Hi Gary,
The key word in your forum to me is "re-emphasizing". Students tend to hear what they want to hear and forget much of that. So we, as instructors need to revisit the course requirements and deadlines on a regular basis. It will make our lives and the lives of our students much easier.
Gary
Students do get some idea of the expectations from the syllabus objectives and grading, of course. However, I have found that re-emphasizing the attendance requirements and actually going over the rubric for "important" parts of the class (such as projects and team evaluation sections) actually brings into focus the expectations for these segments.
Repeating three times main points helps me
Hi Jayne,
The more information you can share with your students the better start there will be to the class. Your method helps your students to exactly what is going to happen in the coming weeks.
Gary
Hi Michael,
I agree with you about the importance of keeping the progress students are making in front of them. They often get so bogged down with the course and life's pressures that they forget that they are making real progress. By being reminded of their progress they can see that all of their efforts are worth while.
Gary
Not only do I hand out the sylibus but also an addendum that specificly defines what the course will accomplish further and expectations.
I put everything in writing- much like has been discussed in the syllabus. I don't just drop it from there- each class I try to keep the overall objectives in context by showing them where we started- where we are and where we're going. I don't believe you can overdo the reinforcement of the context of where the students are in comparison to where they started.
I try to write a detailed syllabus that explains student expectations. I also go over the syllabus on the first day of class. I try to be reassuring to the students that they can succeed in the class but their success is dependent on how much they put into the class.
I like to use the analogy of riding a bicycle. Who can get on a bike and ride proficiently on their very first try? The same is true with success in the class - it takes time.
I use handouts, lecture points about key items needed for completing this course.
Hi Joe,
By reviewing the syllabus you cover the requirements, expectations and polices for the course and the students know what to expect. This helps them get settled into the course and ready to learn.
Gary
Reviewing the syllabus from start to finish will tell the students what to expect throughout the term. I also allow my students to ask questions regarding any of the assignments to make sure they are clear.
I find the following tools useful in managing expectations:
Clearly written goals, objectives and outcomes
Written procedures and minimum standards
Using behavioral language
Utilizing objective, published rubrics
Engaging students in teach-back
Using practical demo followed by student replication when possible
Frequent repitition and review
Have you tried posting it on the net for students?
Hi Jerry,
Do you have your students sign a form that say they have received a course syllabus and that they have read and understand the course requirements? Or is there another way you get their acknowledgment?
Thanks.
Gary
Hi Wayne,
I am sure that the 10% figure is accurate because I know my students want to know the course requirements, expectations, and polices right up front. Once they know them they start to get settled in because they know what they are going to be doing over the next few weeks. With good planning and clear explanations of projects and activities the students will stick with the course. As humans we all like to know what the outcomes are for our efforts. This is using the business model of Return On Investment (ROI) in an educational format.
Gary
Say it - put it in writing and get their acknowledgement
Successful students start with a successful instructor. I follow almost to the letter the contents of this course. Preparation prior to the couse is critical. Having a clear syllabus and course outline starts the process. Taking the time on the first class meeting to go through the contents along with the grading policy. Someone once told me that you will lose 10% of your participants motivation by failing to take the time to explain the course expectations.
i go over the same things about three time with questions and answers. daniel
Clarifying expectations for students is only fair for them as learners because they are clear on their course plan. When students know what objectives they are suppose to learn, then they are successful, organized and confident in their profession. The instructor helps in this by enforcing the expectations and making sure that no student is left out of the clarification and understanding of them. It serves as a great collaboration tool between the other students and the instructor as well. The students will appreciate this strategy too because it helps to avoid any confusion as to what is expected of them.
I create an addendum to the syllabus, and we spend time in class going over this addendum which clarifies. They always have this to refer back to also. It helps later too when I have to reinforce rules and can say "Remember we talked about that on it first day. It's in the addendum."
