Whose Classroom Is it?

Found this on a Monty Roberts forum and it again triggered my distaste for imperialism.

Each rule was written in a distinct tone, which to my ears sounded aggressive and confrontational. I couldn’t believe what I was reading; surely this was part of an early 20th century history of education project?

The Rules Read:

Quietly ENTER the classroom ONLY when your teacher tells you to.

Go to the desk given to you by your teacher: it is not your job to decide where to sit unless you teacher tells you so.

Take your coat off immediately and sit down when requested.

LISTEN properly and FOLLOW the INSTRUCTIONS your teacher gives you straight away.

At the end of the lesson PACK equipment AWAY and put your COAT on ONLY when the teacher tells you.

It goes on to discuss the author's views on these rules and the fact that they seem to be the antithesis of Monty's JOINUP concept.

How can we complain when today's youth don't show responsibility etc when we are so prescriptive, politically correct and  over scheduling. When do students have the time to develop those skills we berate them for not having...

School years are the time for mistakes/experiments - when the consequences are minimal and the environment is supervised and safe.

Let ākonga explore!
It is their classroom. They are the reason we are there!