What is Social Norm in Education?
In education, a social norm refers to the shared expectations that teachers and students hold for one another, particularly concerning interactions like academic discussions.
Based on the provided reference, social norms refer to the expectations that the teacher and students have for one another during academic discussions. These are the unwritten rules or understandings about how people should behave and interact within the classroom setting, specifically when engaged in learning conversations.
These norms aren't exclusive to one subject area. As noted, social norms are present in any classroom, including diverse fields such as science and English. They shape the dynamics of how knowledge is shared, questions are asked, and ideas are debated or explored.
Key Aspects of Social Norms
- Shared Expectations: Both the teacher and the students contribute to forming and maintaining these norms.
- Context-Specific: While general classroom norms exist, social norms related to academic discussions focus specifically on how participants interact during these learning exchanges.
- Present Across Subjects: They influence interactions in various disciplines.
Examples of Social Norms in Academic Discussions
Social norms guide how discussions flow and how participants engage respectfully and productively. Examples might include:
- Taking Turns: Expectation that individuals will wait for their turn to speak without interruption.
- Active Listening: Norm that students and the teacher will listen attentively to others' contributions before responding.
- Respectful Disagreement: Expectation that participants can express differing opinions respectfully, focusing on ideas rather than individuals.
- Elaborating on Ideas: Norm encouraging students to explain their reasoning or expand on points made by others.
- Using Evidence: Expectation that claims made during discussions should be supported by information or reasoning.
These examples illustrate how social norms create a predictable and functional environment for learning through interaction.
Importance of Establishing Clear Social Norms
Establishing clear and positive social norms is crucial for effective teaching and learning because they:
- Promote a safe and inclusive classroom environment.
- Encourage active participation from all students.
- Help manage classroom behavior during discussions.
- Foster critical thinking and deeper understanding.
By understanding and adhering to these shared expectations, both teachers and students contribute to a more productive and respectful learning experience.
