Hi Ellen,
Good suggestions about how to inform students of the time and effort commitment that is going to have to come from them if they are going to be successful in the course. Many times they don't have any idea of is ahead of them in a course and with a good introduction, clear syllabus and support from the instructor they will leave knowing what they are going to have to do.
Gary
No one can be expected to be successful in an endeavor if they are not clear about the goal, objectives and requirements for completion. Students need to know how to plan their time and estimate the amount of work a class will require. If a student istaking a math class and they are weak in that area they will be able to plan and also schedule tutoring if needed.
Patricia,
That sounds like an excellent way to handle cell phones. Clarifying this policy in the beginning would eliminate many problems.
Robin
Lisa,
I liked what you said because this is the difference between surviving and thriving in the educational experience.
I believe this lowers anxiety and promotes a safer learning environment. Knowing what to expect is essential to student success and teacher professionalism. It is important to be firm, fair and consistent. The more they know, the more likely they will be able to complete their tasks appropriately and in a timely manner. Students need this type of security. Covey states, "Begin with the end in mind". This assists those who want to successfully accomplish their goals.
There are many reasons. First, being comprehensive and clear models the kind of responses we expect from our students. Also, giving this description gives the students some sense of comfort and security because they know what standards they are expected to meet. Finally, if the students clearly understand the course requirements, we can spend more time discussing how the course prepares them for professional success (as opposed to spending time just trying to get a passing grade).
So the students have an understanding of the what is required to pass the course, how they will be evaluated, and establish your credibilty as an instructor.
Without clear and comprehensive course requirements, the student does not know what he/she is expected to be able to do when the goals are accomplished. The expectations for the class are outlined and established with the course requirements.
Hi Walter,
As with any procedure one has to use what works for them. You can start the class anyway you want that gives the students a sense of acceptance, comfort and excitement. By introducing yourself first you are establishing that you are an experienced professional that can take the students through the course in such a manner that they will profit from your teaching. These are only suggestions so feel free to modify in anyway that will work in your situation. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I question your order for first day of class, I feel introduction of the instructer is first and that will set the tone for the rest of the class.
Hi Drian,
This is a very good question concerning in a sense overwhelming students with the course requirements. Students that are not that self confident in their abilities can find themselves overwhelmed at the course requirements the very first day. What I do with these students is to break down the course into small success points. By giving them the opportunity to have success early in the course then their self confidence builds. It is like the saying "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer: "One bite at a time." This is what I try to do with these students. So I show them the big picture and then have them do an exercise that lets them see how they can be successful. Otherwise they will not be back for the second class meeting if they don't see anyway they can have success in the course.
Gary
This very important so that the students can grasp the significance of this course and how it is specifically relevant to their profession and/or field of study. Dr. Meers do you think that on some occasions a student might become intimidated by the reality of the requirements? Is there a way that you think is best to temper the sharing of this information in order to make it clear that success in the course is possible?
Clarity and completeness in the course requirements helps the students frame what the class is about and how much will be covered. By doing this, the students will have some expectations of what is coming, which helps to reduce anxiety. Additionally, they will start to form a plan, at a very high level for completing the class, which engages them in the course.
By informing your students of course requirements, you "set the stage" so to speak. Doing so in a clear and concise manner from the start will help students feel that they know exactly where they are going in your class.
The students need a road map as to what is expected? It helps them to feel more comfortable from day one. This is something that cannot be addressed on day one and never discussed again; it needs to be modeled throughout each class as well.
It is important to give clear description of the course requirements so that the students are well informed of what is expected of them to be successful in the course from day one. You want them to be aware of their student responsiblities for the course. Most students feel more at ease after discussing the course requirements with them.
Hi Matthew,
In your approach you are giving them a vision toward which they will be working in the coming course. This is very important for them to be able to see how the sequence of projects is building a foundation for their future. The key is to have them reflect at times on that vision so they don't wear down during the course.
Gary
It gives the student a look into the future at what they will have to do to complete the course. It also has a phsycological effect on the students, because they can't say they didn't have enough time, or they didn't know about projects for example.
At the beginning is not the only time I inform them about projects either. We do them piece by piece all along the quarter so they have the opportunity to make progress gradually throughout the quarter.
The students will be able to proceed with greater confidence when they have a clear under standing of what the course requires. When the description of the course is comprehensive it also lets the students know what they are facing. It gives them the big picture as well as the detail. When a student has this information they don't need to be worried about "surprises" or random requirements that come out of no where.
Good communication of the course requirements makes for a smooth transition into the curriculum and aids the students in understanding what is expected of them to be successful.
A comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements is very crucial to the outcome of the class. Students must know what is expected of them and what the goals and objectives of the course are.
