Aneisha,
This way the students can't say they weren't informed of what is in the syllabus. They have not only read it they have heard it as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not only do I pass out the syllabus but I also read it aloud and ask if they have any questions or concerns.
Grace,
I am a big fan of well developed syllabi. They make a big difference in how students settle into a course and react to how they are going to function during the session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I make sure that we go over the syllabus step by step. I will have time for them to ask question as needed. At the end, I will have them sign the last page to acknowledge their understanding of the course content and expections.
Anthony,
Checking for learning through questioning is a very valuable strategy to use as it not only helps the students but also lets the instructor know what needs to be reviewed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
ask them questions in order to verify that they understand what I am asking them to do.
The first day I go over the syllabus, supplies, rules, policies, and guidelines with the class so students can gauge what to expect in preparation for the course.
I go through the syllabus very carefully with my students. I try to guage their understanding by the body language and the looks on their faces. If I have any inclination that somebody is not understanding, I will discuss it in more detail rather than asking if there are any questions. In my experience, people don't want to admit in front of others that they don't understand.
Generally speaking I include objectives, goals, and learning outcomes in my syllabus. If students know where we are going, what is required of them, and how they can accomplish those requirements, they usually feel more enthusiastic about the class. I also discuss any assignments, and the learning goals of those assignments.
I establish my expectations and rules at our first meeting both by written handouts and verbally going over these handouts.
Jamie,
This is an easy comfortable way to get a new class started. Everyone can get settled in to the course, share some information and enjoy learning about others. As a result everyone is forward focused and ready to take on the upcoming course content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know others have made some of the same responses, but I really feel having a clear Syllabus is key. I review my Syllabus before posting to a new class to ensure it's easy to understand and clear. In addition to having a clear Syllabus I also hold Online Synchronous Events. These interactive meetings allow students the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate responses.
When I meet a new class for th first time (like today),I go in with letting them know all my expectations of them. I let them introduce themselfs and give me a fun fact. Then I go into my career and my experence. I let them know right upfront what my teaching style is and what my expectaions are.
The contents of the syllabus provide an outline and summary of topics to be covered. Going over the contents in the first day,it is descriptive what expected from the students.
To go over the syllabus on the first day and making sure all the students what is expected of them. The syllabus would have the assignments and due dates as well the grading rubric to keep those with high anxiety at ease.
Review objectives periodically, continuously cite applicable examples, etc.
Nazanin,
Good strategy for keeping your students up to date in terms of where they should be in the course as well as bringing reality to the students that are not keeping up. They, the slackers get a real picture of where they need to be and then they have to decide if they are going to be successful or not.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since my classes require a very large volume of material to be discussed in a relatively short period of time, in addition to the general course syllabus, I provide a weekly hand out that describes what to expect for that week. Each handout has its own objectives and goals. It describes the expected activities, assignments and upcoming tests. Generally speaking, students who are on top of the weekly expectations do extremely well in the course. The slackers quickly figure out that they are falling behind because the weekly expectations are not met.
I like to review the syllabus as a way to set expectations for the topics to be covered. I review with them homework (completed on time) quizes (when to expect them (during lecture) and exams (weighted importance from content goals and objectives).
Sandra,
By doing so your students know what the policies, expectations and requirements are for your course. This reduces student frustration and questioning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
