syllabus and course outline give a clear class expectation.
Hi Rosita,
This is a good strategy. It really gets the students involved and holds both they and you accountable. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Making sure that the syllabus and course outlines are throughouly covered and understood. Reassure the student that you are here for their success and you are one of the main resources available for them to utilize.
Oh, what a great idea...the having them give me their expecations from the course and as an instructor. I have devised a "contract" with the expectations for them for the next term start. Thanks.
I had out an "Expectations" list/guideline with the students and go over it with them. I use it as a contract. They are to ask questions during that time, and they sign it and keep a copy. I also, have them on a different form, give me their expectations from the course and me as their instructor. I believe this is important in giving me accountability for always bringing my A-game each class day.
The methods or techniques I use to make sure that my students understand what I expect of them are:
a. go over the course objectives at the beginning of each class
b. constantly remind them of my expectations and how to suceed
c. praise them when they are able to to a return demonstration
d. accessible to them via telephone, e-mail and office hours
e. provide feedback on the spot
f. keep them engaged and focus
g. allow for questions and answers period
These are some of my methods there are more but it is based on the students.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing this great example of how the instructor must set the professional tone for the class. You are right about doing a disservice for students by not setting the standards from day one. It is much easier though it may not seem like it at the time to do it from the beginning as you say rather than trying to correct the situation later in the course.
Gary
I made the mistake of not being strict enough in my policy of dress code from day 1 for fear of the students dropping out of my class because they had to remove their piercings. BIG MISTAKE!!! Next time, from day 1 I will be enforcing the dress code...I found out that I will be doing a dis sevice to the student once they get into the working world but not holding them to the industry standard and convincing them after the beginning was a challenge!
I would clearly define my expectations, either on the white board or in print,yet let them know that I am accessible for any clarification.
This allows for a positive beginning for the teacher/class relationship
I begin by providing students with the required syllabus. We discuss it and I take time to answer questions or concerns. I then pull out policies from our Student Handbook to make sure key policies are well understood so that students cannot later say "I didn't know" or "I wasn't told". Examples of this would be dress code, cell phone policy, and my specific classrom expectations. They will then complete a form that gives them the opportunity to sign off on ackowledging they understand policies and procedures or confidentially ask questions or seek clarification. I often times will include these forms (points from the forms) in tests throughout the term.
Hi Pamela,
Way to go in showing the students what the polices, expectations and requirements of the course. Once these are known then the students can see how they can be successful if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
I give a clear and concise objective of the course and assure the students of my knowledge of the subject at hand. I inform them that I am there to help them and that I want to see them succeed.
HAVE A CLEAR OUTLINE YOURSELF OF WHAT YOU ARE TEACHING THAT DAY AND WHAT YOU EXPECT THEM TO LEARN FROM YOUR LECTURE. WRITE WHAT THEIR HOMEWORK IS FOR NEXT WEEK
Outline expectations in the course syllabus, review them on the first day, and reiterate them throughout the term.
Hi Dana,
Good to hear about the getting of good ideas for your instructional planning. You hit upon a key point when you talk about making your expectations clear and concise.
Gary
I have set up a letter to the students for expectations on the clinical with the dates of the items due so there can be no misunderstanding. I will have a meeting for the first clinical with the students to teach them about the hospital, expectations of the facility and mine. I have found some very good ideas in this forum. I am setting clear and concise expectations.
Making your expections clear and telling the students how you plan to help them achieve their goals is a excellent way to start. All students must realize that it takes dedication and perseverance and were here to help them become knowledgeble in their chosen field
I take the time to go over the syllbus, talk about what they will be learning and a few of the ways we will cover the material.
I stay away form what we don,t do in class and relate to them what we do.
1. When one of us is talking the rest of us listen.
2. We do read the assignment before class.
3. We do put our phones on vibrate.
4. We do take our test on time.
5. We do sit up in class.
