I make sure that all the students have the course syllabus, and the class schedule of lectures and activities. I also go over an animated power point presentation which highlights the course expectations.
Hi Eugene,
Thank you for going the extra mile for the students. I agree with you! We have to always do what's best for our students. The students come first! You do a fantastic job with making course requirements clear.
Patricia Scales
Patricia, I have found that even though my institution relies on the students to access the student portal for information that they do not generally immerse themselves in navigating through it. I have found that by projecting different sections of the portals and creating a handout for each and refering back to it that I can expose them to the material or requirments more often rather than relying on them to grasp concepts or research the portals on their own. This is unfortunate in that some are not motivated but it does help this group to keep up with those who are looking ahead and using the media provided to facilitate their learning process. This helps to reduce the stress of the less motivated students as well as giving me some leverage when confronted with students who say that they didn't know something was due or that we didn't go over aparticular project. My institution would rather use the "paperless" route requiring students to use portals but I have found that handouts are the way to reinforce the understanding of the material and a good way to refernce back to it through repition
Hi Veronica,
You do a fabulous job with keeping your students in the know. Students need great clarity in order to be successful.
Patricia Scales
At the beginning of each course and weekly the students and myself review the syallabus, the evaluation requirements, and the grading rubric. In addition, we review the course assignments and the assignments due dates and make any necessary changes according to what is happening at that time. I attempt to remain flexible in course and promote a participatory environment to allow the adult learner to express their points of view in regards to the assignments or lectures while maintainig the course objectives. This seems to assist in clarifying and reinforcing the course requirements for each studeent.
Hi Linda,
Absolutely! The syllabus is the road map! List what you need/want in the syllabus to ensure all bases are covered. Even adult learners need rules, and the rules must be shared on the first day so that you get started off right.
Patricia Scales
Hi Raymond,
The first day is the day to lay out all rules. You have to let students know on Day 1 that you are all about business, and you must provide students with great clarity as well.
Patricia Scales
Typically they are written in detail in the course syllabus. However, in the first class i review not only the syllabus but alos my expectations and rules of engagement for the class
I agree the syllabus is the best place to list, organize and define course requirements. Presented on the first day of class helps students know what to expect.
Hi Harshita,
You do a fine job with making course requirements clear. I am sure your students appreciate the reminders.
Patricia Scales
At beginning of the course, I go over the assignments and Homework requirements with the students. I have it laid out chronologically as per the deadlines. This gives them a clear idea of how the work is spread through the course of the term.
I also remind them during the course of upcoming assignments or projects.
Hi Afrodite,
It sounds like you do a fine job with making course requirements clear via computer! Students appreciate you going the extra mile I am sure.
Patricia Scales
I am now an online instructor. In order to make the course requirements clear for my students I go over class policies and procedures in the first chat. After that each week I go over assignment details in depth and I provide weekly announcements and emails to my students reminding them of special requirements, due dates, etc. I have found that my students end up with better grades when I go over the requirements. Being online the face to face conversations with you students do not exist much so it is important to maintain open communication with them and clarify requirements.
Using the syllabus as a paper reminder. Using an icebreaker to give the class an idea of what to expect. And using the white board listing objectives and erasing as we complete each objective.
Hi Norman,
Awesome ways to ensure your students know exactly what is required of them.
Patricia Scales
Hi Dorothy,
You do a fine job with providing clarity for your students based on course requirements. These are great tactics to ensure students know exactly what is going on.
Patricia Scales
The first day of class we discuss the syllabus in detail. If the students have any questions, I make sure everyone clear understand what needs to be done before move on. Additionally, I provide the students with a weekly schedule, and each week I remind them about upcoming due dates and ask if they have any issues.
I am currently using the syllabus and student handbook. I also utilize a reading schedule or class schedule that I email to each student before the start of the course. I am open to other ideas. I am new in the instructor role and would like input on what works for seasoned instructors.
To make course requirements clear for students I find the syllabus is the best resource. It should serve as a reference material for the entire course and show the students what is required, the policies they must follow, and timelines for assignments in order to be successful in the course. I personally like to use different color and size fonts for the due dates on assignments.
I have the daily schedule written on the whiteboard.
The order of work is written out if they are in production and my demo schedule if it is a demo only day.
While the class is cleaning, I erase the board and put the next day's agenda up so they know what to expect.
