I sit down and imagine myself, as the student, and questions they might ask about the course as well as the course content that will be covered. I learned the hard way when I taught my first class. I was not detailed enough as far as attendance, when homework was due, what would be the consequences if things weren't done on time. The students will twist anything around to their advantage.
I usually go over the syllabus before we start a class and asked if they are any questions. I have them read it first then ask for questions, then we go over the syllabus before we began.
I guess I old school. I read them word for word from the syllabus, then discuss what the assignments will consist of and the expectations.
To help the students to understand the course requirements I give them a copy of the Course Rules and Regulations, which also includes all of their Course Book Chapters, Tests, Labs, and Reference material for each learning requirement. I also use the first lab assignment and lab sheet to further explain rules and requirements for all of their other lab assignments.
As the material is presented I try to show them how the requirements are like those they will encounter in their work.
To ensure course requirements are clear for students, I review the syllabus on the first day of class and clarify any questions students may have.
Hi Barbara,
Students need and want clear expectations. You do a thorough job of making things well known to your students. I am sure your students appreciate your clarity.
Patricia
Hi Barbara,
The first day is crucial for laying out the ground rules as well as the requirements. Students are expecting and wanting to know the requirements and rules/procedures on Day 1. Students are anxious and need to get started right.
Patricia
The best way to do this is to clearly state what the requirements are during the first class of the session. This can be done in several ways; for example, the instructor can use a hand out that outlines the requirements, assignment due dates, points per task, and penalties for late submissions. For on-line instructors, a 'hand-out' would be in the form of an e-mail.
Another way to convey this information is through a PowerPoint presentation where the instructor can spend time highlighting important points and reviewing specific course requirements.
During the first on-line chat I review the course and instructor expectations. In addition, I e-mail each student a copy of the course expectations that provides a more in-depth discussion of each element of the course and what the criteria is for successfully completing the course. These expectations are repeated in various forms during the class (in each live chat, announcements, and e-mails) so that the students understand what is expected of them and what will occur if they do not meet the criteria for the course.
Students must have, in hand, at the first class meeting, a Class Prospectus and Course Outline. The prospectus lists all requirements for that particular class, assignments for the term, material covered (weekly) and assessments that will be required. Additionally, I always give students the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the class. I also update and remind students of course requirements and upcoming assignments as the term progresses.
During first day of class, I hand out course syllabus and go over day by day the activities, types of labs and in course exercises along with the expectations and information requirements for lab answers,and penalties for missing lab days. This has helped in keeping my attendance and retention numbers high.
Hi Jeremiah,
I like the systematic approach! Being systematic helps with memory.
Patricia
I do what most all instructors do and go over the syllabus in detail the first day.
What I try to do then is approach the structure (due dates, test dates, quiz dates, etc.) in the most systematic way I can devise. If it is a 2 hour T/Th class, every T we will have exams and lecture, every Th we will finish lecture and review.
This way there is no question as to the requirements and dates.
Hi Jeanette,
I think securing a signature from students take things to a whole different level. This signature lets them know that they are responsible and will be held accountable.
Patricia
Excellent methodology to enhance course objective and syllabus requirements! May I suggest you add a step, if not already incorporated, of having the students sign off that they have received and understand these requirements of the course?
At the first class meeting I go over the course syllabus in detail, highlighting in particular the course objectives and the evaluation methods. The students receive a calendar for the course showing all assignments and their due dates. The calendar also shows approximate dates for all tests. I also maintain a website from which students may view or download and print the course syllabus as well as the course calendar and certain other supplemental information germane to the subject matter of the course.
Hi Jeanette,
Great way to hold students accountable by securing a signature! A signature is our saving grace so that students can not use the excuse "I did not know."
Patricia
The first day of class I pass out the requirements for the class, review each requirement with the students one by one and then have them sign off on the packet that thy have read and understand these requirements as required by the college and the full benefit of the class. I also reiterate and emphasize each aspect of the requirements as they relate to their performance about every other class or so in a different way.
when making my course requirements I use a syllabus, a prospectus, and examples of assignments and projects that are to be completed within the course. Most students enjoy the course outline but really look forward to the examples to know what is expected of them.
Hi Kimberly,
I am sure your students appreciate you being so organized and prepared. Your students should be fully aware as to what is expected of them, no excuses.
Patricia
