Making course requirements clear for students is essential so they know and understand what the expectations/deadlines are. Providing them with a syllbus that outlines those expectations and making it clear the syllabus is their "roadmap" to the course provides them with a reference for the entire course helping them meet those expectations/deadlines.
Hi Steven,
Absolutely! A very strong presence needs to be made on Day 1 so that students know that you nor the class is a joke.
Patricia Scales
I believe that if you set the tone from the very beginning, the students (end users) will know what is expected from them.
Hi Susan,
I love the posting of the calendar. Posting the syllabus in the classroom is a great idea as well.
Patricia Scales
Hi Michelle,
Sudents love it when clarity is provided. When things are clear, there is less confusion.
Patricia Scales
Hi Michelle,
I love the posting of the syllabus. Even if students misplace their syllabus, which they are known to do, they have a posted copy they can refer to.
Patricia Scales
I use the syllabus and go over it the first day. It outlines my class policy on late homework and makeup tests ( or lack thereof) which really seem to be the problem areas for our students. It also lists homework/reading assignments on a week by week basis, but I really like the idea someone posted about a calendar.
I clearly outline the syllabus to make course requirement clear to students.
Knowledge of the course requirements is a must. I go over the syllabus on the first day of class. Each student gets a copy of the syllabus and a copy remains posted in the classroom at all times.
Hi Patricia.
In making course requirements clear for students, I explain methods of assessment for each deliverable. These include rubrics and exams and the demonstration of skills and understanding that I am looking for. Deadlines are discussed as well as consequences for missing deadlines. The delivery method of the class is also explained, as my classes have a lecture component, a technical exercise and then an assessment tool. In class as well as out-of class expectaions are also clearly outlined and rationale given for homework assignments as they relate to specific course material.
I really feel setting the tone with a clear understanding of the course and it standards and expectations is vital to having a sucessful learning experience.
Hi Brenda,
I have experienced students looking at a calendar before referring to the syllabus. I guess because a calendar it more of an easy read. You really go the extra mile for your students. Most instructors will give the due dates, but the students must be mature/professional enough to indicate the due dates on their calendar.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kathleen,
You do a fabulous job of providing clarity to your students. You are very reminding as well, and I am sure your students appreciate the reminders.
Patricia Scales
I create a daily calendar that coincides with the objectives of the syllabus and give it to the students the first day of class. I have found that by giving a printed calendar with the daily assignments and due dates printed directly on the day it is due has been successful and students refer to the calendar before they look at the syllabus.
Course requirements are reiterated to my students multiple times throughout the semester. Initially, students see their requirements on their class syllabus. It is presented to them with the ‘weight’ of each assignment. That same day, I pass out a semester schedule. It includes all activities & materials we cover over our 10-week semester. This is another opportunity for me to remind students of graded requirements for the class. On a daily basis, I am able to remind students of upcoming assignments and I can speak with them on a 1-on-1 basis for course requirements like uniforms and daily appearance grades.
Hi Rachel,
Absolutely, if you follow the syllabus and pay attention to details, you can be successful in college.
Patricia Scales
Hi Dustin,
Emphasis should be placed on important points so that students will remember them.
Patricia Scales
As an employee, we always want to know exactly what is expected from us. Therefore, I believe a clear and consice syllabus is important. It is the road map for the class, we know where we are starting and we know our destination.
Emphasize key points when going over the syllabus.
I make a homework sheet available at the beggining of class that I hand out with the syllabus's so everything is layed out for them, what we are going to be doing, when assignments are due. Everything is layed out for them at the beginning, which seems to help them
Hi Melinda,
At times we do have to spell things out for our students, this certainly helps with complaints. Students have no excuse for not knowing.
Patricia Scales
