Getting student's and policies together
I feel as a instructor that school and class policies and enforcement of those policies is a must in any class room enviroment. I also think that if you cover in detail what is expected of the students on the first day of class and what the possible out come may be if policies are not followed, helps with class control there after. If you include your students in the discussion and possible affects if no rule's were in place at all,they come to the conclusion that rules are inplace for a reason and are more willing to comply.This helps with not only class control but with creating a learning atmosphere where the students feel that they have a say in their education process. Policies are there to help not only the instructor but to help the student as well, and by showing them they have a say goes a long way.
Hi Cindy,
This is a great way to inform the students as well as make them accountable for their own success. By signing the form they know what the expectations are for the course and what they need to do to be successful. This sets the stage for the students to achieve much if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
I teach a wide variety of age groups and with that comes different challenges such as what is expected from the student. At the beginning of each new class, I put the class policies/rules into a one page layout and review over them with the students. At this time they sign a copy and give it back to me and they keep a signed copy. This helps with any disagreements they may have regarding class policies. And they definitely know what is expected of them. I also encourage any instructor teaching in my program to do the same which shows consistency.
Hi Julie,
Thank you for the excellent profile of today's career college students. Their diverse backgrounds are what gives the challenges as well as the opportunities to instructors. This mix of students make sure that everyday is an adventure in the classroom.
Gary
I agree, the first day is one of the MOST important if you hope to have any chance getting your class to run and turn out the way it should.
It is truely amazing how the "make-up" of our student body and where they come from can, at times, clash with our policies.
We have a mix of "kids" just out of high school, mixed with people training for their second careers, as well as veterans' just coming home from a war zone.
One group thinks they are here to play as Mom and Dad are still paying the bills or their maturity level isn't what it should be. The older students are here to learn something that they have "always" wanted to learn. Who have already raised thier "kids" under much strictor rules then the current generation has been raised under. They don't have the patience or time for the foolishness. And then the post- military students who are having trouble relating to either of the other two groups, as they are no longer "children" and can't understand the lack of discipline displayed. Yet they are still young and can't relate to the older students simple because of the difference in age.
I agree , involving them and discussing the policies seems more effective than just laying them out .
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for this input. From your comments it appears that you have a realistic vision for and about your students. It also sounds like you are having success with this group of individuals. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I would like to agree with you; however, I found that my students don't seem to remember anything I covered the first day, even if I've reiterated it several times since. I made a student contract for my second quarter after I found that most students won't keep up with their work when they miss days. The contract stated that in case of a missed class, they would refer to their syllabus for missed assignments and contact me with any questions. I have found that few have held up to their end of the contract. I have a feeling I will be producing the contract at the end of the quarter to justify some grades.
That being said, I have a feeling the school where I teach has a very different type of student. I have to do a lot of hand-holding and forgiving, yet I refuse to give too much credit where it is not earned.
Hello Mark,
Thank-you for your input on this subject. I can completely relate to your point of view on this matter. Most recently I came into a class that had been under way for a week and had already been through 2 instructors. I had an uphill battle trying to implement the classroom rules. I had to engage the students in discussions about what is expected from them while maintaining strong instructional and a professional attitude. Eventually the students appreciated my efforts and the classroom has become a pleasant learning environment for everyone.
Hi Franz,
You make a good point. As their instructor you are helping them to make that very big step into the "real" world where they are going to have to have the skills and knowledge to be successful. You really have to lay it our clearly for many of them.
Gary
I do believe that the first day is critacel but not all students have had the same past and some are not going to change right away. So we need to work with the students that have lived an easy do as the want life and explain to them how the real world is and that what they think is ok might not be in some peoples eyes.This is why we have to have rules and goals.
