Follow Procedures and
Establish Rules

One of the first applications of effective management of resources begins with the establishment of rules and procedures. Procedures are steps for the routines students follow in their daily learning activities, such as how they turn in papers, sharpen pencils and make a transition from one activity to another. Expert teachers plan and teach procedures until they become routines that students follow automatically. These routines provide a sense of regularity and equilibrium for both students and teachers. Rules are descriptions of standards for acceptable behaviour, such as “no drinking or eating while using a computer”.

It is important that learners understand the reason behind rules so they can accept responsibility for their own behaviour. The following principles can guide teachers in their efforts to promote this understanding among their learners (Ref: AeU)

• Limit the number of rules to the absolute minimum.
• Solicit learners’ ideas and suggestions for consideration as rules.
• Design rules that enhance learning.
• State the rules in a language the learners understand.