When starting a new course, students are exposed to numerous unknown variables. They do not yet know the lecturer, are often unaware of the content and learning objectives and are unable to assess the working culture and atmosphere. It is therefore all the more important to explain the culture of the course and agree on rules.
In addition to rules whose binding nature must be clearly communicated (see Teaching concept "The rules of the game at the beginning"), the role of the teacher should be presented right at the beginning. This clears up students' false expectations and misunderstandings. Teachers and students can then refer to the agreed rights and obligations and claim them.
Especially when discourse is at the centre of a course, it is necessary to clarify its rules. This also includes agreeing on feedback rules, including an explanation of their meaningfulness.
