I have them written down and put in a handout form so that the students have a physical representation of what is expected. The first time presenting needs to be done in a positive way.
I have high expectations for my students, but with these high expectations for them to succeed there is a high expectation for myself to help my students to succeed in the class. I also need to keep with those expectations I provided, otherwise my creditability is diminished.
I am very clear in my syllabus about my grading. I explain that I will treat my students as if I am their boss, and expect professionalism, punctuality, and precision. I am always available to help, but expect quality work.
Hi Jannette,
You have a great foundation for your instructional delivery through your previous training. As you are aware of how the students start the connection process with the instructor from the first day you know how to make sure those connections are positive and supportive. Well done.
Gary
I do follow many of your procedures for class introduction.
Many of these skills were implemented in various teaching prep courses for TA positions at A&M and provided by a Community College where I am an adjunct.
I do find that students start connecting with you day one.
They do attempt to make direct eye-contact and are listening to what you say.
Make it relevant and exciting each time they come to class.
I like to clarify sketchbook materials and understand I should insist on notetaking for project presentation objectives.
Hi Vicki,
I really like your last point. Students like to have instructors know their names as a form of respect and recognition. Now as a result of getting what they want they are on your radar screen and you know they are there and how they are contributing to the course. It is a two way street for them.
Gary
In addition to covering the syllabus and answering questions, I will often pose information in the form of a question and ask the students to respond to me to make sure their understanding is clear. In reading this module, it occurred to me to devise a pretest on basic math to quickly gauge where the students' comprehension and comfort level is on that subject. I make a point of knowing everyone's name by the second day of class so that they not only feel like they are recognized as an individual but also to let them know they can't slip under my 'radar'.
Hi Heidi,
Fun and interesting are two words that need to be a part of all course planning. Students enjoy courses much more if they are interested in the topic and are having fun when learning it. What are some of the ways you make your courses fun and interesting?
Gary
Hi Annette,
Yes, it is important to know the course expectations. Otherwise the students are just guessing as to what is required of them to be successful in the class and this is a terrible feeling to have. This really increases the stress.
Gary
Students are look for clarity in the classroon. They need to see what the expectations are so they can set their goals accordingly.
I like to hand out a syllabus on the first day outlining what will be expected for the course. Also, during each class period, I try to re enforce important points during each lecture or lab that I feel are vital to the course. It never hurts to find fun and intersting ways to do this either!
I agree sometimes the information can be overwhelming and lead to overload. but its still important to make the expectations clear from the beggining
I think it is very important students know what your expectations are for the class. If they dont understand or don't know what they are they will feel lost in the class. Their grades will suffer and they will hesitate joining any discussions in the classroom. Not knowing the expectations can be frightening and a set back for learning.
The most important technique I use to make sure students understand my expectations is the use of the course syllabus. Here, all of the guidelines and expectations for the course are presented. I will review the syllabus, point out crucial information and allow students the opportunity to request clarification on vague issues.
Hi James,
I am sure your method of keeping the students informed about what and when things are going to occur in the course helps to reduce the anxiety that the students feel when they start a new course.
Gary
Hi Jessica,
Good way to get the students up to speed on the requirements, expectations and polices of the course. This will help to reduce confusion later on in the course. As you indicated there are still questions that need to be answered because students often use selective listening when it comes to the basics of a course. So you can refer them to the syllabus and hit the high points when these questions come up.
Gary
Hi Sara,
What I have done with cohort groups is have them help me with the name game. I have them share a significant fact that other members of the cohort group does not know and then ask the members to give me examples of how I can remember their names since I am new to the "group". I have had very good results using this method.
Gary
I hand out the lesson plan and lab sheets. I have them organize the chapters in the order they will be tought along with the timing of the lab sheets. during this time I go over the lecture and lab schedule and put it up on the board so they can copy if they want.
I cover the number of tests we have and the grading. I cover the lab sheets and their grading. just prior to starting the lesson, I cover policies and procedures.
Dr. Meers,
I go over the syllabus carefully the first day, and ask if there are any questions throughout the course, especially before assignment due dates, critiques, and exams. I create hand-outs with objectives for each assignment, in addition to writing goals/objectives on the board repeatedly.
Each important expectation for attendance, evaluation, and participation, in addition to policies regarding behavior are in bold type on the syllabus. I also list what is due and when on the course outline/calendar, so they can plan ahead.
Sometimes there is still confusion or questions, so I continue to work with students one-on-one during lab time to make sure they are on the right track with each assignment and the course goals.
I agree the first day of class is very important when it comes to outlining student requirements and goals for the class.I use a standard operating procedure at the beginning of each class and take the time to clafify any questions or conserns the students may have before beginning the class.
I have students sign a contract stating that they have read and understand all course requirements. I also give them a quiz on the requirements prior to signing the contract.
