Establishing clear guidelines for intercultural communication etiquette at the beginning of a course helps introduce the subject of diversity and puts everyone on the same page in terms of expectations. Instructors need not just decree certain etiquette rules but rather can include the interaction of students. For example, have students engage in class discussion about intercultural communication and formulate rules for the class.
Because the values and norms, including those specifically related to communication etiquette, of individual cultures vary so widely, it's beneficial to engage in intercultural exchange activities for the sake of teaching about and establishing proper communication. Teach about different cultures represented in your class, focusing on different communication norms. Or divide students into groups and pairs and have them share their own cultural backgrounds and ideas of how classroom communication should be practiced.
Classroom discussions, both among students and between students and instructors, should follow certain rules. Proper etiquette requires raising one's hand to signal the desire to speak, refraining from interruption and giving each student an opportunity to answer questions or introduce his ideas.
Intercultural communication in the classroom demands a policy of mutual respect. Individuals should maintain and demonstrate respect for each other's unique points of view and personal and cultural differences, even if certain differences may seem extreme. For example, Israeli students are taught and encouraged to question instructors, while Vietnamese students think it improper to challenge or contradict teachers. Such differences should be responded to respectfully, without insult or critique. Students (and teachers) must understand the reality of students' language limitations in diverse classrooms where immigrant or first-generation students may not have a complete grasp of the English language. Finally, respectful communication mandates that no student should be critical or insulting in communication with another student, especially in response to perceived cultural differences.