Keeping it real
I find that by keeping everything real without any hidden surprizes will make your student successful in all they do. As educators we must adhere to the syllabus and stay within the guidelines of the school. It also gives you more respect as a role model.
Glenn
Absolutely, students want no hidden surprises. That is why a great syllabus is so important. It actually is very helpful for the student to have access to the syllabus before the first day of class. Many times a reading assignment is due for the first class meeting. If the student has the syllabus before the first class they are less apprehensive because the know what is expected of them before hand.
Hi Arlene,
Right you are about frustrating students with unclear expectations. This makes for a very long course for everyone. By being clear, organized and prepared everyone can stay on the same page and learning can proceed.
Gary
I would agree as this has been my experience too. Getting your student to guess what your intentions are will only frustrate them.
Exactly, Joan! I tell students, "sure, you can submit a late writing assignment; however, I will deduct 5 percent per day the assignment is not submitted up to 35 percent. In the last week of class, I will only accept one late assignment from previous units with the last unit assignment. I do never accept late discussion postings ever. If they are not submitted n time, there is no opportunity to make up the assignment. I found this motivates students to participate in weekly discussions and complete work on time. My students tell me that I am tough, but fair. So far in 13 years of teaching, I have never had one student submit a grade appeal. Not that I am worried about grade appeals; my grading criteria and policies back me up.
I like this idea too. I like to make the work reasonable and meaningful with a clear understanding of what step is taken next (no surprises). I like to keep the focus on learning so if I am losing the group, I will slow down and repeat and back up the classroom setting with assignments.
I have found if you do not stick to your rules and syllabus that students will take it to the limits and then it appears you have no rules.
This is so true. This has also worked for me in my classes. My students respect you and will preform for you when you are truthful with them.
Hi Kerri,
Well said. This is an element that is often missing in career development courses. It has to be "real" so the students can make the transition from school to work effectively.
Gary
I agree, "keeping it real" is an effective way to manage a students success. By setting high standards in the classroom you can better prepare them to take responsibility for their actions in the real world.
Hi Tamika,
The focal point of your instruction as I see it is "making it real". Your students know you are going to offer content that they will need in the future and that you are going to support them in their efforts. This approach should help them to get settled into the course and comfortable with how you are going to conduct the upcoming sessions.
Gary
I agree to 'keep it real.' I am very upfront with my students and apply things they do to the real world. If they are absent... how would that go over with a employer, if they don't follow rules how can they manage their own sucess, etc... and i tend to get more respect and better outcomes that way. If they should read all 15 chapters but chapter 6 is not going to be on the test I say that also, so they focus correctly.
You need to stay on track as well.
