A brief introduction is given about the course, why it is relevant, the approximate pace throughout the course. I try to get the students at ease because they don't quite know what to expect. This is a short and lively session with comments taken as they arise.
Then we begin the formal evaluation of the syllabus. My office hours are listed as is my email address and telephone. Every aspect of the course is detailed: class meeting times, prerequisites, learning objectives, required text, instructional methods, outside resource activities, assessment criteria, grading policy and criteria, attendance policy, and finally requirements to successfully complete the course. I complete the introduction by letting the students know I am available to help them achieve success in this course. Usually by now, they can't wait to get started!
I dedicate much of the first day in going over the syllabus, class expectations, class rules, and ice breakers. After clarifying what is expected from the students and explaining to them why there is a need for the expectations, I have the students introdue themselves to the class and explain why they have chosen the path they chose.
I have a very clear syllabus which include detailed assignment expectations and specific due dates to keep students on track. We review the assignments prior to due dates. One thing I was not clear on is repercussions of late material, incomplete assignments. I have heard many excuses and have had to deal with students individually.
Hi Frederick,
Excellent job of keep students aware as to what needs to be done. Your students cannot play the card, "Oh I did not know."
Patricia Scales
Hi Jennifer,
I like the idea of encouraging students to bond. When students develop a bond, they will help keep each other abreast as to what's going on in the class as well.
Patricia Scales
Hi Priscilla,
You do a thorough job of keeping your students well informed. Keep up the good work.
Patricia Scales
On the first day, the requirements for the course are made clear to the students. The course syllabus is given to each student and its content is discussed in detail. Questions are then answered to clarify any problems. Deadlines are highlighted and students are reminded periodically of the deadlines.
To make sure students understand the course requirements, I would have a question and answer period and also would create a worksheet where students need to fill in the blanks for requirements. Making this a group assignment would allow for students to get to know eachother in class.
I clearly state them in the course syllabus. I repeat them often throughout the term. I send email reminders to students. I post announcements in online course sites.
Hi Dr. Makia,
It amazes me to know how many college-level students that do not read or lose their syllabus. Students need to fully understand the importance of the course syllabus. I thoroughly go over the syllabus on the first day, and I have a question and answer session pertaining to the syllabus to ensure students understand what is expected of them.
Patricia Scales
For each class session, I write the 'agenda for the day' on the board. This will allow students to know what is expected of them on a daily basis with an intent to alleviate repetitious questions.
Also, (periodically throughout the term), I ask the students to review their syllabus and make sure they understand what is expected of them. Often times, (when this is done), I find out how many students actually read their syllabus and those who have lost theirs. I (often) keep extra copies for this reason.
Even doing this, I still find that students do not read their syllabus and are still confused (somewhat) on the requirements of the course. I continue to try new methods for individual classes.
Yes it is very important to provide the students with what they need to know at the beginning of the class. That is a way for them to understand what all they will have to do to complete the course and how it applies to them in everyday life as well as their selected or prospected career choices they have made or will make. This applies what is expected of them from the teacher, the school, and what should be expected of them selves as well.
Hi Kenneth,
Students want to know on Day 1 exactly what is expected of them so that that they have an idea. I concur, it is our job to ensure clarity based on course requirements.
Patricia Scales
Making the course requirements clear for students is an important and necessary route for all teachers (public, private, and college). This allows the teacher to provide the vital information about the course or class in which they will be teaching the students. That way the students will be able to understand what is expected of them in order to complete the class; and also provides them why they are needing to take the class intially. The requirements are there to make the students aware of why they need to class (to go on to the next level of the class, an important procedural class for a selected career, or necessary background development for all future classes in whatever selected field they are persuing). Overall, it is the teachers duty to provide the requirements in a clear and understandable form for all students.
I go through the objectives and review the syllabus. Throughout the course, I also send out weekly updates as the what objective is to be covered next and reinforce class policies.
Hi Gloria,
This assessment is a great way to determine if students really understand exactly what is expected of them.
Patricia Scales
After reviewing the course requirements on the first day, I give a 10 question multiple-choice quiz to check for understanding. I grade it and review the questions that were missed with the entire class. I also ask the students who missed questions to paraphrase to check for understanding.
I go over the course requirements in detail the first class session. I use examples to make the assignments and requirements as clear as possible.
Beside that the requirements are outlined in the curriculum I explain every requirement in detail on the first day.
Only when the expectations are clear to each of the students I can be fair. If a requirement or expectation is not conveyed to the student in the beginning of the class students will challenge the instructor and will gain the upper hand.
I mainly teach at the clincal sites and not the typical classroom. The first day is orientation to the facility they are in. Also on the first day they are given a packet of what paperwork is needed to be completeted each week and turned in. As each instructor is different, I go over the paperwork and let the students know what I expect for each section of the packet. Following my instruction/explanation, I ask for questions regarding the packet that may not yet be clear to some and let the student(s) know that I am available to them if they need 1:1 assistance. This style has worked well for me and with each new class, this is re-evaluated as each group is different and sometimes adjustments need to be made; I find students appreciate a willingness to be flexible (to a point!).
