A class meeting on the first day is a good way of making sure that you set clear and reasonable expectations. You should make sure all expectations are clear. Make sure they are aware of where and how to find information. They should also know how and when you are available for communication.
Tammy,
Good way to get everyone on the same page and focused on what the course expectations are and what they need to do to meet those expectations. This reduces their anxiety and questions because they know what the course entails.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have a list of rules and expectations that I give out at the beginning of the class and ask the students to sign. I also have them print out the syllabus with the goals and objectives.
Henry,
Good walk through step by step in terms of your expectations and the pay off that will come if they will invest the time and effort needed to be successful. This sets the stage for a successful course and enhanced learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First - I model the correct behavior - on time, prepared etc. Then I give detailed explanation of my expectations and most importantly I explain how following my expectations will make them better professionals in their field. ( adults need to know why )
Linda,
Like your style and how you model what your expectations are for your students. You are helping to shape them into the professionals they aspire to become. I believe strongly in setting the standard and then following it so the students will see what it takes for career success. They may complain about the standards, rules and expectations but once they realize how they are being prepared those complaints go away and they start to concentrate on themselves and their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lawrence,
This is critical so the students can settle into the course and feel that they are clear on the expectations and requirements. Then they can focus on meeting the requirements and have success in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To give my students a clear understanding of what is expected of them, I role model for them. The old saying, "Do as I say not as I do" did not work when I was a child and it has not improved with age! I looked up to all my teachers and wanted to be like them: professional, confident and knowledgable. In the dental profession, I prefer clean and pressed uniform/nurse shoes,hair off the collar, short/clean nails, and no jewelry...really old school, I know, but this look with fit right in with any high standard office. Also, I verbalize my expectations with appropriate vocabulary, trying not to come accross as overly pedantic but not condesending or 'dumbing down'. My students enter our program as rough recruits and, hopefully, exit as polished professionals. They are told this on the first day and lets them know that knowledge will be gained, soft skills will be attained and a rewarding career awaits them.
By laying out a simple plan for the students to see how the course will unfold and what is required for them to be successful in the class.
Peyman,
This concise and careful way of explaining to the students about the expectations of the course is so valuable to them. This way they know what they have to do to be successful. Then they can set their minds to the workload and proceed toward meeting the course goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By explaining what the course is about, what the goal is,and how each day a related subject would be covered to lead everyone to final outcome. At last but not least what I like each student to do or what practices to do in order to get what is expected.
Lauren,
Like your approach because it sets a professional standard for your students so they know what it takes to be successful in the course. By the way these are the two areas that bug me as well so I come down hard on these two to make sure that the students understand my expectation in relation to their behaviors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Our program creates a culture in our students where expectations are set in early classes and remain relatively unchanged as students progress through the program.
I, however, always make an announcement that I have two very important pet peeves...turning in work late (even a minute late, is late) and playing with their phones during a class discussion. I think this makes me seem human to my students. They understand that I am pretty relaxed overall and as long as they avoid these two behaviors, they will be successful.
This also helps prevent any hurt feelings later in the term if the students do, for example, turn in work late. They know it is my pet peeve and that their grade will be affected, without question.
Tell them in many different forms of communication, write it on the board, pass out handouts and send in electronic form as well as repetitive verbal communication.
I give realistic expectations and goals
As an online instructor it can be difficult to communicate with many of the students due to the fact that many do not come to lectures or watch the recorded versions - many do not even read their e-mails. So, I rely on phone conversations and texting to communicate with them. Short one-on-ones can be effective.
In an online classroom, we must communicate the exact same expectations and messages in many different forms.
Yuliya,
Good list to cover so everyone is on the same page.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In the beginning of the first day of class discussion should include:
Attendance
Behavior
Dress code
Course goals and expectations
Michael,
This is a good strategy to follow as it is easy for students to not internalize all that is said the first class meeting. By reviewing it a few days later it will have more impact and they will start to see how the course is going to operate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do rely upon the syllabi to convey the expectations of the class. I also like to follow up with the expectations a couple of days after the first class to make sure everyone is still understanding the syllabi and weren't just filing it away with doubts.
