Throughout the course of class, especially on the first day, I address the students the importance of attendance and the coursework. I also remind them of deadlines and specific timelines that they must follow and the consequences that may follow if they do not.
I like the idea of signing the something - it shows it is important. Having students sign that they read and understand will help promote responsiblity and accountability which is not a universal concept everywhere today.
Hi Eli,
The key is to remove the mystery from expectations for students. You are making it clear what the expectations, requirements and assignments are for your course this will help to reduce confusion at a later date when everything starts coming due.
Gary
I like to give real short quizes after instructing on a topic that is very important. That way I can tell if they are recieving the message or not.
Keep everything in writing for the students to reference, clearly discuss the course goals, and make sure there are any reminders for upcoming assignments/projects due.
Appealing to the student's learning style is key here, not to mention the rule of repitition.
Hi John,
Great way to start a class. You bridge the gap from their previous classes and create a vision for the future in the current class. I am sure the challenge of the quiz helps get them thinking about how to integrate what they have learned with what they will learn.
Good job.
Gary
First, I repeat the things in my lectures that I deem important and that I want my students to remember. I also use Power Point outlines quite extensively during my lectures to help with organization and note-taking.
Second, I make it clear during the first class meeting, both verbally and in writing through the course syllabus and through my syllabus addendum, what I expect. I also highlight what is really important verbally during the first class meeting, how they will be evaluated, and what my criteria is for grading. I then go over the objectives for the course and class rules like discussion and participation. Again, this information is also included in the syllabus and syllabus addendum for them to reference.
Thirdly, I inform them how class time will be used and what they can expect - quiz, go over previous week's quiz, a discussion excercise, a lecture with plenty of questions and discussion on the material, breaks, and another, closing excercise. By keeping the class organized, students know what to expect.
Fourthly, I give plenty of feedback and communicate expectations via quizzes and essays. I write extensive notes on the brief essays I require for the course I am teaching this quarter - I tell them what I like, what they can do to improve, and correct grammer and spelling. I also give them specific essay questions so they will further know what I expect. I also like to give feedback verbally, which is usually positive. I keep negative feedback private. Fortunately, the college I teach has small class sizes so I can do this.
Regarding quizzes, I give short quizzes every week because I believe students better retain information with short quizzes rather than long mid-terms and finals that they often just cram for. I then go over each quiz the week after it was given, providing reasons as to why the correct answer is correct and why incorrect answers were incorrect. They appear to really appreciate this feedback.
Finally, I will meet with students individually, especially with those who are struggling, to clarify expectations, and clear up any misconceptions they may have. I am also quite open to questions and encourage my students to ask them immediately, especially if they do not understand something. And I try and make myself available after class to further talk to students. This is something I really enjoy.
Hopefully, my students are pretty clear about what I expect, and right from the outset of the course. Further clarification is given as the course progresses. Making your expectations clear can save you, the instructor, a lot of headaches as the class progresses, as well as provide the students with the learning they need in the area of study you teach.
More than half of the students who come to class on the first day already have an idea of what their final grade will be by the end of the class. And I am almost always able to identify the strength they bring to my class. 1. I welcome the students to my class and I tell them how much I appreciate to have them in my class. 2. I will introduce myself with some information about my background and I give the class brief details about my academic and professional achievements, how I got there and what my future goals are 3. I also tell the class why I chose to teach. 4. They receive the syllabus with an overview of the course outline. 5. I introduce them to my classroom policies with 10 minutes for Q&A’s. 6. I take attendance and they will take a break.. Upon their return from break I give a pretest. Because I taught almost all the classes students take prior to coming to my class, I have created a mixed quiz questions which I randomly picked from the previous class activities to make up 50 to 70 percent of my day 1 quiz questions. And the rest of the questions will be about what they are yet to learn in my class. I have been doing this for about three years and no student has been able to ace the quiz questions from the classes they have already taken because they don’t remember the answers. At the end of the day, I go over the quiz and I tell them the quiz will not be graded but it will be graded when they see it again. This is my tool to get them to study harder. And I have so far always been successful.
I use eye contact. If students aren't looking at me when I describe my expectations, then I know they aren't listening. I stop, ask everyone to look at me, and nod if they understand my expectations. If they don't then they can ask as many questions about my expectations as they want to ask.
Hi Patricia,
Good approach with the students you have. You show them respect from day one and as their supportive "coach" you will help them to achieve their career goals if they will put in the effort. This also develop rapport with the students to the point that they have a relationship with you that is productive for both parties. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I currently work as a clinical nursing instructor and before we start the term, I spend time with the students in order discuss the objectives and expectations both verbally and in written form. I further define my role is one of a coach who identifies and works to brings out the natural talent I see in each student. I also make it a point to let them know my goal is to support and view them as adults who are "growing" into their chosen profession. By letting them know clearly my how I view them, I've found students tend to feel freer to rise up to my expectations because I'm aligning with them in THEIR desire to be nurses. I have seen other instructors who tend to relate to the students as children and I believe this approach is very counterproductive to learning.
Hi Wendy,
Way to provide all of the different instructional supports for your students. Your method should really help your students to get settled into and focused on the course.
Gary
I go over with them the tings that I except and when stuff is due. giving them a calendar that lets them know in advance so they have no excuss that they didn't know something is due and what day
I feel it starts with providing a clear definition of the expectations. Commit to them by setting proper procedures, implementing proper training programs and enforcing standards.
Part of what I expect during a class, imagine what expectations a fine dining establishment will have on any future kitchen staff. Paperwork, as list making,following dirctions I try to encourage.
thx Gil
I can give an overview of expectations and sometimes even show the rubric I use for grading but mostly, since I am teaching project-based classes, I specify with each project what the purpose and goals are.
Letting my students know what is expected is very important to their success. I give trial quizes, practice practicals, and have tutoring after class.
Hi Wing,
Good way of making it clear in terms of your expectations and the requirements of the course. When students know exactly what is expected of them they can get settled into the course and then pursue the assignments.
Gary
