i give to them a clear explanation of the goals to achive the class with good grades.
Michael,
Your last sentence is very important on getting a class started. The students need to see that they have an educator that wants to help them to be successful if they are willing to put forth the necessary effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use a PowerPoint Presentation we call "Keys of Success". By using a set list I will not skip anything that needs to be communicated and pictures can show necessary information such as fire routes.
By setting the standards high on the first day, the class knows what to expect. As many instructors have said, it’s easier to be less strict later than more.
Jason,
Clear and concise is the way to go. I like the way you lay it out. I try to do the same in my classes so there is no misunderstanding and everyone is on the same page from day one.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I tell my students what they need to know and what they should know. I will also tell them that if A, B, and C are met they will receive an A; however if only certain parts of A, B, and C are accomplished their grade will reflect it. I try to keep it easy and understandable.
Rusty Din,
This is a great way to get everyone on the same page in terms of course requirements and expectations. Also, by doing this type of review over expectations you answer many of the questions the students have before they even have to ask them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always discuss my expectations to the class on the first day of class in an outline format and we go over it one by one to make it clear with everybody.
Everything covered in the first class will have to be covered again because of late arrivals, new students, etc. So there have to be a couple of different ways of effectively saying the same thing.
Shirley,
This approach reduces misunderstandings and gets everyone on the same page. The signing of the acknowledgement is a very clear message to students that the will be held accountable for the contents of the syllabus. This increases the value of the syllabus to the students and helps them to see that you are serious about what you are going to share with them in the upcoming course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A Powerpoint presentation is a great idea. I am going to do this next quarter. Because this was my first quarter, I did not clearly explain the requirements, and so I have had to wing it in certain situations where it would have been much better to have a policy in place.
As in an earlier post, that is where the syllabus comes in. I go over the syllabus or rules that I have for the class, which I make sure that each student understands what is expected of them. I also use a power point that shows in detail exactly what I expect of them.
I ask questions after I have gone over all the material, policies, and rules to make sure that everyone understood everything, and that no one had any unanswered questions. Then they had to sign an acknowledgement saying they had received the syllabus and that they understood everything.
Tara,
Your last sentence shows the value of a well prepared syllabus. Everyone needs to be on the same page in terms of expectations, polices and requirements for the course. The syllabus is the document that shares that information and is the guide for the duration of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being very organized and detailed in the syllabus will create a forum for the students and instructor to have discussion and have a contract between them. Both parties know what to expect.
John,
As you know students really perk up when you share stories from the field because you are making the content relevant to their career growth and increasing the value of the course to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use my own personal experience in the field and relate that experience to the course. I try to link the "real-world" expectations with the classroom expectations.
Erin,
Do you put your expectations into your syllabus or do you give a separate Expectations handout? Do you also cover polices and assignments in the syllabus? Do the students have to sign a sheet indicating they have read and understand the contents of your expectations? What are the most common questions asked by your students about the expectations you have set for the course? Are your expectations set based upon standards from the field or are they your expectations as you have determined them for the course? Thank you for your input.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to put the expectations in writing and if they do not understanding, I give them a chance to ask questions. In addition, they should be able to email you if they have additional questions.
Gerald,
How do you follow up with your students in terms of their understanding of the syllabus after they have completed their reading?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have the students read aloud the course syllabus, and expectations.
Rody,
Like the way you establish how the course is going to operate and what your expectations are for not only academic success but also interpersonal success. We cannot neglect the development of the soft skills within our students. Many of our students come to us without the back ground or the experience to understand how to dress, speak and conduct themselves in a professional setting. We need to help them acquire these competencies as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
