Really emphasize and thoroughly explain the syllabus at the beginning of the course so students are well aware early. Also, keep your standards high and set good examples.
I do arrive in my class earlier and make sure that their environment and classroom is a reflextion of me. I also make sure it is clean, and welcoming, and sets an environment and standard that I hope my students will follow. I also do greet them as they enter my class individually, and when introducing myself for the first time I like to set them straight about anything them may have heard about me from a previous class, and give them a brief history about my culinary backround, my working experience in the field, and the reqired standards that I will expect from them as they develop and meet their goals and standards of their chosen field of study.
I utilize several methods, syllabus...a complete review, writing expectations and objectives on a dry erase, verbal and listing on the student portal for students that might be absent the first day.
by covering course objectives, all of which are given in writing as well as discussed verbally.
I try to establish this on the first day of the term. It not only helps the students to know what is expected of them, it helps the instructor set the tone for the rest of the term. This needs to be informative, with an emphasis on the importance of it.
Hi Amanda,
You are on the right track with your approach to teaching. "Common sense" is the key ingredient for being a successful teacher. I wish you much success with your teaching and I know you are going to enjoy working with your students.
Gary
Since I am new to this, I have yet to step into my first classroom by myself, but from my instructors of the past I plan to try the firm but carrying approuch. My bottom line is to use "common sense", something that seems to be forgotten by many now days.
Several disciplines for me, as a techer, come to mind:
- always making sure I articulate any special expectations that could bring either positive or negative consequences - and take time to discuss for understanding
- whenever I can, I make sure to link the expectation to their success in the class (frequent participation, adding their thoughts to our discussions, is an example)
- repeat of those expectations that will affect their grade in a positive manner is only fair so it is not forgotten
- finally, I do my very best to role model whatever behavioral expectations I may have set forth
Hi Susan,
You are right on with your laying out of the course requirements, expectations and policies. This helps the students to become focused and targeted on what is going to occur in the upcoming course.
Gary
I subscribe to the belief that I need to be very honest and up front with my students from the beginning. I tell them exactly what I expect and what to do if they have a problem. I try to set up the rules from the first day of calss. That way we have no misunderstandings.
I find the syllabus a good tool for setting expectations for the student. Included in the syllabus is a list of all the assignments, quizzes, projects and test with their point value. I will even point out specific projects and/or class sessions that will have a significant impact on a student's grade.
Policies about attendance,due dates and withdrawal from class are also covered, so that there will be no question about final results and who is responsible for that result.
I have a very specific syllabus, that contains the learning objectives for the course, along with the grading scale. In my specialty, the students have to pass both clinical and classroom objectives with a minimum score of 75 as dictated by state law. I also include the state law in the syllabus. The students also receive the evaluation tools so they know what they need to do and how to do it. There are no surprises. THis way they understand and can practice to meet the requirements. They seem to appreciate that there are no surprises.
I use handouts, as well as reiterating previous information to reinforce our objectives for learning.
I am early to class and in full uniform daily, i have my white board prepared for class and i try to lead by example. i teach adult learners so i don't acknowledge their tardiness, but on the first day of class i make sure they understand tardiness results in a deduction of points which is stated in mt syllabus
Hi Chris,
This is so important on getting a course off to a good start. You have to let them know the course expectations, polices and requirements. When they know this information they can start to see how they fit into the course and how they are going to make themselves successful within the learning environment.
Gary
Letting students know from day one what my expectations are, as well as the course expectations helps to ensure that they understand what their responsibilitys are. Being vague on either account, can cause confusion among the students, which in turn creates an uncomfortable and confusing learning environment.
If the students is able to teach me and play the instructor rol, he or she has a good level of understanding.
clear and consise verbage in syllabus with review at the beginning of the first class
I discuss what we're going to cover in the course and that the most important thing is effort. I try to take the focus away from the final product and put it more on their openness to new information and trying to do new things. As long as they put in some effort they can learn and achieve a lot.
Hi Josh,
Sounds like your classes are fun and well as well developed to provide the maximum learning opportunities for students. The response of "yes chef" gives you a reading on how your students are responding to the content that has been shared with them. Keep up the good work.
Gary
