# Agreements and expectations How we share a classroom at MCT, which language we speak and how group work runs. Multimedia & Creative Technology · 0.0 General · MCT · version 1.0.0 · 2026-09-21 Tags: general Slides: Speaker notes: ## Agenda 1. Why: Where these agreements come from 2. In class: Respect, being there and your screen 3. Language and communication: English, Dutch and your own language 4. Group work: Working together in mixed groups **Agreements to learn better together.** No extra rules for the sake of rules. These agreements come from what students and lecturers told us over the past years. ## Why these agreements ### They are based on - Signals and feedback from students and lecturers - Programme review feedback - Experiences in shared English-taught courses - Practices that already worked well in several classes ### What is in it for you? - A safer and clearer learning environment - More equal access to information - Less confusion about which language to use - Better collaboration in mixed groups - Clear expectations from day one ## A starting point > [!NOTE] > **This is version 1** > > We keep improving these agreements with feedback from students and lecturers. If something does not work, say so. ## 1. Classroom agreements *How we treat each other and how you show up in class.* ### Together in class #### Love, Peace & Pixels - We aim for a safe(r) and brave space - Challenge ideas, not people - Speak up against discrimination or disrespect #### Be there - Be on time and prepared, ready to start - Door open: come in quietly - Door closed: wait for the break ### Outside class #### Canvas is the new TikTok - Check Canvas, the intranet and your student email every day, so you never miss an update or a deadline - Always use your KdG student email to contact lecturers or staff #### Study hard, play hard - Studying is more than attending class - Plan time for assignments, project work and study - Ask your questions in time, your lecturers are here to help ### Focus mode on *We are MCT, so yes, we often need a computer. Use your screen with purpose.* 1. **Your screen**: An open screen distracts you, and the people behind you. Use your device only for class related work. 2. **Learn by doing**: Ask questions, respond, take notes and do the exercises. 3. **Your spot**: Sit where you can stay focused and contribute to the lesson. ## 2. Language and communication *Which language you speak when, and why your own language has its place too.* ### Which language #### English-taught classes - English is the default language - Use English for class interaction, questions and feedback - Clarity matters more than perfect English #### Multilingualism matters - Your own language is part of who you are - It supports learning, reflection and peer exchange - Use it in informal moments or when you help each other - In mixed groups, switch to English so everyone can follow ### Shared classes in mixed groups *Your lecturer tells you which kind of course you are in, and what mixed groups mean there.* | Course type | Courses | Mixed groups | | --- | --- | --- | | Intercultural and teamwork oriented | Intercultural Communication & Teamwork | Part of the course design and an explicit learning goal | | Hard skills oriented | AV Postproduction, Prototyping, Fablab Experience, AI for Multimedia, UX, Motion Graphics, New Technology | Not always feasible and not a learning goal, but they add a lot through collaboration, broader perspectives and richer projects | | COIL and BIP | Courses with partner institutions | Collaboration and multiple perspectives are always part of the design | ## 3. Group work *Working together in mixed groups.* **Good group work does not happen by accident.** Good collaboration needs structure, guidance and clear expectations. Working together is a learning goal in itself, and you learn it by doing it well. ### How it works - **01 Make team agreements at the start**: How do you work and communicate, who does what, and what do you do when things go wrong? - **02 Share responsibility**: Everyone contributes. No one is left out, no one carries the whole group. - **03 English in mixed groups**: In a mixed team, English keeps the work accessible to everyone. - **04 Ask for help early**: Do not wait until problems escalate. Raise questions or tensions in time. ### Grow into shared responsibility *Support is always there, but your ownership grows throughout the programme.* #### Year 1 Lecturers provide more structure, guidelines and support for the group process. #### Later in the programme You take more ownership of how your group works together.