module 8
class policies
30 minutes
Objectives
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List 3 reasons it matters to attend class consistently
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List 3 reasons it matters to attend class on time
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Identify the correct course of action in a given scenario
introduction
Since volunteers ideally work with the same student over the course of several weeks or even months, consistency is very important. For this reason, we have class policies about attendance, punctuality, and conduct during class. Read the following scenarios to see some of the issues that may arise if a volunteer doesn't abide by the policies.
scenario 1
Laura is a university student who has a heavy courseload and is involved in other volunteering activities. She sometimes skips English class due to school or other obligations. Laura's students arrive and wait for her, and once the coordinator determines Laura may not come, the coordinator eventually has to scramble to place them in another group, where they probably will not be able to work on their own goals.
scenario 2
Chuck often arrives late to class. The coordinator isn't sure if he will arrive late or if he will just not show up, so she places his students in other groups. Later, when Chuck arrives, his students have to be moved again, disrupting their lesson. They receive less individualized time to work on their goals, and they are often slightly disoriented from the confusion of moving around and changing subjects.
scenario 3
In the last few weeks, Paul has stopped coming to class. The coordinator reaches out to Paul, but he never responds. She is unsure if Paul is done volunteering, or if he plans to return sometime. In the meantime, his students have to be placed with other groups, and she isn't sure if she needs to find a new volunteer to replace him.
lesson
English SLC's policies are designed to promote student success.
class policies
1. Commit to at least a 3-month volunteer term.
2. If/When you decide to cease volunteering with English SLC, notify the coordinator. **Please do not just stop coming**
3. Arrive 15 minutes early to class so that you have time to prepare and so that you will be there to welcome your students.
4. If you are running late, notify the coordinator with your estimated time of arrival so that she can create the best sense of continuity for your students.
5. If you must miss a class, please notify the coordinator at least 2 days in advance so she can try to find a substitute for your students.
6. If an emergency arises and you are unable to make it to class, please notify the coordinator as soon as possible.
7. Complete the LSPs after every class before leaving.
8. Maintain English SLC as an English Only zone. Encourage your students to speak English and to avoid speaking their native language while they are in class to promote a total immersion experience.
practice
Write down your response to the following scenarios.
scenario 1
Rudy is a new volunteer who has had spotty attendance during the first month of class. When you ask him about it, he says that “things keep coming up.” What reasons could you suggest to Rudy to encourage him to have more consistent attendance? List at least four possibilities.
scenario 2
Liza is a new volunteer who frequently arrives late to class. When you ask her about it, she says she just doesn’t leave early enough. What reasons could you suggest to Liza to encourage her to arrive on time? List at least five possibilities.
scenario 3
You have a vacation coming up and you know you will be missing two weeks of class. What do you do?
scenario 4
The day of class, you wake up with a fever and are not feeling well at all. What do you do?
scenario 5
Your friend's car broke down and they needed a ride. You thought you would get back in time but it is taking longer than you thought, and you know you will be about 10 minutes late to class. What do you do?
scenario 6
Your school schedule has changed, and one of your required classes is during your normal volunteer time. You decide to stop volunteering for now. What do you do?
practice
Write down your response to the following scenarios.
scenario 1
Rudy is a new volunteer who has had spotty attendance during the first month of class. When you ask him about it, he says that “things keep coming up.” What reasons could you suggest to Rudy to encourage him to have more consistent attendance? List at least four possibilities.
scenario 2
Liza is a new volunteer who frequently arrives late to class. When you ask her about it, she says she just doesn’t leave early enough. What reasons could you suggest to Liza to encourage her to arrive on time? List at least five possibilities.
scenario 3
You have a vacation coming up and you know you will be missing two weeks of class. What do you do?
scenario 4
The day of class, you wake up with a fever and are not feeling well at all. What do you do?
scenario 5
Your friend's car broke down and they needed a ride. You thought you would get back in time but it is taking longer than you thought, and you know you will be about 10 minutes late to class. What do you do?
scenario 6
Your school schedule has changed, and one of your required classes is during your normal volunteer time. You decide to stop volunteering for now. What do you do?
when in doubt, notify the coordinator!
assessment
Write a response to each of the following prompts, and check your answer against the "Answer" box below.
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Why does it matter to attend class consistently? Provide at least three reasons.
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Why does it matter to arrive to class on time? Provide at least three reasons.
answers
1. Students learn to trust you and are more willing to try new things, make mistakes, and ask questions; students can work on their own goals rather than someone else's by not getting moved to a new group; the students can have a relaxed lesson without worrying about getting moved around.
2. Avoids the confusion of moving students around; allows you to make sure you are prepared for the lesson; the coordinator does not have to worry about whether there will be enough volunteers for class.