expectations should not be forced on students, but developed with students. Student involvement increases the sense of ownership and the likelihood that students make the expectations their own.
Brandy,
By being open and clear about course requirements, expectations and assignments you are creating a solid foundation for the course. It is a building process from there on.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
By letting students know what is expected of them you are able to avoid certain circumstances. I always ask questions and make sure the students understand thoroughly that certain things are expected of them in order to pass the class. I also go back a few classes down the line and review everything again just to reinforce it.
I try to keep a positive-outlook throughout the course. In addition on the very first day, I discuss different policies and procedures illustrating what I expect of them (i.e.; attendance, grades, etc.) In addition, I also let them know what they can expect of me.
Barbara,
How do you do so? I like the idea of printed rubrics for research papers, any suggestions for other assignments?
I agree if you tell students what you expect they are more likely to respond in a positive way
You need to state your expectation clearly and then ask if there are any questions regarding them.
Before class begins I write on the marker board a list of the days goals, including when we will have short breaks. I include specific assignments and the due date for each.
Question and Answer works everytime!!!
What I use to make sure the students and I are clear on what's expected, I create a calendar of assignments and due dates. On thus calendar are also consequences for work not submitted. Each day we review this calendar and the objectives for the day and we do everything possible to stay on track. I also assign a daily person to review this calendar, we answer any questions regarding unsure requests and it seems to be working.
After I have explained all of my expectations, I put students in small groups and have them come up with rationale for the expectations that will work for them. I also have them list out any expectations I have missed or that they expect. This brings the class to a united team on how and what is expected in the class.
Using rebrics is a good way to make expectations clear. Discuss rubrics with them and if necessary, create a rubric for each large assignment and one for the class as a whole.
Reviewing the syllabus each week, such as making sure each student has it with them and is following the directions given. If anything changes, make addendums and be clear with future instruction.
We all like structure even if it seems unwanted. In the end, we need detail and follow-through.
I use power point presentations as visual which seems to assist my students in their learning rather than just speaking lecturs. I then ask each individual student at end of class to come to my desk to see if any part of lecture and expectations was not clear for them.
I use power point presentations as visual which seems to assist my students in their learning rather than just speaking lecturs. I then ask each individual student at end of class to come to my desk to see if any part of lecture and expectations was not clear for them.
I review material and ask questions to make sure the students understand what I was trying to convey during the coarse. I also use visual aids to explain the relavance of the different componeents and how they interact with each other
Reinforcment is a good way to let students know what you expect of them. Reminding students at the beginning and the end of the class is a good way. I tend to just write a note on the board of what is required for the day, address it once and then let it be the student's responsibility to keep up with it.
Mary,
I like this approach because it sets the standard for the course. This reduces confusion on the part of students and gets them to focus on what is coming.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I basically use the prospectus and a detailed contract to let the students know exactly what I expect for them during the term and per class period.
Edwin,
Both of these methods is good for showing the students where the class is going that day. They need to see where they are going and then at the end of the day review the objectives so they know where they have been.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Most of the time, I give examples that happened to me in the clinical setting which involves the topic on hand which makes the students more attentive and then they realize how important their future role is in the future, especially if the example given helps saves lives and then I refer to them as future heroes.
