There is a paradoxical relationship between sharing power and having more. By empowering others, we tend to receive more authority and respect. Students take pleasure and pride in being given the opportunity to identify teachers' imperfections. When teachers respond by making some changes, students are empowered in a very positive way. Teachers who feel threatened or reluctant can limit students to two or three rules, and they can veto any rule that violates school policies, runs counter to their values, or would make teaching impossible.
Students develop rules for each other.
When the lists are consolidated, rules can be voted on and accepted if they are supported by at least 70 percent of the students. Students vote on negotiable rules. Younger children, or those with little experience in cooperative decision-making may be helped if the teacher generates a list of rules. Those necessary rules having to do with safety or enforcement of school policies are starred or flagged. They are non-negotiable.