Vignette 5: Getting What They Deserve?

I believe that it is very important to assess work habits in the classroom because they are not only part of the hidden curriculum that teachers are supposed to teach, but because they are vital to a positive classroom environment.  In my classroom, I expect students to be on-task, to listen when they’re supposed to, and to raise their hand if they have something to say.  They need to work well with others, this means simply that they should be able to function in a group, a student doesn’t need to be outgoing and a leader of their groups all of the time, though I would encourage it in students.  And lastly they need to follow the rules and routines of the classroom, whatever they may be.  Outside of the classroom, I expect students to complete homework on time and have it handed in on time.  Students also need to show up to class on time, though the odd late student isn’t a bother to me, as long as they don’t make a habit out if it.  I think that all of these should be graded in some form, though including it in their grade for a specific class may not be the best way to do so.