Clarity
In all of my classes I have incorperated a calendar along with my addendum that informs the students of what we will be doing each class period, so there is no gray area in what we will be doing each class period, as well as my expectations of them as students.
I have found this extremely useful in keeping the communication lines open.
Hi Michelle,
I use the same system. This way I can spend a little extra time on a topic that really catches the interest of the students and then move quickly through a topic that the students are already familiar with. When everything is set in stone then you often bring a lot of pressure on yourself to hit those dates when the pressure really doesn't need to be there.
Gary
I have seen other instructors use the calendar successfully and unsuccessfully. Depending on the class it may or may not work. I give a general itinerary of the class, but nothing set in stone, due to some topics needing more time than others and not wanting to confuse the students with assignments about topics we have not discussed.
Clarity is also a key to success when using it in the field. Being able to learn the procedure or interview the pt correctly. When working with a provider, you need to make sure the orders/instructions a clarified befor following through. Not having clarity could result in wrong administration of medications, procedures or patient care.
I think clarity is a critical tool to take pressure off of students. Clarity is really a form of communication that really gives students a clear understanding of expectations so they may focus on what is necessary instead of having them wonder and create anxiety.
