I feel it is important to give clear directions so that students know just what to expect at all times. There is nothing worse for students then not having an idea of what they are going to be experiencing.
Hi Martha,
Very true. By having this knowledge it reduces stress for everyone. Both students and instructors are more comfortable with knowing the expectations and outcomes of courses.
Gary
The level of stress is lower if you have an idea of what is to come, and you can prepare yourself for it.
Hi Terrie,
You are right with your comments concerning comprehensive and clear descriptions of what is going to occur in the course. This really reduces frustration and stress for the students plus it gets the course off to a good start for everyone.
Gary
(continued response)It also gives them the necessary information on how to study for the class.
It is improtant to give a comprehensive and clear desctiption of the course requirements so the students know what is expected of them in the class - what we want them to learn, why they need to learn the material, how will the course be taught, how they will be evaluated, and how the material in the class pertains to their career/educational goal.
This will help students identify what they are to look for during the course. Being able to see (know) where you are going before you begin your travels is very beneficial. The same is true for the learning process.
Hi Connal,
Well said for both groups. Students know what is expected and instructors have can focus on their students rather than having to go over and over the expectations because the students don't understand.
Gary
For students, comprehensive and clear course requirements tell them what is expected of them on a daily basis.
For instructors, comprehensive and clear course requirements allow us to focus daily class time on instruction rather than answering basic course questions every day, detracting from the overall learning environment.
Hi Christine,
You make a good point about trying to help the students be very clear in relation to the course expectations. Throughout the course questions will arise but the more you can help them understand the expectations the lower the frustration level will be.
Gary
It is important that student's know what is expected of them in the class. I reiterate this through out the time they are in my course...I am trying to avoid the "no one told me that" response.
Hi Laurie,
Pass/Fail courses are typically set for pass being a C grade. You can set your requirements for handing in assignments in a timely manner as being a part of the C effort. This means that they will not pass the course if they don't hand in the assignments on time. You can set deductions of points for each day the assignments are late until there will be no points awarded for the assignment at all. I usually deduct 20% of the points for each day late. This way in five days the points are all gone and I can wrap up that issue with the student. If you don't set a rather strict timeline they will drag in assignments all course phase and expect to receive all or nearly all of the points.
Gary
Students are very focused on "getting an A", even in a class which is Pass/Fail, so it's important to let them know exactly what is required and when. I try to be thorough in my syllabi regarding assignments and tests, including description, points and due dates. I also give frequent reminders of those due dates as we move through the curriculum.
However, since I teach a Pass/Fail class, I find that students are likely to put more effort into the other class they are taking, which is graded. I always have some work handed in late, and I'd like some suggestions about how to deal with that.
When you provide a clear and comprehensive description of the course requirements this helps your class participants understand you and your teaching method in a deeper way.
if people know what to expect they can plan and study areas that may be more of a challenge in advance
