Juan,
Good point about them assuming responsibility. It is up to them to put forth the effort needed to be successful in the course. As the instructor you can support them but the course is theirs to pass.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Itsn't that the truth. My very first teaching job was experienced in the midst of 4 hurricanes. Students were anxious to receive the course material and we were anxious to make sure we not only gave them the "expected" information but meet accreditation requirements on many levels. Planning definitely provided improved opportunity on both accounts.
With the first class sitting help students to feel comfort and have sometime of ice breaker.
I fully agree. I always post PowerPoint presentations online at least few days before the class. During the very first class I also show students how to print handouts and use them to make notes in the class. It does help them not only to become familiar with the material but it also liberate them from taking ample notes. They can focus better on the subject and engage in the discussions.
Great point Marilyn, the adult learner is very busy in their personnal lives and mapping things out for them has always helped me. I use the portal alot so they can work ahead and know where they need to be at the end of the class.
I always base my introduction with the classes they have taken before, and how my class pick up from where they left off. It shows them how competant they are and relax them for my information on their class.
This is my exact way of doing things. While doing this I also remind them that they cannot rely on the instructor to take the exams for them and they would need to participate and do their part.
In the first class meeting, students recieve a syllabus that, among other things, outlines student expectations. We discuss the syllabus at length so that students have a clear idea of what is expected of them.
Starters would be to hand out and discuss the course syllabus.
I use a couple of different methods. I try to analyze non-verbal cues such as facial expressions to identify if my students understand the topic. I also use mini-quizzes in the middle of the lecture. The mini-quizzes are only a couple of questions. This method will allow me to re-teach a confusing topic. I also like to use student teach back. I give my students the opportunity to explain the topic in their words which would allow me to correct any misunderstanding.
Ask them to review in the form of a quick quiz
Nicole,
Good way to reinforce through the different senses what the requirements of the course are. Seeing, hearing and internalizing is essential if they are to remember what the expectations are for the coming course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Tony,
Good point. Repetition is an essential part of learning. Students need to be reminded and reinforced repeatedly in order to retain critical course content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Developing a syllabus that clearly describes what will be expected of the students and reiterating this at the first class session should dispel any misconceptions that might arise.
I first get to know my students to see what they are about. Then I start give my expectation on what is expected in my classroom. I look for excellent.
To make sure that my students understand what is expected of them I go going the syallbus and I do a power point presentation about what is expecrted of them. I make sure that I ask if anyone has questions. I also throughout the course re-state my expectation so the will not forget.
The student must understand the syballubus and the understand this is a postive learning environment
Power Point presentation along with a handout to go over expectations. Let them know the consequenses of not following these expectations and really be a stickler about them. Never let anyone slide on not following the rules.
I have been playing with my approach to each new class as I feel this is one area I would like to improve on. I feel in my own head that I am making my expectations clear but when I go back and think about it, more often than not it seems less than crystal clear.
Repetition of the expectations works well, as well as written reinforcement, such as hand-outs, writing on the blackboard, or both.
