Hi Carole,
Wow! This is awesome! You do a fantastic job with making course requirement clear.
Patricia Scales
Hi Rose Anne,
Great ways to make course requirements clear. Our students need as much clarity as possible. When things are made plain to students they have no room to complain.
Patricia Scales
When the students enroll in my course, they are given a list of modules that will be completed in order to complete the class. At the beginning of each module, the student is given a syllabus that details what material will be covered, what assignments will be given, what homework will be assigned for each chapter, and when tests will be given and what chapters they will cover. Each module lasts approximately 5 weeks, so you could go to any of my students, pick a date any time in the next few weeks, and they can tell you what they will have learned by that point and what they have left to learn.
In order to make course requirements clear I go over the syllabus, talk about the assignments and chapters for reading. At the end of the day I review what is due the following day of class.
Hi Frank,
I too set a very firm tone on Day 1, but my students quickly realize that I am fun, yet strict, but genuinely care about their success.
Patricia Scales
Hi Francis,
Some students really and truly do not fully understand the importance of the syllabus. The syllabus is a tool that students should refer to on a daily basis.
Patricia Scales
Hi Courtney,
Students really need to hear and see course requirements. Some students need a verbal explanation from the instructor to understand, other students can read it for themselves and understand. It is good you cover both ways.
Patricia Scales
The very first day of class I am the most demanding that I can be. I inform what is expected by adhering to the syllabus and my expectations. This has brought me some problems with students. But the end communications between I and them develops a bond of what is expected. This creates an understanding between I and them that we can accomplish together. Also, if I choose to be a little less difficult there is an appreciation for the allowance given. I also offer and allow some humor to not let the opinion that I am not going to be fun. Students need to know that although they are expected to perform this can be done with some fun.
Each day my students are given an outline of how the class will be structured. Most often I keep the same class structure per day. But, every now and then I change it up to keep interest and break the monotony. Even then, they are told what is to be complete and expected for that class!
I'm also a recently minted instructor. The syllabus as given by my school is quite detailed with week to week objectives and assessments.
From a teacher's perspective, I find this to be of great value in lesson planning.
The students have the ability to download the document but initially many do not do so. Part of my introductory session points them toward the syllabus and explains how it can be of use to them.
I like to verbally discuss them with the class and then I also put them in the course syllabus.
I try to have a complete list of how to be successful in the class. By answering students on the front side I can avoid issues and their stress on the back side.
I feel that I owe them this.
Robin Jonas
I lead by example. I set the tone for my class by being organized and ready to lecture on a daily basis. Try to have every tool to teach and handouts ready for students on the first day of class.
I agree about using handouts to give students a visual reference to compare their progress in meeting course requirements.
On the FIRST day of each new class/semester, I spend minimum 30-45 minutes detailing my classroom expectations, classroom etiquette, the syllabus, grading, homework, participation, etc. It doesn't matter if I have 1 student or 100 students. It doesn't matter if I have repeat students. I always take time to thoroughly get my point across on the first day so everyone is CLEAR!
To ensure that the course requirements are clear for the students, each student receives a physical copy of the syllabus on the first day of class. We go over the syllabus in detail while in tandem showing the relevancy of the course, answering any questions, and create an open and engaging environment.
For each class session, we go over the learning objectives for the session. While going over the content and having learning activities in the class, I reference how they align and prepare them to successfully complete the learning objectives. At the end of the session, I make sure they understand what homework activities they must complete and how it assesses their knowledge on each learning objective.
That is absolutely true. It is so important, especially for adult learners to know how this will apply or help them be successful. On the first day of class, I explain to my students exactly why this course is important to helping them be successful in their chosen field. I continue that throughout the course with examples on how they would use information that we are currently learning, in the real world.
I have a clearly defined lesson plan that I hand out to students on the first day. It lets them know what we will be covering in each class and what there homework or assignments are on any given day. This way if they miss a class they can still come back prepared with their assignment for that day.
Hi Kim,
Fair enough! I love you fairness and strictness. Students need to be held accountable and learn how to do things the right way. You are doing a great job preparing your students for the real world.
Patricia Scales
I go over the one-page Course Calendar with every assignment listed on its due date. Then know exactly what is required and when it is due. Decreases late problems tremendously.
I make a one-page table for the entire semester. One row for each week and several columns including week, class meeting days, reading assignments, and DUE DATES for every graded assessment throughout the entire semester. They can put this page on the front of their notebook and see when everything is due for my course. No reason for 'missed' due dates.
I do not accept late work unless the student notifies me BEFORE the absence and it is a true emergency. Otherwise, no late work, period. This policy has worked very well for me over many years.
