Communication is a very key point, so going over
the class information, posting the syllabus
guidlines, just great communication for the students. And you'r right, the first day of class
should start the communication thread.
The first day on class we go over the course requirements and guidelines at the beginning and end on class. I will post the course requirements on the student portal along with other information that is to help them succeed in the course. Each day depend on the portion of the lesson plan, the course requipments are mentioned so that gather the importance.
I make sure each student receive a syllabus.
I then require each student to have
a daily calendar that views the entire month.
I then proceed to give them the dates for each
quizz, test, final exam which also includes the
dates for review for them. These calendars
take the guess work out of knowing when, what and
where. Many of the students can use the calendar
to set their daily lives in order. I let them
know this is the beginning of the use of a planner.
Hi Mary,
Fair enough. I totally understand.
Patricia
During the 1st day of class, hand out the syllabus and spend time going over each item of the requirements as clearly as possible. Make connections between the daily class objectives and the course requirments. Discussing the course requirements should be repeated frequently throughout the whole course so that it is fresh in the students minds.
Hi Patricia,
I only reschedule quizzes if I feel that I have been unable for some reason to completely and sufficiently cover the material. Then I reschedule for the whole class, not just one student.
Mary
We go over the syllubus and addendum the first day. Then I do a brief question and answer session about the information.. I ask them a question and they need to answer it from the addendum and syllubus I provided. It helps to clarify and understand the information. I then have then sign an agreement stated they understood the policies.
Hi Patricia,
I only reschedule quizzes if I feel that I have been unable for some reason to completely and sufficiently cover the material. Then I reschedule for the whole class, not just one student.
Mary
Hi Mary,
If you feel a student is not prepared to take a quiz, do you penalize the student, and if so what is they penalty? What do you base your decision on if a student is not ready to be quizzed?
Patricia
At the beginning of each module, I provide each sudent with a calendar for the entire 20 days of instruction. This calendar includes: quiz dates, clinical assignment due dates, as well as what topics will be discussed on each day of the course. I also (on the first day) inform the students that if for some reason I feel that they are not prepared to take a quiz, that I will revisit that material even if it means resceduling the quiz a day later.
I tell them that the calendar is a guideline to the course, but dates are not written in stone. They are at risk of loosing points if the see a day without a quiz scheduled, decide to take that day off and the quiz is changed.
Hi Ronald,
Things really get serious when you use the term contract. Students need to fully understand how serious the syllabus is. There should be no gray area in the syllabus. Everything should be clearing defined and explained.
Patricia
Hi Charles,
I like the different measures you use to make course requirements clear. Your students should really appreciate the length your institution mandates to make sure they are successful.
Patricia
Hi Timothy,
These ideas are very effective. I have implemented most of them. They make a big difference for the better.
Patricia
Hi Donald,
Students certainly miss a lot whenever they miss the first day of class. I get my students up to speed whenever they miss the first day, but it is nothing like being there on the very first day to hear the in depth explanation of various things.
Patricia
Hi Pandora,
I like how you entertain questions on the very first day. It is important that students are clear about course requirements on the first day. Students need to fully understand what is expected of them.
Patricia
In the beginning, which is the very first day of the course, I establish a rapport between myself,as the instructor, and the student as to what their course requirement will be. A syllabus is provided listing the course requirements. I then read and go over the objectives listed in the syllabus and ensure that these objectives will be met and that the required handouts, powerpoints and other material pertinent to fulfill the course requirements are supplied to the students at this time. There also be time alloted for any questions concerning their course requirements.
I deliver the requirements on day one and deadlines on the board. This was a problem in my past, students would skip the first days of class and tell me they didn't know my expectations. I give out work books,hand outs, and go over every lab project by page number,grading,and due dates. Late students get the same inbriefing. Students almost always finsh the labs on time and we are way more organized with the hand outs.
I found this to be a very interesting course and found alot of suggestions that I will employ in my classes. THanks for all the great ideas. TER
We use a Course calender with all the lectures, tests, quizes and lab assignments listed and the days ALL assignments are due. We give each student a copy of this and encourage them to write down what each test is worth in point value. We also use a "Keys to Success" presentation to let students know what is expected of them thoughout the entire time they go to school here. My group then gives applications of how this class will enhance their ability to to use knowledge gained for their jobs in the field.
To me the syllabus is a contract for both the Instructor and the student. If there is any questions about the course requrements we go to the syllabus for the answer. That is why the course requirements must be clearly stated.
It is the job of the Instructor to go over the syllabus with the students on the first day of class and make sure all the students understand the syllabus.
Thanks
