Hi Deborah,
Students are always interested in how something is going to be graded. We must have a clear concise explanation as to how a grade is granted.
Patricia
I go over the syllabus in detail with students. Course objectives and how they relate to careers are discussed. I ask them how information on those subjects will be useful to them in their careers. They are most interested in grading guidelines. I give them a timeline for when material will be covered and methods of grading.
I create both a goals and objectives section as well as a class requirements section, and I create this as outlines with the titles on the top. I also go over them on the first day of class.
I use the Course Syllabus and Classroom expectations to make the requirements clear to my students.
I use objectives to make the course requirements clear for the students. In the syllabus, there are clear and concise objectives. During the term for each class I break down the syllabi objectives and place them on the board every class period for the students to see what they will learn that particular day.
Hi Victoria,
I concur, students must fully understand so that they know how to execute. It almost seems unfair to hold someone accountable when they did not understand.
Patricia
I like to go over the course requirements in writing and verbally on the 1st day of class. I am sure to frequently inquire if there are questions, comments or confusion multiple times allowing students time to clarify. I also allow time at the beginning of the 2nd day of class for students to inquire anything they maybe thought of after the 1st day. I find it is important to ensure students are clear on the requirements because holding them accountable is fruitless if they did not understand what was expected to begin with.
We do the syllabus at the beginning and go over everything very thoroughly. I still remind them daily of what is coming so they too can stay better prepared to get their work done on time and some classes they are required to sign forms.
Hi Aleatha,
Your students are fortunate to have your availability throughout the term. I can tell you want your students to succeed because you are willing to help them during non classroom hours. Students need to know exactly what is expected of them on Day 1 so that they can work toward their goal of succeeding.
Patricia
I make course requirements clear for students starting with the initial class meeting. The course syllabus is explained in detail and key points are pointed out. I allow the students to ask questions and also make myself available to students throughout the term. I encourage this so that students can get an idea on how they are doing at that point in the course.
Hi Samer,
The course syllabus is a document that every institution must have based on standards. An instructor can add things to their syllabus for better clarity for assignments, projects, etc. even unique rules for an instructor's class can be placed on the syllabus. There is certain information that all course syllabi must have due to standards.
Patricia
Syllabi inform students about what is expected of them to meet course requirements and must be disseminated to students in all courses in an appropriate written form; e.g., hard copy, Web version. Syllabi may be among the materials used to evaluate a faculty member's teaching effectiveness. In addition, the Criteria for Accreditation require that a syllabus be placed on file in the department for each course taught and that students must be provided written information about the goals and requirements of each course, the nature of the course content, and the methods of evaluation to be employed. Colleges and departments may have more specific requirements.
Course Requirements are made clear, the curricula is handed out along with a scheduale, all the information is discussed the first day of class. The assignments along with tardy partial credits considered (no credit) due at 8 am, may be handed in by friend or emailed to instructor by 8 am.Attendance policy is reiterated and sign in is done at beginning of class each day. Taking tests late recieve 10% off per college policy is reiterated. All this information is in writing, handed out to students and verbally gone over with students. A copy is with the program director and academic dean is case there is a problem or question later. They are taken from a generic format.
Mike
Hi Jane,
How thorough you are with making sure your students are clear on course requirements. Your students cannot use the excuse I did not know because you are very detailed with your requirements.
Patricia
I provide a course prospectus in addition to a syllabus. It is much more detailed about what will be happening in class each week. This single sheet can be placed in a students folder or binder for the class for quick reference so there is no confusion about when a test will be or when an assignment is due. In my syllabus I lay out clearly what the learning objectives are and late assignment and test policies. The first day of class I go over these in great detail.
Hi Victoria,
You do a thorough job of making course requirements clear. Students are expected to know their requirements on Day 1.
Patricia
To make the course requirements clear for the students, during the first day of classes I do the following:
* I distribute and read the syllabus of the course making emphasis on types of assignments and their due dates.
* I explain clearly the course requirements and learning expectations.
* I mention the number of examinations, the material that will be evaluated, and the dates of the evaluations.
I have several methods of making the course requirements clear for the students. First, my syllabus is very detailed. I explain it to the students the first day and have them sign a form notifying me that they understand what I just explained to them. Second, each of my individual assignments have explicit directions with a blank place where the due date is. Not only do I tell them the due date, I have them write it in themself on the individual assignment. Third, each class period, I post an agenda on the board stating the day's topics and the next day's assignments. Students comment each term on my instructor evaluations that they really like the daily agenda.
Hi Beth,
Explanation of course requirements will certainly add clarity, and the written document will add clarity as well. When a student has a written document about the assignment, they can always have something to refer to. A written docmument will decrease the excuse "I did not know."
Patricia
If you explain all course requirements and give students a copy they are made aware of their responsibility.
