Hi Efim,
You are on to something good in terms of having your students project themselves into the future. Students get bogged down with the present in terms of their personal issues, studies, etc., and forget why they are there. By having a carrot of the future in front of the students they can see the future in the present. Good ideas about how to get them to look ahead.
Gary
I can facilitate my student's understanding of expectation by being very clear about the course goals, by demonstrating the professionalism that is expected of them, by helping them understand what work in our chosen profession can be. There is also the absolute necessity of being attentive to student's questions and taking time to adequetly answer. Perhaps these expectations could be given to students in written form for future reference.
First of all I try to facilitate interest in profession. After personal introduction, I asked everybody to introduce himself and tell about long term goal, like where can you see yourself after 2-3 years after graduation. Students have different visions of their future. Somebody is going to work for the hospital, somebody - for the sports team, somebody - for the spa, somebody is going to open his own business. I encourage everybody to succeed in my course and explain them how topics covered in class can benefit thei future work. It facilitates real interest in my class and different opportunities in future employment as well.
Hi Carol,
Great job on making clear the expectations of your course. This way there can be no misunderstanding on the part of the students, even though as you know there will still be misunderstandings of one form or another. It seems some students never listen and then claim they were never told. This is one of the joys of being an instructor.
The use of the wall chart and the visual display helps as well. Great idea. It seems that students need to be reminded numerous times about what the course requirements really are. You are using several ways of reducing the confusion.
Gary
At the start of the new year, I put together a packet of information that must be signed by student and parent. The packet has many important informational pieces regarding the school and my classroom policies, textbooks used, and other types of issues that fall under classroom management. One piece is a list of student expectations that I have personally designed. This list is very specific in describing the exact expectations that I have for achieving success in the classroom.
I also have a chart on the wall displaying the list. I review a different number every day for several weeks, and continue to reinforce these expectations throughout the year. Since I believe so strongly that students want to achieve success, and will rise to the level of expectations that I set, I find that given time for change and adjustment, most students do just that. Each child and parent must know what I consider to be the minimum level of expectation.
Hi Darrick,
Well said. The key is your last sentence in terms of them not being â€finished productsâ€, but only being started on their learning journey. Their skills will continue to develop and they will become much more knowledgeable through the all important component known as experience.
Gary
Telling students what to expect from them in our field is many lessons to be learned. Lessons we instructors call mistakes. Mistakes will and must happen in order for our students to be very successful. Students have a very hard time realizing it's for their benefit of what to expect in all sorts of situations. They will grow more and more because they will be more open minded and can pull themselves out of any situation with the proper attitude. By the end of the course we tell them your learning is nowhere near to be finished but only to get them closer to the top of their field in a shorter amount of time.
Hi Mark,
Great way to get the new phase off to a good start. By having the students sign a paper that they have received a syllabus helps to clarify any misunderstandings that might come up later about expectations. Also, sharing the expectations helps to create a vision for the students, in terms of skills and knowledge they will acquire in the coming weeks.
Gary
That is an important part of the students first
day of class. You must give them something in writing of what is expected of them ,and also of the instructors. This information of expectations should be agreed upon, signed,and kept somewhere to be reviewed if necessary,by the entire class.It is extremely important to get started off on the right foot and then stay there.I also convey to them that these expectations will help them reach their goal of learning as much as possible from our course during the time they are here.
Hi George,
As was mentioned in the course, instructors will be models one way or another. (Positive or Negative) Instructors need to be very conscious of how they present themselves to the students. They must make sure that they do not develop annoying habits or speech patterns that will focus the attention of the students on the delivery and not the content.
In addition, instructors have to model the role of the professional within the field that students are training for. This is done by language, dress, manner, etc. The key words as you listed them are being a “true role model†on all levels.
Gary
Lead by example - become a true role model.
Hi Karmon,
You are correct about the students not being traditional. They come from many different backgrounds and various academic skills. The challenge for us is to determine best how to share information about the course and instructional content. Your approach of giving the big picture is a good one. Just make sure that you review frequently in terms of projects coming do, questions about assignments, etc. I find that by taking a few minutes each class meeting to make announcements or answer questions I can head off much frustration and get students to complete their work.
Gary
Students are always curious, even adults. Since most of our students are parents and NOT the traditional 18 - 21 year olds, they want to know everything from the beginning so as to know how to schedule their time (i.e. studying, jobs, family). Not only do I give my syllabus and course outline at the first class meeting, I also give all homework assignments, class project requirements, and study guides for every exam and the final. Many students like to read and work ahead of schedule when possible so they don't feel rushed at the end of the term and also "just in case something comes up" later.
Hi Peggy,
You have to become a human as well as a leader to your students. By taking them through some of your life experiences you help them to understand that you are human an
d you have made mistakes. These mistakes have helped you to become a stronger professional. You are also setting the stage for them to let them know that you will endure their mistakes as long as they are trying and improving. You are going to do everything you can to get them through the skill development phase enabling them to be successes in their field.
A personalized professional will be successful in the classroom. When you personalize yourself your students benefit and everyone grows as a result of the experiences. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I couldn't agree with you more! Setting an example is the very best method of teaching. On the first day that I meet a new class;, I give them an orientation packet that presents all of my requirements plus a little backgroung on myself. I go through this packet with the new students and ask them if they have any questions or comments. I teach Surgical Techs and am never afraid to tell them of my own experiences, good and bad. In fact, they often hear me say "if any stupid or embarassing thing can be done, I have done it." I enjoy sharing the many experiences that I have personally had in the opeating room setting and the students just love to hear the stories....and I am honest with them. Peggy
Hi William,
Good approach to informing your students about expectations. Since they are preparing to enter a career field that they have chosen they should be excited about learning the material and developing the skills. Unfortunately, sometimes external factors interfere and they become less than focused. By having the expectations clear, and understanding that you are there to help them, and that you are being fair and honest in your expectations you have set the stage for the course. It then is up to the students to acquire the knowledge through you encouragement and support.
Gary
The syllabus is a key tool to convey expectations. In conjunction with the syllabus, a review of how the course material relates to professional development can underline the importance of the material and set the stage for reasonably high expectations. When students are presented with ideas like "Would you like to drive through a tunnel that was 70% right?" Or go to a doctor who was right 70% of the time? This helps clarify the need to get the material right. Of course it needs to be conveyed in a fashion that lets the student know that the instructor will help to achieve that goal and not just sit in judgement.
Hi Kiran,
You have been getting some excellent advice from a several sources. It is always good to hear from others as we all have different experiences and backgrounds from which we draw our comments.
Gary
This is very informative and interesting.
Kiran
ED101 -> Forums -> Forum 3
Setting Expectations
by Kiran Malhotra - Thursday, 31 March 2005, 10:06 PM (EST)
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Hi Gary,
Instructors should schedule orientation for the new beginging students
with clear presentation of the syllabus as well as policy and
procedures for the classroom so that there can be no misconceptions of
what is expected of the course and How it is going to be presented in
what different formats. Students can also be given a chance for
feedback.
Having students sign the Class Rules and explaining the grading
process is a good way to get the students started in the right
direction.
K Malhotra
