I try to word my syllabus in such a way to cover such issues by noting that distractions such as cell phones, tardiness, chatting, etc., will be counted as negative participation. I also meet with any students who may like to test the waters. Most are respectful.
From personal experience, I have found that unless the students go over the syllabus with me the first day of class and answer questions about it, they will at some point be confused by expectations. Therefore, my syllabus needs to be as clear and complete as possible to cover all issues, including whatever exigencies and vicissitudes creative students come up with that don't seem to be covered to the letter. For example, does a student who starts the classs on the second day get docked for a missed class? Most of what is in my syllabi has come from years of experience with issues such as cell phones in the clas, students using computers for non-class-related work, tardiness, late work, etc. I make sure the students understand all the expectations and requirements up front and word questions about these so that I can tell if they are clear on everything.
Hi Osi,
How to you share your course requirements with students so they feel comfortable and that they can accomplish what is going to be required of them?
Thanks.
Gary
making course requirements clear certainly keeps students more at ease and good understanding of expectations
Sharing clear requirements puts students at ease that you have a plan and are prepared to guide them effectively. It also allows them to see the course in total,and how it supports their career path.
The student should clearly understand from the first day what is expected of them. Giving clear course requirements enables the student to get a grip on what they are going to be facing over the next several weeks. Giving these requirements might also relax the student. Most people want to know what they are in for and are on edge until they have that part of their life figured out.
This will help a student relax and will help the instructor set clear expectations of the course. Also it will demonstrate what the student will learn during the course and provide example of how they may wish to alter their learning strategies. For instance, a student in an Anatomy/Physiology/Medical Terminology class should be made aware how much memorization will be required in ordered to successfully pass the class. In this setting it is imperative to notify the student right away so they can make adjustments. If the student was not made aware of this it could be disastrous to their success. Also, this will decrease the number of questions the instructor will get about the specific requirements of the course.
It is important to give clear requiremnets so that each student understands what is expected of them and what is required to accomplish the course material with a passing grade. It also helps them undersatnd what they can expect to get out the class.
These two items are very important because students don't like to be blind sided. They want equal treatment and equal grading. By laying everything out there the students will have no surprises and either will you. It will make it easier to stick to your guns when a unquie situation appears. I do belive that there are exceptions to the rules. That life is not simply black and white. However, keeping your course requirments as close to black and white (which the two above do)will make everyones life easier and turn the page at the same time.
Students need to know what is expected of them. If they do not understand and complete assignments incorrectly this not only will lower their grade, but might negatively impact the perception of the instructor. Making the requirements clear helps when disputes arise regarding assignments and grading criteria.
I attempt to provide a clear description of cou
rse requirements as much as possible. One way that I establish these requirements is to provide rubrics where possible to outline specifically the areas that will be looked at in grading and how those areas will be graded. I utilize examples of assignments to illustrate how the rubric is implemented.
A clear description of the course requirements helps students understand what is expected of them. It also helps them understand what they need to do to meet the goals for the course.
Hi Vickie,
Right you are. The expectations need to be clear and consistent with the requirements of the field.
Gary
Students get confused if they do not understand what is expected of them. If an instructor fails to explain an expectation it lowers the level of trust with the student/instructor.
Hi Karen,
Right you are in relation to the challenges that cell phones have brought to the classroom. They are such great devices but can really disrupt a class if they get out of control so we instructors have to make sure we have control of their use while conducting our classes.
Gary
Who could have ever imagined the problems a cell phone could cause! Being of an older generation, I use my cell phone as a phone. But the students these days don't even wear watches. The phone gives them the time. It gives them calculators, cameras, internet, etc. And ever increasing ways to cheat on tests.
People move toward their comfort zone. When people begin a new class, a clear description of the course requirements helps them get closer to their comfort zone, and in turn helps them feel more comfortable on the first of class and throughout the course. Knowing what is expected of them helps them to achieve the expectation easier.
So everyone knows what is going to happen in the course and what is expected of them. It helps everyone be on the same page and prevents confusion during the course.
Hi Marilyn,
Good way of handling the cell phone issue. Your results are amazing and I know your strategy will be of help to other instructors. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Gary
I had positive experiences with the cell phone issue. I addressed the issue (with students)as a learning experience, emphasizing that this is something they might want to learn to handle in an appropriate manner, because it is an influential factor that can advance or diminish one's social or professional status. I discussed the social psychological impact of using a communicaton device of any kind, in a social/ professional setting. I presented some basic parameters for what was appropriate vs. inappropriate. The policy was 97% successful in terms of cooperation. Just to add, these were classes of 55 students, with an age range of 18-22.
Marilyn
