Giving examples of work done in previous classes is sometimes a good idea. It is often also a good idea to clearly explain how grades are determined - this is especially important in certain classes where "art" sometimes comes into play; how do you grade talent? Are you looking at the final project as art or are you interested in them learning new skills?
In some cases you have to let them know you are teaching technique and that you expect certain assignments and projects to use those techniques - thus, that is how the grade is determined.
Therefore, even if the project is beautiful and shows great talent, the use of (or lack of use of) new techniques will be the basis of the grade. Same goes for some projects that might not exactly be the best example of art and design, but using and learning the new technique/skill is, at this stage of the game, more important.
Students quickly understand this if it is clearly explained in advance - as long as they know you are basing the grade on learning new technical skills, they are less afraid to try those new techniques even if they might not be satisfied with their result.
Hi Kerry,
Thank you for this information. It lets me know how the course is operated in terms of expectations. Do many students take advantage of your offer of help in answering any questions they have?
Gary
Hi Linda,
Good way to get the class off to an informed source. I commend you for the way you inform your students about the evaluation methods that will be used. This way there are no surprises and they can gear their efforts to the evaluation points.
Gary
Hi Caryn,
Great way to start a class. You are covering all of the bases in terms of getting your students settled into the course.
Gary
referring to text and blueprints and explain by doing demonstration.
Discuss goals and objectives
Hi Dr. Meers.
In online classes, the course expectations are pre-written, pre-set, by the University.
My invitation to students to contact me with any questions, however, seems to validate and create a comfort level with those expectation and guidelines.
This is especially true of Online classes, as well Marcos!
In fact, because all the materials are right there in the Course Information Sections of Blackboard, the students get an immediate outline of the class--it's expectations/guidelines/evaluation methods etc.
To make sure my students understand what I expect from them, I provide the syllabus the first day of class and go over each item on it. In addition, I give them information on the mid-term and the final and let them know what the format will be and what information will be critical for success on the final (This is particularly useful in lab classes where students can see from the course schedule when each of the needed skills will be covered.)
I always write my name, office hours, email address, class, and class number on the board before class. I then go over the sylabus along with an addendum. The addendum outlines what will be discussed each week, assignments/tests and due dates, policies regarding participation, late work and attendance. I also try to incorporate an icebreaker activity in order for the students to get to know each other better as well as their instructor.
Hi Bradley,
Good way to start off the new students. What have you found to be the biggest challenge you have as you explain the course requirements to the new students?
Gary
When they first arrive in our section we sit down with them and explain our procedures and what is expected of them.
Hi Maria,
The signed copy of the addendum is a good idea. This is getting to be a common practice in career colleges. This protects both the instructor and the students. This "contract" can be a source of reference and documentation should a problem ever come up.
Gary
Hi Heather,
Thank you for sharing how you start a new online course. What are some examples of the "ice breakers" that work to help get online students comfortable in the course?
Gary
I create an addendum that outlines my specific requirements and expectations for the course. The addendum also clarifies the course objectives, rules of the class, dress code and test and homework requirements.
I go over the addendum in detail, in the first class, and I have each student sign the addendum. I keep a copy and give them the original.
I find that if I have the students sign the addendum they look at it as a contract between me and them. If a student doesn't meet the requirements at some time during the course, I can then refer back to the signed addendum.
As an online instructor, all of the "printed" documents necessary for a first class meeting are already found in the online course itself. And since it is an online course, there is no traditional first class meeting. But an online instructor still needs to make a positive first impression and can do so by welcoming students virtually to the online class right away at the beginning of the first unit. In this welcome, it is important to still follow the strategies outlined in this module. It can be done by introducing yourself, directing students to the various document pieces, and also highlighting some of the key parts of these documents in the message itself. Course ice breakers through discussions or activities also serve as a very positive first unit experience and help online students feel like they are a part of an online community rather than isolated alone.
Hi Rulon,
I to use a grading rubric and this really reduces a lot of confusion. The sections over which they are going to be graded are laid out and the points that go with them. This way there are no surprises.
Gary
Hi Diane,
All of your points are important ones concerning the syllabus but one really stands out to me. That is the giving of an example of how absences will impact their grades. Sometimes they just don't get the attendance thing and will let that slide if they don't feel like coming. With them knowing they are going to pay a price for not being there with a support example the message will get through.
Gary
Hi Jay,
Great personal touch. This way each student knows that you care about the project they are going to undertake and that you can help them with their effort.
Gary
Hi Rulon,
Good to hear about the methods you use to set the tone for the class and share the expectations you have for your students.
Gary
