At the end of every class I review the next few classes and reiterate when any major projects are due. My students can't tell me they didnt understand or werent sure when something was due.
Melannie,
Clear and concise expectations right up front reduces questions, frustrations and anxiety for students. This information creates a foundation upon which to build for the duration of the course. Also a grading rubric reduces a lot questions by students because you lay out for them exactly what it takes to pass the course so from then on it is up to them to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As bad as it sounds, it prevents issues in the long run. I don't have to worry about a student complaining about their homework grade, when I have it clearly listed in the syllabus and have posted it on the announcements.
However, it also helps the students stay on track and able to get their work done on time. They find that when they know what the requirements are listed, they can plan their time better and be ready for class.
I give my students a day by day class schedule, so they know what to expect and when. This makes it easier for the students to come to class prepared and ready for class. If they know we are going to focus on injections, they can mentally prepare. It reduces complaints and increases respect for the instructor.
Candace,
Good point about the need for clear and concise information about the course requirements and expectations. As you know you cannot remind students too many times about due dates. They have very very selective memory when it comes to due dates so we have to keep refreshing the dates in their minds.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to give a comprehensive and clear description of the course and requirements so the students sill have a map to help them be sucessful in the class. Students need constant reminders for due dates. with a written document provided at the onset of the course, the instructor helps them stay on target.
Darcey,
Giving them the opportunity to develop confidence right from the beginning of a course is important. You set the stage for this confidence development so then you can build from there on their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I instruct a class that many students are uncertain of. By sharing comprehensive and clear course requirements allows them to ask questions and ease their anxieties about the course. They start the session off with more confidence.
Students at the start of a new field of study have few standards by which to guage how much work the course will entile and what specific areas will be addressed. I believe in creating a perfect syllabus with all the key information laid out clearly, such as how grades will be earned, which assignments carry more points, and a very detailed course schedule. Students use this syllabus to follow the course over time and I have few problems with students understanding what we are working.
Rebecca,
Some instructors don't share clear and concise information with their students and then wonder why the students are frustrated and confused about the what the expectations are. As you say clear and concise information about the course sets the tone for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Presenting concise and comprehensive course requirements the instructor is setting the tone for the entire course. If the students have to seek this information out on their own, or are never informed of the requirements it allows the student to lack accountabilty in their own learning processes.
David,
Yes it is important. Everyone needs to know what the expectations are and what will occur to get to the end goals. This sets the stage for understanding.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A comprehensive and clear description of a course’s requirements is very important because it lays out what the student needs to know before the start of the class and what is required to finish the class. It represents the road map to succeed in the class.
I find that when I go through the Syllabus in detail the first class and then again in the second class, it significantly decreases anxiety and confustion among the students. Certainly, if the students do not understand the coure requirements they will most likely have difficulty with the material. In many cases, a prepared instructor who is comprehensive and clear at the beginning of the course will reduce significant problems and concerns later in the semester.
Mau,
So important because if they don't know what is required they won't know what is expected of them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
if the students know what is required and excepted this helps them prepare for the class.
Leslie,
External influences and pressures can really shape how students prepare and proceed in a course. The more we can understand and support them the more we are able to retain them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Many students have work, families and outside environs that affect their school work. Knowing when and what is expected of them lessen's the stress.
Mary,
I agree. The more the students know about the goals and objectives of the course the easier it is for them to get on the same page as you and move forward with the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that it helps to communicate the goals of the course and it allows the student and teacher to be on the same page. It unifies their goals.
I believe it is important because it helps the students understand exactly what they can expect and takes the guess work and potentially the worry out of what to expect from the course. Students can relax into the learning process.
