Classroom Norms in Spain

In our culture class today we discussed the norms that are expected in classrooms in Spain.  I shocked at some of the things students in Spain are not allowed to do.  I have done almost all of them in class here and at home in Kansas.  It seems that the classrooms here are much more strict.  Since I am in a class with only students from K-State we did not pick up on these norms from other students.  We had a discussion about them today.  Fortunately our teachers do not enforce them with us.  Here is what we learned:

• No food or drinks (water is okay)
• No gum
• No leaving the classroom to go to the bathroom
• No slouching in your chair
• No flip flops
• No cell phones
• No pencils on exams

These would be hard changes to get used to if I had to follow these rules!  I like that US classrooms are more relaxed, at least depending on the teacher.