Patricia Scales

Hi Darren,
I did not know is the most common excuse for students. Whenever I give an assignment with all the details, I always end with I do not want to hear the excuse I did not know, this helps, but you still hear it from time to time.
Patricia

Darren Douglass

I think you will always have students using any excuse at any time. They may have fully understood all the requirements and deadline and still use the "I do not know" excuse. Keeping the class requirements and projects as clear and spelled out as possible will help. At the time of each project reiterate the details and timelines and point them out again in the syllabus.

Patricia Scales

Hi Debbie,
Continue to show great excitement in every course you teach. The excitement is really contagious, and MOST students will definitely catch it. I can tell you want to be the best that you can be! Continue to work hard, and you will continue to shine!
Patricia

Deborah Egan

Patricia,

I do this as well. I also have to include review of the dress code because of the program I teach. The dress code has to be followed both at externships and in the classroom. I agree that clearly establishing the rules and clearly covering the syllabus helps set the tone for the entire term. I have found that if I walk in and state that this is my favorite class to teach, and really get excited in my introduction on the first class, the course flows better and the student's survey's at the end of term are better.

I call this my lessons learned. I have taught to the adult learner for seven years this October. I really agree with you that the first meeting is so important.

Debbie

Patricia Scales

Hi Deborah,
I set the stage on the first day by making a strong presence, yet friendly in nature. I thoroughly go over the syllabus, and I share all of MY rules, policies, and procedures.

Students use excuses all the time. You simply have to let them know that you do not want to hear the excuses.
Patricia