Furthermore, previewing upcoming topics is sound classroom practice. With advance preparation, I have found that students ask more in-depth questions and engage in more thoughtful discussions. And guest speakers have often commented on the respectful and courteous response of the students. Defining the criteria established for the grading scale, how late assignments will be handled, establishing attendance policies, and providing a course calendar are technical methods that clarify the course procedures. Development of these technical procedures can be planned ahead of time and adapted as the course proceeds.
Some teachers prefer developing the procedures in collaboration with the students.
However it is done, most of us would agree it is helpful to establish clear parameters. On the other hand, many classroom situations cannot be anticipated and a clear solution may not be evident. These situations, which Heifetz calls adaptive, can be challenging, yet can offer the opportunity for meaningful learning to take place. Classrooms are, by nature, unpredictable environments because learning often involves that which is unfamiliar and which has the potential for changing beliefs and values. Student reaction may range from passive acceptance, to scholarly debate, to hostile rejection.