That's a great point Velma. I think it is important we make time to check on our students one on one so that they may be able to ask questions or comments they may not feel comfortable doing in a group.
The methods that I use for making the sure the students understand the requirements for the class are: we go over the syllabus in class. I ask for any questions during and after going through the syllabus. I make sure the students know where my contact information is on the syllabus if they may have additional questions or to catch me before or after class. In the future I'm going to use a form which basically states that the student understands the information in the syllabus and have them sign it on day 1, so then the students can't come back later and say "I didn't know that was due next week, tomorrow". It would be in the syllabus we went over on Day 1 of the class.
I agree with you, I have implemented a sign off sheet at the back of the syllabus stating that they read the material and they understand,I can tell when they have read through or not because they respond with a "I didn't know that was there" answer when I ask them if they signed it yet.
I use the syllabus for this, I also mid way refer back to it when ever I feel that students are slipping away from it. I like to use it as reinfocement. I always let them know that my door is always open if they feel that they aren't clear on some subjects
The main method is the syllabus. Then verbal reinforcement of all the items shown in the syllabus. With most people that will be enough, in my opinion, but there are those who will need further reminders. When they have violated any rules set forth in the syllabus, a private meeting to review the requirements is indicated.
It is very important to make the course requirements clear for all of the students because they need to know what is to be expected of them. Also If the instructor makes them clear from day one and sticks to it then there it is less likely to have students try to argue if they are not meeting the requirements. I think the best thing to do is give the students a form to sign that states that they have read and understand the requirements so that there will be no excuses for not doing what they are expected to do.
Hi Karen & Patricia,
I also have the students sign a contract stating that they understand and agree with the information provided. Despite the signature provided there is always the student that claims they did not understand or were not aware. Do you think students may also see this piece of paper as just another paper they have to sign to move forward,and not take it seriously and be responsible?
Velma
Day one sets the stage for the entire session as far as I am concerned. If you prepare your students by informing them of exactly what will happen in class, the class will run more smoothly. After the first day of class, I have students write an informal paper pointing out the course expectations. In addition, I ask them to write down which expectation they think they might have the greatest challenge with and write a plan describing how they can possibly prevent problems.
I find that sometimes even if the student admits to understanding the requirements in class, when they are face to face with the instructor they admit they have more questions. I agree that providing them with contact information or providing one on one time often proves helpful.
On the first day of class I hand out the course requirements in the syllabus. I find that students are anxiously awaiting this information. I spend time reviewing the information, answering related questions, and clarifying unclear statements.
I make the class aware that I am available after class to further clarify any questions they may have. I provide my email address as well as all other contact information verbally and on the syllabus. I try to set the stage for students so that they realize I am available to facilitate them in meeting the requirements.
Hi Ashley,
Students need to know what is expected of them on Day 1 so that they can begin to condition their minds to do well.
Patricia
I like that you mention your expectations to the students as well as to the class requirements. I think it would also be beneficial to have the students tell us, the instructors, their expectations and what they would like to learn, achieve, and take from the course.
I use a syllabus and go over it with my class on the first day so they know what I expect.
Hi Andrea,
You are very thorough on the first day. Your students should know exactly what is required of them.
Patricia
Hi Gerardo,
It sounds like you do a very thorough job of making requirements clear. Your students should fully understand what is expected of them.
Patricia
Hi Nolan,
The syllabus is a saving grace! Include whatever needs to be followed in the syllabus so that students can have something to refer to.
Patricia
The sylable are presented to the students, I give few minutes for them to read it. I proceed with a presentation (pp) of them that include an explanation of of every objective and goals.
Explain grading and how this can be affected by the their participation in class or not participation and timely completion of assignments.
I utilize the syllabus for this purpose. The students feel much more comfortBLE AND THE STRESS LEVEL IS LOWER
Hi Samuel,
This is a great way for students to express what is expected of them and for you to examine if students fully know what is required of them.
Patricia
Let the students know the importance of time lines and expectations. The classroom assignments are comparable to job assignments where a supervisor will be expecting them to know how to manage their time and complete their duties. It is not only content that we teach but also professionalism.
