Making Your Expectations Clear
What methods or techniques do you use to make sure that your students understand what you expect of them?
I put my expectations in the Syllabus and go over them during the first class. No, I have not require students to sign a sheet. My expectations are usually those set by the school, so there are minimal questions.
I will use a Syllabus and explain in detail my expectations for my students during the semester
The methods we use to make sure our students understand what is expected of them is in a written contract that they must read and sign the first day. The instructor must also sign the contract. A copy of the signed is provided to them at their next class meeting and placed in their permanent files. There are no doubts about our expectations and rules. I fortunately/unfortunately [depending on your perceptive] have had to pull the copy of the student's expectations out of their files and made the student read the contract out loud to me (privately of course). It's amazing how quickly these students change their behaviors because they immediately understand they made a "promise" to me and to the other students.
Melvina,
Can you expand on this in terms of what you do?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jagrup,
This is such a good point because this is the way you get all of your students understanding what the expectations and outcomes are for the course. This gives a departure point that can be built on for the rest of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Go over classroom expectations and guidelines including syllabus that outlines the objectives of the course including assignments that will be covered and homework due dates.
I take as much time for questions as needed.
Cathy,
Good plan and one that reduces student frustration and increases their knowledge of how they are going to fit within the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Besides reviewing the syllabus with them which shows them the assignments and exams that will be given, I provide them with a list of "classroom rules" which gives them a sense of what is or is not acceptable in my classroom. For example, I do not allow the students to eat in my classroom. A set of written rules allows expectations on both sides to be set on day 1.
Gwo-Fang,
These are two very important parts of the instructional process. The students have the model to work toward and the rubric in terms of how they will evaluated. This gives them good information upon which to draw as they expand their knowledge base.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I found the following methods help students understand my expectation well:
1. showing students good example
2. a well developed rubric
Mary,
Being a good role model and connecting the expected behaviors and outcomes with their future employment opportunities is a good way to get the students to see the value of developing the self discipline needed to make them successful. This helps them to see the future and how they are preparing for it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I model the behavior I want from them. For example, it is important to me that students are on time and be accountable for missing class or tardiness. I attempt to mimic the same professional standards they will need in the clinic setting including coming to work on time and prepared for the day. I make clear from the first class what I expect of them and remind them of the behavior that is required in the clinic
Abel,
Good way to keep them engaged and being active learners rather than just passive listeners.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to paraphrase. I have my students answer me what I just told them to see if they are paying attention
Laura,
That or you could develop a guided notes handout that would have the key points listed with sub-headings and areas where notes could be taken. Then the students would follow the PowerPoint presentation while completing the outline/notes sections. This way you know they have the key points because you have pulled them out and listed them for your students but they will have personalized the information bu putting in their own perspectives on the information being covered on the slides.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am starting to think a PowerPoint presentation may be the way to go with this and then presenting them with a handout after the presentation is over, so they pay attention.
I give my students a few at a time,i usually have (6). at the start of a new class and even at the start of every new module. frist week (3),second week (3) third week we go over for reminders and reinforce if necessary.
