Taking Ownership of the Classroom

Large Group Discussion Expectations

Every student wants to be respected by his (or her) peers and feel as if their opinions are valued. As an
educator, it is my job to create a classroom atmosphere that allows all students to be heard. I need your
help.
As a class, we need to agree upon a set of classroom rules for our large group discussions. Without a
clearly defined list of expectations, our bigger talks will eventually become nothing more than shouting
matches (which is no bad for anyone!).
This handout will serve as a survey and I will use your input to help create our classroom rules for large
group discussions (and group work in general). Please take this survey seriously because I am trying to
give you, the student, a say in how our classroom is ran.
Multiple choice. Select the choice that applies most to you.
1. ________

I prefer to work with....

a) Small groups (3 or four other people)
b) Large groups (6 to 8 other people)
c) Pairs (one other person)
d) I like working alone

2. ________

How often would you prefer to work with others?

a) 1 time per week
b) 2 times per week
c) 3 times per week
d) 0 times per week

3. ________

Which of the following group activities do you like best?

a) writing a song or a poem
b) drawing a picture
c) acting out a scene or putting on a sketch
d) writing group essays / short answers

4. ________

After working with a group on an in-class assignment, I like it when...

a) we present in front of the classroom
b) we participate in a gallery walk
c) we write out answers to a few short questions about the experiences

5. ________

Do you feel like your input is valued during large group discussions?
a) Yes
b) Now

Taking Ownership of the Classroom

Large Group Discussion Expectations
Short Answer. Please answer in complete sentences.
6. What does it mean to be respectful in a group discussion? What does active listening look like?

7. How would we best keep our conversations organized? Is raising our hands the answer or is there a
better alternative to make sure that one person is talking at a time?

8. When is an outdoor voice appropriate in the classroom? When is it inappropriate? Does yelling have
any place in a classroom discussion?

9. In a classroom discussion is it important for everyone to be prepared to speak? Is it okay for there to
be short periods of silence?

10. Any additional comments, questions, or concerns about group work/discussion?