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The Acronym Method

  1. Write the words "Ground Rules" on the top of the board. Write the word "ROPES" along the left hand side of the board (or use a similar word).
  2. Explain that, like a safety net, the ROPES will serve as communally agreed-upon rules to which everyone will adhere during the discussion section.
  3. Elicit from the students words (related to ground rules) that begin with those letters. Ask the students to explain why they have recommended a word and what it means to them. For example, R: respect, responsibility; O: openness, etc.
  4. Add your own suggestions.
  5. Ask for a general consensus about which rules are chosen.
  6. Record the ground rules. Copy the list and bring it to section the following week. This way all students have copies that they can refer to over the semester.
  7. Periodically, have the class take a moment to evaluate whether or not the ground rules established at the beginning of the semester are being followed and if they work.
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