I think it is important to use several different mediums to get your expectations across. I have a Course Calendar, Syllabus, post information in Announcements, and sent it through email. The combination helps it to get to all students. I also ask student to confirm once they review course information in a Discussion, where they also get to know each other.
Hi Heather, I concur that even in an online environment we still follow the strategies in this module. It is just that we are directing the learners to important areas to find information, providing tips, guidance, etc. I not only introduce myself to the class with a bio but encourage each learner to post their bio and I am sure to go back in and respond to each of their bios. While it can take a lot of time if you have a large class, it is well worth the effort in my opinion since it really sets the tone.
I review my syllabus, covering all components. I identify the points they can earn, how they will be earned, their participation component, how they will be evaluated. I cover the due dates of the assignments, discuss any holidays that may be present during the course, my late work policy. Since I teach online I identify ways in which they can still submit work to me if they cannot access the course in order to ensure their submission date is preserved. I provide them with my contact information so that they can contact me in the event they are having difficulties submitting work. At each juncture I ask for questions and/or feedback. Kathleen Henry
I like to use directed questions and answers. If I have students from a previous class I will start with one of them. Example: Based on your experience with me as an instructor what is your understanding of the presentation assignment? After the response I can clarify if necessary and/or check with other students for agreement or additional questions.
Hi Melissa,
Great outline of how you keep up communication with your students. This has to help with their understanding of what they must be completing at points along the course.
My response to my question about the grade book information is that I remind my students through emails to be sure and look at their grade postings. These reminders seem to work on getting them to check for the feedback.
Gary
One of the methods that I use to communicate clear expectations to students is to provide important information in a variety of areas. I post an annoucement, send an e-mail message and sometimes post an update in the discussion boards. I try to reach everyone through one of these methods!
During Week 1 of the course, I also send out a message about 4 days into the week to check-in. In that message I add the assignments due for the week, the due date and any helpful hints that I might have. Students respond quite well to this message. Some just reply to thank me while others feel comfortable with asking me a question. The regular outreach from me helps students to feel connected and to know I am approachable and responsive. By creating this rapport I hope that my students feel that they can count on me if the need a question answered.
Grading feedback is another area where I share ideas for meeting expectations. I provide examples of work if a main concept or formatting element is missing. Students really appreciate this guidance. They want to do better. The only question I have about gradebook feedback is "how do we know if the student is seeing the feedback?" I sometimes wonder if the student is getting all of the feedback that is there or if they forget to look.
Thanks.
Melissa
Hi Mary,
Right you are. Students need to know that their instructor is in charge of the class and has planned carefully for their success. Through organization this can happen. Students need a comfort level in order to get settled into the course and this is a good way to do it.
Gary
Hi Katie,
Way to bring the human aspect of your teaching out to your students. If they know you are approachable and you have rapport with them then you are going to have a much greater relationship that lends itself to you encouraging and motivating them in the course.
Gary
The first class runs smoothly if you have a script. It allows students to settle into class without worrying about how they need to appear. New students shuffling through papers or looking at each others handouts is never a good sign.
Hi Jeffrey,
Good way to incorporate your students into the explanation process so everyone is clear on what is going to be required in the coming weeks.
Gary
I am a very organized individual and tend to create as much structure and guiding material as possible - better to provide more than less online. If anything is missed by a student you can always point them in the right direction. I am also a big fan of closing the question loop - when I respond I ask if I have covered all their questions and what else I might be able to help with. By presenting myself to be of assistance this makes me approachable. Katie
The week before class begins I send an email to all my students. In the email a point out a couple important details that they will need to be successful on the first day of class. The only other thing I ask of them is to simply write down what their single greatest expectation is for the class. On day one after the course overview has taken place and the syllabus has been reviewed, I will ask a couple individuals to share what their expectations were then all of us can see if they line up with the class. I find it a good opportunity for discussion and clarification.
Hospitality Law Class Example.
I tell them I do not plan on growing an attorney in 2 months. I want them to be informed, educated and protected in the event they find themselves in a lwasuit; whether they are a sole proprietor or a manager.
Basic foundation of responsibilites to guests, employees and employers.
Uniforms: You will be required to wear one in your field. This should just be a part of your daily life.
Hi Karen,
I like your approach of informing students of the course requirements through several different methods. This way you are reinforcing what you are talking about with visual reminders.
Gary
I USE MY SYLLABUS TO DEFINE/CLARIFY THE STUDENTS EXPECTATIONS BY LISTING ASSIGNMENTS, PROJECTS, AND HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS FOR EACH CHAPTER COVERED THEN DURING THE FIRST CLASS WE DISCUSS IN GREATER DETAIL THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY IN MEETING THOSE EXPECTATIONS AND HOW THE CAN AFFECT TO THE POSITIVE AND/OR NEGATIVE DEPENDING ON THEIR CHOICES, ALSO WE DISCUSS HOW THE CLASS GAINS AS A WHOLE WHEN EACH PERSON IS PREPARED AND EACH PERSON PARTICIPATES IN THE CLASS AS WE ALL COME FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND PRESPECTIVES AND LEARN IN GREATER DEPTH WHEN EACH IS PREPARED AND READY TO PARTICATE AND OFFER THEIR IDEAS ON DIFFERENT AREAS OF DISCUSSION.
Hi Vincent,
Good point. By posting you have a very clear idea of how your students are understanding the course requirements and expectations. This is very important for student comfort and support.
Gary
At the beginning of each class I always write on the board bullet points of what we will cover in lab and lecture(which I read out loud ).I also write on the other side of the board with bullet points the homework assignments that will be do the next class.
When I have special projects/I pass out a instruction sheet which outlines all the parts of the project and I bring in a few examples of completed projects and let the students analyze and give feedback.
Hi Jamie,
Can't say enough about examples. By having clear expectations and then providing examples of course projects you are helping the students to focus on what they need to do to be successful. Way to go in supporting your students.
Gary
Hi Meghan,
Clear expectations and outlining of the course requirements are good ways to start the course. You comment about being consistent is an important one. You have to stick to your class policies throughout the course so the students know what to expect.
Gary
Hi Mark,
Positive feedback on a regular basis is a powerful way to keep students engaged. They know where they are at in the course and how they are progressing. These are very important to them as they measure their success in the course.
Gary
