I always like to run my courses with a detailed syllabus and course breakdown. By letting students know exactly what they are "in for" helps to prepare them and let them know what the classroom norms will be.
Our school keeps our learners in "lock-step" - meaning that they have the same group of cohorts in each class they enter, so they develop their own social norms - some of which may be in conflict with "appropriate classroom requirements." Because of this fact, making sure that the learners sign their syllabus and discuss what they feel are the reasons for these requirements is critical. I always make sure to discuss (with student input) the syllabus and to let them know that these rules are not just there for the classroom, but they are also there to help them when they seek work in the field.
I think reviewing the syllabus with the students is a great way to inform the students of the requirements and expectations of the course.
The students in my Online classes have multiple aids to help them with the course requirements. First there is the overview of the course from the school syllabus. Second they must review the Course Calendar which includes the highlights of each week and includes a breakdown of the course points stucture. Third there is a menu item in their Online class for each week (Unit) which gives them the items to be completed and additional resources. The fourth item is their grade book which will reinforce the items that will be scored for each Unit. And as the instructor I will provide announcements, class e-mails and post other written messages as reminders. I also give them encouragement, tips for areas that may give them trouble and examples of how this Unit can relate to their goals. Interaction (via e-mail) with individual students allows me to give them personal attention on how to get the required work completed on time.
Debi Makidon
Hi Brenda,
It sounds like you do a fantastic job to ensure clarity of course content. Students should fully understand what is required of them based on the methods you utilize.
Patricia
Course requirements are stated in the syllabus and in the student contract signed at the beginning of each term. Students are instructed to read syllabus/contract. Content of this document is reviewed as a class. Questions are answered. Students are also provided a reading schedule with all required course work.
I have a syllabus and 1st day we review it together and than every so often I reiterate our course requirements
Being in the trades programs, Discussing what the term course includes & that according to our syllabus, the information coming at the student is well----- kind of frightening. However in our field we rely on reputition. Therefore, domonstrating in the ealy stages of the course is very important in helping them to become more comfortable. And also it builds their trust in me as and instructor. A statement I use often "We as educationists in my class of trade-school programs are not here to nail them, but to teach them the info: they need to carry on in their chosen field.
I review syllabus in detail first day of class, explain expectations required in this course, per assignments, tests & grading, etc.
I go over and explain all aspects of the syllabus. I give all dates , expectations and description of any aspects on the syllabus that might be unclear. I ask for any questions and then have studetns to sign agreement of understanding, and participation in following the syllabus to insure their acquisition of knowledge in that period of time (quarter).
Our school uses a precanned syllabi. I go over the different categories they will be graded in and the percentage of their total grade. we also grade on Professional Development area which includes attendance and behavior in class
Repetition seems to work for me. We go over, as a group, the course syllabus at the beginning of the course. As the course progresses, we will pull the syllabus out every so often as a reminder of what the course requirements are. The students are verbally reminded throughout the course, as well.
So many of our students have jobs and responsibilities and meet deadlines all the time. I think sometimes not being sensitive to their outside of school successes makes them feel comfortable in school
I also provide written and verbal course requirements to students and I do a lot of reminders. I teach the first course that undergraduate students are required to take and for many of them it is the first time in many years that they have been in an academic setting. It takes time and practice for them to develop good habits and to learn what is expected of them. I help them learn how to learn as college students.
i found the syllabus very helpful,to make sure the students are aware od the expectations and the tasks that need to be do in order to succesfully pass tha course
I try to do frequent reminders as well. I have a class calendar for each month, in addition to writing the plan for the day/week on the board, and also notification of upcoming assignments that are due. I try to do this not only to keep the students on track, but also to assist me in maintaining the course requirements as dictated in the first week of class. So far the feedback from the students has been positive.
An activity that you can do to get the students more involved in reviewing the contents of the syllabus is to put your students in groups and have each group take a section of the syllabus and present it. I actually like having them mimic a tv news presentation. It is fun, they have to read it and they also have to present it.
Hi Wanda,
You and your institution do a thorough job of making course requirements clear. My institution and I do the same things. I also like to have a question/answer session about rules, policies, deadlines, procedures, etc.
Patricia
Hi Lydia,
Thoroughly going over the course syllabus is definitely a plus. Students want and need very clear expectations.
Patricia
Go over the syllabus and re-enphatizing whta the course expectations are.
In regards to what the students will be graded on for the course, in the syllabus is a table with the assignment, the amount of points that the assignment is worth, a column for what they received and a column for their percentage of the assignment. Also, in the course syllabus is the other requirements; dress code, attendance, professional behavior, etc. This is also located in teh Student Handbook and is verbally reviewed in the Student Orientation, On the first day of class and as needed, such as before an examination.
