At the beginning the rules of the game

Teachers

Gerhard Meyer, Antje Simon

Last update

University(s)

University of Applied Sciences Erfurt

Subject group(s)

Outside the study area structure

Target group(s)

Bachelor's degree, Master

Format, mode

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For the first course of a new semester, it is advisable to emphasise clear rules, i.e. the "rules of the game" for the entire course for about 14 weeks.

An elementary part of these rules is the clarification of how to deal with each other. Communication, dealing with disruptions (from outside: general conditions, inside: mutual disruption) and, if necessary, dealing with what is said within the courses should be clearly described and, if necessary, measures should be specified in the event of deviations. This provides a framework and creates transparency.

The rules of the game can also include the teacher's expectations of the students and vice versa. Combined with a summary of the topics for the semester of this course, estimates of the time required for each topic help students to plan and weigh up priorities. The rules of the game thus become a form of work agreement.

In addition to the content, the form and structure of the final examination should be discussed at the beginning, especially in the case of examinations that are based on several courses (module examination).

Ideally, the course should be located in the module and, if possible, in the context of the degree programme.

General conditions

It is particularly advisable to establish and communicate rules during long periods of group work where there is no one-to-one supervision but rather larger groups of students (such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, etc.).

Asking students in their first few semesters about their preferences and working out the content together has not proved successful. This is more feasible for students in later semesters or on a Master’s programme.

As the term progresses, the rules can be adjusted and become more flexible.

Consequences

Notes

Rules ensure that we treat one another with respect and foster a creative working atmosphere. They set out the consequences of non-compliance, thereby ensuring transparency in their application.

If they are discussed and agreed upon at the outset, they can take a back seat. However, they should always be available and can be shown if necessary.

Example from civil engineering:

Suggestions (if there is enough time, these can be discussed in groups)
Contents of the lecture (to be worked out together with the lecturer)
Expectations of the students

The lecturer comments on the students’ requests, for example as to whether they can be met, met only in part, or not at all. The jointly developed list of content is incorporated where appropriate. At the end of the semester, a reflection is carried out based on the requests and content.

Materials

The key rules should be available to students and accessible throughout the semester. It is therefore advisable, following an initial presentation, to make them available in the e-learning course, in a set of lecture notes or similar.

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Jan Monday

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At the beginning the rules of the game

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