Clearly, detailed information regarding student progress assessment tools and methods (graded requirements)is a very important, perhaps the most important, element. Students are naturally going to be most interested in fully understanding what is expected of them in the course... and, this understanding must include the full range of graded event standards, from specifically what constitutes failure to specifically what constitutes excellence, and everything in between.
It's my personal opinion that this is often most effectively done by not only describing the standards in detail, but by then supporting those descriptions w/ some examples.
Again, this must be done comprehensively. All graded activities must be addressed... papers, tests, quizes, forum discussions, etc.
Barbara,
Your re-focus on the learning goals is so right. Sometimes we get caught up in the processes that we cannot clearly see that they are a means to an end. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
James,
That occurs all too frequently. Some instructors require a reply email receipt, reading and understanding of the expectations. Unfortunately, this extra step does not ensure reading, but it does remove the excuse of 'not seeing it' from a subsequent conversation to correct the issue, because they have provided their own statement to the contrary.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
This is interesting and I wonder if this really differs between online courses and traditional courses? I agree with some other posters that course policies need to be clearly stated (due dates, late penalties, etc.). Also, the learning goals should be clearly stated along with the material to be covered each week in the class.
I provide a detailed overview of what my expectations are for students. The problem that I find is that either students dont read them completely or they ignore them altogether.
Lori,
Indicating 'both sides of the coin' is a good way to let the students know you are in it with them. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Nichoe,
Very astute observation. Now that you mention it, that does seem to be relatively common practice. Statements of consequence are necessary for clarity, but sometimes additional "sugar" can help the medicine go down. Thank you for sharing your insight.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
An expectation statement sets the tone for the class and communicates what you are looking for in your students.
I have an expectation statement which details my responsibility, my responses in the discussion and when grade will be posted.
I also include my contact information, library resources, tech support phone numbers, and my office hours. Classroom etiquette, late assignment policy and my plagiarism policy is also explained in detail as well as including my grading rubrics.
I also include what to expect from an online course if they have never
I believe that the faculty expectations should have clear goals, grading requirements and also encouragement. Often, the documents contain punitive statements but little encouragement for students.
Frances,
Yes, this is a very important point. Miscommunications can create unnecessary challenges.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Frances,
Frequent 'check-ins' for new postings and information can be a very valuable process.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Frances,
Your reminder of making students aware of the resources available and understanding of the 'offline' work is right on target. Thanks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Being specific is important as Sunday deadline may may different times to different people. Also noting that they may have to change their deadline based on their own time zone may also help students to understand exactly when an assignment is due.
That is to true about the students checking new announcements that have been posted. They should also check their school emails for any new items that could change current information.
Some of the elements that would help online learners is to let them know how the assignments will be graded, as well as the late policy. Some students may think that since it is a "self-paced" online course that there are not any deadlines for assignments. Also, the students should be made aware of the resources that are available to help with the online platform and the assignments such as information on tech support and any online learning center labs that are available for a particular course. Reinforcement of student participation and offline study time should be included so that students have an expectation that the course involves study time and work on their part.
Deborah,
Yes, these all should be included. Thank you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think the faculty member should state the late policies. S/he should also review the learning objectives. APA standards should be communicated. Academic dishonesty policy should be reviewed. The grading Rubric for each assignment should be communicated to the learners.
George,
Your focus on timely and accurate feedback ("...open and instantaneous communications" and "...know what they signed up for.") is something of which some instructors do not maximize the benefit. Thank you for your excellent contributions to these discussion forums.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
With the syllabus and other materials introducing the student to the class in a broad way, I have a set of expectations that I post (online) for the student. It is available as soon as they can access the classroom which is three days before the actual class begins. A roadmap of where we are going with the course is also provided and I encourage the student to read all of the assignments to see how they accomplish the course objectives. All in all, they know what they have signed up for. I am a breed of instructor that likes for the student to have open as well as instantaneous communications with me since as well as an instructor I am a facilitator. To that end that can attend one of my weekly three office sessions and/or two chat sessions. They are encouraged to instant message me whenever I am on line, have access to a voicemail bow, my work and my cell telephone numbers. (I know that many instructors have some consternation concerning the last and maybe the last two methods but I have never had a problem as far as an abuse of any mode of contact. ) So, accessibility allays student fears.
Les,
Excellent groundwork. These are foundational points to starting a class oriented toward student succes.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
