Jennifer, thanks so much for your input and feedback on the course. You have provided some great first hand affirmations with respect to the value of setting the stage early in the class. By establishing a set of ground rules and expectations on day one, you can really make your life as an instructor much easier. You will occasionally have those students that want to test the boundaries. The majority of them do this because other instructors are not willing to be fair but firm and set the rules early so when the student comes across an instructor that is doing things correctly and establishing a safe and effective learning environment, they want to test the waters so to speak. By standing your ground and demonstrating to all the students your rule as not just guidelines but a foundation for effective learning, they will come to respect you even more and learn more from you because of that respect.
Thanks so much for sharing and good luck in all future endeavors.