Speaking and explaining things very thoroughly. Also making sure that I ask questions and that the students ask questions to make sure that they fully understand. I also highly believe in modeling the type of behavior and determination that I expect out of them.
I give my student and assignment sheet, that gives them a guideline on how the quizes, exams, and final are going to take place and how the class is going to flow with their participation.
I tell them what I am going to tell them. (when class begins)
I tell them. (throughout or midway in class)
I tell them what I told them. (at the end of class)
Whether I am preparing them for the class content, homework, or a report this method is used. I also write it on the board and sometimes include a handout, depending upon the complexity.
I like to write out the expectations and give to the class on the first day. Also, keep reinforcing to the students that if they are not understanding or need help, they need to let me know.
I generally like to have them explain to me what is expected after I go through everything myself. Sometimes it helps identify/clarify misunderstanding on either side. They may misinterpret something I have said. This way, later when something has gone a little differently than the direction I was hoping, I don't have to try to convince myself that they just didn't want to do it the way it was intended. Different people hear things differently. It usually is productive to have students retell instructions.
I agree. They need to know what is expected of them in order to feel free to participate effectively.
Sally,
I wish you much teaching success. Keep a good sense of humor and bring your humanity to the classroom and you will do fine. Let me know how it works for you.
Gary
I am also new to classroom instruction. Gary, I loved the feedback that you gave to Anastasia. I will not actually enter the classroom until I substitute next week and then a few wks later, have my on class. I am earnestly trying to arm myself with all the knowledge I can prior to this.
One method to use to make sure that students understand what is expected of them is to verbalize the expectations and make sure that the students have an opportunity to ask any questions and then confirm the clarity of expectations.
Gary Piontkowski
Hi Juanita,
Good point about accountability for students. They have received the information as a result of this method so the responsibility then shifts to them in terms of using that information.
Gary
The uses of class expectation PPT can be so helpful to help students to understand your expectations. Once this is used, a student has very little wiggle room for excuses.
Hi Justin,
Good advice and very well put. Keep the message simple and to the point so the students will see what the purpose is of why they are being taught what they are.
Gary
KISS Principal, keep it silly simple. get to the point, don't beat around the bush. also, letting the students know that no quesion is a silly question.
Hi Jared,
Great way to start a class off in a good way. Your expectations and polices are made clear and the students can see how they can accomplish the requirements and be successful.
Gary
The very first day of class, I always devote some lecture time to the following things:
Late policy: Somewhat flexible on written assignments, extremely inflexible on discussion boards (because the discussion doesn't work if half the class posts after the other half has moved on to next week's material.)
APA formatting: I make it clear that even competent writers will not do well in my class without a decent grasp of APA citation and reference format. I also provide some materials for their review at this time and stress the importance of attending class so that they can see this material in action and have it explained to them.
Rubric: I tell them exactly how I plan to grade their assignments. X amount of points for a good argument, X for a strong introduction, thesis, and conclusion, X for grammar and spelling, and so on. This lets weaker students decide where to focus their study efforts.
Hi Radha,
Good way to show support to and for your students. This way they know what to do when external forces come into play that might affect their studies.
Gary
On the first day of class i inform my students that should they have any problems as we go along it should be brought to my attention immediately so it can be addressed before moving on .
Yes, I agree. At the start of a class I always instruct my students to tell me if they are struggling. Then after a week or so, I ask them again to let me know if they need additional help. I find that by the second time of me asking, they are more comfortable in letting me know.
I explain what it is I want them to do. I give them all my contact information to reach me whenever needed. I expect them to communicate with me any concerns they have in order for them to be successful. I ecpect them to be accountable.
Hi Jane,
Good approach. Laying out the course requirements clearly with specific directions is the way to help the students develop an understanding of how the course is going to be conducted and what the expectations are going to be.
Gary
