I normally tell them what is expected and often relate that expectation to their current job or position and how it will assist in that position.
I agree with your methods and used them in my last class. I fulfilled mine but unfortunately, they did not due to immaturity.
One of the first things I do is go over the student expectations and then have them do a short quiz of the class rules and expectations.
To make sure that students understand the course expectations, I engage the students in a discussion wherein each student is requested to rephrase, in his or her own words, a particular expectation, learning outcome, or course objective. If the student's stated response is not equivalent to what is in the syllabus, then I reiterate the actual course expectation and provide more examples until all the students indicate a clear understanding. In some courses student signatures are required on a "class expectations" document.
Karine,
They really do. So the more we can remind them of what is going to occur in the class over the next few weeks the more they will be engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kate,
This is a great way to start an online class because the students get to see all of the contribution points as well as supports that they have available. Thanks for sharing this format with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I go over the course syllabus and what I expect the first day of each term. Most students need an course outline of what to expect during the next few weeks.
I teach online classes so it is very important that students have access to all the tools and information they might need in order to be successful. At the start of each class I provide a very detailed "course expectations" sheet that outlines the following items:
• Welcome Note
• How to contact the instructor
• Office Hours
• Open Door Policy
• Live chat schedule and topics
• Assignment Due Dates
• Discussion Board Expectations
• Individual Project Expectations
• Research Expectations
• APA Guidelines
• Academic Honesty Policy
• Late Assignment Policy
• Grading Rubric
• What to Do If You’re Having Problems?
• Helpful Resources - important phone numbers and email addresses
I ask students to print and keep this information handy for reference throughout the course. I will post sections of this handout in my daily announcements to "reinforce" expectations in terms of the assignment content as well as important due dates.
Joyce,
Good planning to make sure you get through all of the critical points that need to be covered the first day.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I first develop an assessment plan and advise the students of the plan during the first class session.
I'm not big on pop quizzes but last yeat was the first where I did not use pop0up questios Confirmed.
I give them handouts and of course the syllabus. Give them time to ask questions & clarify any concerns at the very first meeting. I also keep a checklist of the most important items that need to be highlighted.
Detail review of the syllabus along with several announcements.
you can specifically tell them what you are trying to accomplish.also,you can give them an overview of the subject matter including the topics that will be covered and samples of future projects to be completed.
I give my students a list of topics that will be on the exams so that they don't feel surprised by them. I give an extra few topics to make sure they pay attention to important topics that may not make it onto a particular exam.
Pamela,
This is a great way to share the information about the course and hold the student accountable for having the knowledge in his/her mind.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In the beginning I hand out a class policy in which I state what I expect from them, what my role is and what the consequence will be if they fail to complete the requirements of the course.
I discuss this policy with them and have them initial off on this policy and it is put in their individual folder. I also hand out a detailed syllabus and a separate handout of all the homework due broken down in sections, and each item along with all the due dates.
When I have given all the tools to complete the requirements of the course; there should not be any question as to what they can expect.
For my online students, I sent personal emails out to everyone regarding my specific expectations outside of the weekly announcements which are required. This is my way of being personal with everyone. I also email them individually if I feel they need further explanations.
Stacy,
This approach to a new class is comprehensive and informative. This sets the tone for the sessions to come and you are starting with a well informed group of students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I definitely agree with this technique, especially when the content tends to be drastically different from day to day.
When I teach intro or basic courses, I'll often post an online PP slide version and a pdf version, with 3 slides and the "notes" area. That way, it is one less step for those that are new to PP, to figure out how to print the note pages.
I hand out the syllabus. I then review the syllabus with the class. The first thing I mention is my contact information. I let them know how best to reach me. I then review the policies re: being late, missing class, not turning work in on time, etc. What type of evaluation(s) there will be such as quizzes or tests. I also make sure to go over any projects or papers that they will have to do. This is all laid out in the syllabus but it is best to go over it with them and answer any questions they may have. If you don't do this they will tell you they didn't know even though it is in the syllaubs.
