Hi Scott,
Great idea. This way you know that what you have developed is based upon sound concepts that are basic to the career area.
Gary
Hi Kristen,
The personal touch is so important to keeping students enrolled and completing their work. By having clear expectations and keeping to those expectations the students will know what to expect as the course moves along. Good job.
Gary
The course syllabus spells out expectations, and we discuss it at length in class
One of the things I have is a discussion forum or task for each individual to post that they do agree to the terms and expectations. This helps me identify any of those that may not know of the expectations by requiring them to answer before they are allowed to continue in the class.
Hi Kristin, I agree the welcome email is always helpful. It removes some apprehension some students have with online courses.
1 think I like to do is find someone knowledgeable in the topic, but not the specific course. I have them go through the course and see if they would understand what is required if they were a student.
Having an "outsider" do this helps get the course more understandable.
I have a clearly layed out course syllabus. Since I teach online, I make sure they receive a welcome email that outlines where to find assignments, when assignments are due and also my late submission policy. I then post that in the announcement section as well. I make sure to personally greet each student individually in the course.
Since we are in a lab setting distractions tend to be the biggest headache.
As a student I always appreciated very thorough assignment descriptions. Therefore, as an instructor, I provide rather lengthy assignment expectations with examples of where to find information or how to properly cite a reference. For writing assignments I often include an example paper so that students have a better idea of what the finished document should look like and what level of detail is expected.
I use my syllabus to start introducing my students to what I expect of them. I remember being a student and knowing how nice it was to be able to look at my syllabus and know what was ahead in the future for the particular class. I know it was a good organizational addition for me in my learning style. To be firm in the beginning and stick to it, is a good way for me to gain respect and confidence in my students. We have fun in class, but they also know that we need to be professionals each and everyday. School can be a fun learning experience and that's what I try to bring into the classroom with firm expectations from my students.
A good syllabus is a great way to communicate expectations and goals in the course. I like to use support materials and reinforce goals during the course. Giving good feedback on a regular basis as they complete tasks and assignments will keep motivated
Hi Linda,
Way to go in setting the stage for a successful course phase. You are covering the bases of introduction and requirements plus you are showing your concern for student success. This is a great way to start a course.
Gary
Hi Scott,
Spoken like a well experienced educator. You can't give them too much information because in spite of best intentions on both sides of the desk there will still be questions about assignments, etc. By having the additional information available you are helping to reduce the confusion and enhancing their understanding of expectations.
Gary
While going over the syllabus will give the students the objectives of the class and some general information, it is often not enough. I put together a seperate sheet listing (planned) weekly content and assignments as well as attendence and late work policies, communication information and possibly even some behavioral expectations. More information is better than not enough. Experience has taught me that you have to layout all expectations and procedures for worst-case scenerios as to avoid confusion and maintain fairness.
In addition to a standarized syllabus we have our instructors create an addendum to the syallabus to outline policies, procedures, and expectations. It helps to have all of the expectations clear and in writing before the term begins.
Hey JoAnn,
Imagine me running into you here!
It seems we share much of the same content and performance when it comes to our dealings with students...
In clarifying my expectations on the first day, I have a quote I like to write on the board
"No one raises to low expectations."
From there I delve a bit into my past and try to create an energy that the class as a whole will adhere to. Based on personal experiences of success' and failure's I want to show my class that they can achieve any goal they want, and that beating the deadline is always preferred to meeting it.
I give my students a print copy of my expectations. I go over these and expand on each expectation and give examples of how these will be met.
As I start each class, I list on the board the goals/expectations and activities for the class period.
It is important to model appropriate answers and/or methods. I also emphasize that it is entirely okay to make errors--that making errors can be an important step to learning. Practice is an essential component.
I summarize at the end of class--going back over new concepts and clarifing any assignments and/or questions.
I also encourage students to email me with any questions they may have as they are completing assignments.
I feel it is important for them to feel comfortable and to communicate with me. This leads to a comfort level in class that helps to ensure success.
Hi Kerry,
Great to hear about all of the contacts you have with your online students. I am sure this makes them feel very connected.
Gary
Hi Gary,
Yep--students want to feel connected, which in online classes, can sometimes be difficult!
Therefore, with minimal invitations to contact me if they need any help, multiple contacts from many students, often occurs!
Hi David,
Wells said. Students need to realize that one of a teachers major responsibilities is to "push" them to learn new things and expand their knowledge base. Having a clear explanation of how that grading is going to be done is extremely important. The results will be worthwhile for both the students and the teacher.
Gary
