Lakithia,
Good way to keep your finger on the pulse of the class. The ongoing feedback helps you to adjust the direction of the course should you need to in relation to student needs.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I had never thought of showing the students how to print handouts to use for note-taking! Thanks!
Reinforcement, modelling, feedback, and more reinforcement.
I couldn't agree with you more. You must be able to communicate with the students in way that they understand. This can sometime be difficult in the online environment but not impossible.
The best technique to making your expectation clear is to clearly outline them in writing. It can be a separate document or it can be included in the syllabus. Also quality feedback throughout the course also is a way to let students know what is required from them.
Sandra,
How do you do this with your students?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
i start a class with full vigor and enthusiasm as well as strict guidelines as to what are my expectations.. i emphasize zero tolerance (no mistakes)considering we deal with lives of the patients...Astrid
I have a few methods...since I am an online facilitator, I've decided to give students an audio/video presentation which explains all of my expectations in my own voice...
This also gives them an idea of who I am as a person, and helps them to understand that I am human. I've used these in the past and I notice that students who participate in watching them have a clear understanding of the expectations in my class.
As an alternative, I keep an FAQ discussion forum with tips for success and very helpful and dynamic files for interactivity that they can access at any time.
Thanks;
Muriel
Giving the students a syllabus a coarse outline, goals and ojectives.
Chloe,
I use games in my classes as well. My students really enjoy them and they really learn a lot while playing the game. They are great for reviews for tests.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I ask the students do they have any questions or concerns. I walk around the class to detect any negative misunderstanding from their faces if they do not understand the lecture or any handouts that was given. Often times I repeat myself. Finally, I have students repeat to me what they understood in their own meaning.
Usually I like to play a game with them to have them know that I could be fun to but, Professional. I test them without them even knowing it because its lets me see how good there listing and memory skills are.
Write on the white board and discuss my expectations verbally. Use the syllabus as a guide and give examples of what I expect in terms of testing and behavior.
I find that telling them what they will be able to do at the end of the course sets clear expectations of them
Rhonda,
This effort to get feedback and input from students is a comfortable and non-threatening way for them. This way they can talk with you in private if they have any concerns. Good approach.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
ATUL,
Well said and important point all of us instructors need to remember as we start a new class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I use visual as well as verbal. First I project the syllabus on the board and then I review it. The students, of course, know to bring a copy with them (which is available on Blackboard prior to the start of the term). There is a note with the syllabus to read and bring questions that they might have on day one. It works well.
Additionally, I have them sign in on the first day. This removes the opportuity for someone to say "I wasn't there! You didn't tell me!"
Present an outline of the topics and a time life for completion of the topics
we let our students know that we are reprentative of being their "bosses", and that the work and effort they apply with us should be the same in the real world. Attendance and performance in the classroom/lab shows us, their "boss", that they are hard workers, and should be rewarded for such.
