom.

12. Appropriate Classroom Behavior • In your own words, define academic disruptive behavior. • List three classroom expectations. • List three disruptive behaviors that are not tolerated in college classroom settings. • What are the consequences of not adhering to the classroom expectations? • Write three tips for maintaining appropriate classroom behavior.

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