Making Your Expectations Clear
What methods or techniques do you use to make sure that your students understand what you expect of them?
I always start by reviewing the syllabus and course outcomes. I open this dicussion with how they can bring their experience to the class and incorporate it to the learning process. During the discussion I can intervene with any misconceptions they may have. I also ask for clarity of expectations.
A method I use to keep the students engaged includes real life experiences directly correlated to the subject matter. This way not only do they get a better understanding of the subject matter but also understand it within a given situation. It is sort of like using a spelling word in a sentence to get a better understanding of what the word means or how it is used.
Kevin,
Good approach to getting the procedure into the working memories of your students. Through repetition you are helping them make file submission a habit of theirs that they can take with them for future use. In the long term they will see the value of this intense effort on your part.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hi Deborah,
That is great! You manage to utilize multiple streams of learning in delivering your expectations. I would imagine this would yield excellent results.
Kevin
Each assignment I give them a project brief that informs them how to submit files. The first day of class I write this on the board and have everyone repeat it with me. When a student does not submit correctly they receive a low score and a request from me to resubmit in the correct file format. The next week if people did not do it correctly I remind them of how to submit files. Usually this repetition of methods helps get the tide of the class moving in the right direction.
Dorothea,
How do you do this in your classes?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Dorothea,
How do you promote and assist students in understanding the importance of this goal, since if they don't pass the national boards they aren't able to progress in their field?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
there is clear communication regarding the expectations required for success
the goal of the learning experiences is success with the National Board examinations. this is the theme throughout the curriculum
i do not teach online courses, however students are given one on one time to discuss revelant concerns and how to be successful
case studies, lecture, computer assist and review questions
Elena,
Right you are about having to be concise and clear with your course expectations. This sets the framework for the learning is going to come.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like to give very clear explanations and examples of when I expect them to take the initiative to ask a question or fulfill their responsibility as a student. One expectation I like to set out is the idea that if they miss a class or part of a class for some reason it is the student's responsibility to initiate communication with me as an instructor or with one of their classmates in order to find out what they missed and obtain proper notes. I ask my students to come to me to schedule time for tutoring or makeup work, or whatever the case may be.
Making all expectations very clear is very important in order to avoid confusion later during the course. An instructor should be very clear and straightforward when he/she explains students what he/she expects from them. To be sure if students understood what the instructor was talking about, the teacher should ask them questions and evaluate students' responses.
Angelia,
Good way to get interaction going and the start of rapport with the students. This exchange sets the stage for a positive class phase.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Letting your students know you expectations is a great way to set the pace for the term. Having new students for the first time can be a bit overwhelming for both the instructor and students. I also ask my students what their expectations of me are. This way they feel apart of the decisions and choices that need to be made to have a successful term and succeed.
Fallon,
Good strategy to make sure the students have received the material for which the course is designed. Accountability is a big factor in student success and it is easy for them to try and not be accountable when they don't do well. In many cases it is "someone" else that caused their poor performance.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Deginald,
I agree. I use rubrics in my classes and they help the students to understand exactly how they earned their points. As a result I don't have to explain nearly as much nor answer as many questions.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Angela,
How do you use real life examples, case studies and situations in your instructional delivery?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
