I do something similar to the first day of class. I also have an announcement that sumps up all the things the students need to do in my class in order to be successful.
Trevor,
You comment about being harder on themselves than the instructor is so true. As their learning leader we can help them achieve their goals while helping to relieve some of the pressure that comes with being a student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to ask them what they think is reasonable. They're harder on themselves than I am.
My students either check the syllabus all the time and remember and prepare for quizzes on their own or need multiple reminders and still forget. It seems to have to do with whether the student developed disciple from other areas ie parents, job etc. If it is not present at the beginning of the term it is very hard to develop it.
I create several expectations that I go over with the the first day of class. Also, I ask the students to write on the board what expectations they have about that particular class and about me as instructor. I always have great participation from the students.
I go over a power point presentation titled "Right things, the Right Way".
Raymond,
Good way to demonstrate to your students the value you place your your syllabus and the information it contains. The quiz is a good way to bring accountability to the students plus lets them know what they know about the contents.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I beleive making expectations clear is paramount to the success of the class and the success of the student. Covering the syllabus word for word sstopping frequently to emphazize key points is essential. I often have the students bring a copy of the syllabus to the class and then project the syllabus on a screen so that each student has the opportunity to follow along on their own copy and make notes if needed. After 1 week I then give them a gradable pop quiz on important aspects of the syllabus..especially grading and assignments and important dates
Sean,
Like the connection you make between the classroom and the work world. Students are in the class to prepare themselves to enter the workplace so they need to start thinking about the expectations of the class in relation to how they will act and apply themselves in the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sean,
This is an important part of the orientation process. I know your students appreciate this investment in time and effort on your part to get the informed about the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree susan - you cant give too much the first day
the power point is a great tool, but I also think that if you have some expectations of your own for your class it should be expressed as well
I explain to students that employers expect them to clearly follow rules at work and that school is a training ground for what they will soon do outside of school. This includes reading the course syllabus, which models a code of conduct/rules that new hires will have to be aware of and then sign before beginning work. Again, this is a NO SURPRISES discussion that we have on the first day of class.
On the first day of class I go over the entire syllabus slowly and check for student understanding in each section before moving onto another section. I do this until the syllabus is covered and then I again ask students if they have any questions or concerns. This avoids SURPRISES for students and sets them at ease.
Vincent,
Well said. I think this is a great service to your students. Laying out your expectations and how the course is going to operate lets them get settled into the course and comfortable with how they can be successful if they put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Initially they gave me the deer in the headlight look. I think that this is because the other instructors that they have may or may not do this. After a few questions they seemed to settle in and I haven't had any issues. I like to think that it makes the class easier because they know what I expect and there is no confusion. It boils down for me that I would be remiss if I didn't give them all the information that it takes to succeed in my class. I to am a full time student and I know that I am more comfortable when I know what is expected of me.
Vincent,
How did they receive this information? Did they get off to a good start in the course with this information?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I created a Power Point and said explicitly what I expected of them.
Lee-Ellen,
Good way to create a connection between your courses for your students. This way they see how the knowledge and skills they are acquiring build toward the next course and the next all leading to graduation and career success. Having this information helps them to see the ROI of why they are taking the courses they are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too use PowerPoints. One of them is geared toward learning success and the other is more specific toward succeeding in learning Surgical Technology.
One of the introductions I present is the fact that each course in my curriculum build on the other. I point this out each time we learn information that built on a previous lesson.
