Faculty Expectations
One important element is to request that students be vigilant about checking for announcements pertaining to the next class session. I ask them to check 48 hours before the class session, to see if any items have been added, deleted, or adjusted from the course syllabus.
Often, due to holidays and the pace of a particular class, the course syllabus is modified throughout the term... by checking on announcements the class participants can keep pace and avoid feeling like the instructor has "surprised them" by adding or deleting class content.
Carolyn,
I agree with you and this approach. I use it with my classes and as a result student questions, arguments and frustrations are greatly reduced. The course information is there for them to see and process in terms of requirements and due dates.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
An issue that I have found in teaching online is learners who have different expectations for the online course and instructor. To keep learners from becoming frustrated with their expectations not being met, we have created a faculty expectation statement that all faculty post at the beginning of the ocurse to ensure that learners understand what they can expect from the course and the instructor.
What do you feel are important elements of a faculty expectations statement that can help set the appropriate expectations for learners in your online course?
I feel that when your expectations of your students is listed for the students to see then they seem to perform better. I have found if you list what you expect and maybe even grading rubrics for the assignments the students know right off the bat from day one what to expect. Also I have found it I list the policy's I expect on the home page and email them it tends to decrease the emails of "well, I didn't know that" etc.
Tamara,
What a great compliment to you as a professional educator as well as an advocate for your field. Even not liking Psychology the student learned and benefited from your course and the model you were of a dedicated communicator.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hello Dr. Vaillancourt,
faculty expectations are very important because they are the standard setting mechanisms for the academics department. It is important to relay expectations with regards to grading, late policies, discussions and communication in the classroom. Instructors are more apt to fulfill these expectations when they are outlined from the beginning.
Indeed...you know I actually had a student once tell me "I took two classes this last session--Psychology with you and Algebra with another instructor. I love math and have never liked the social sciences, so I was dreading your class. However, you let us know at every turn what was expected and how to improve. I believe this was what allowed me to be successful. I still do not like Psychology, but I wish every class (including my Algebra class) was this well organized." I suppose that the moral of the story is that clear expectations can be the novocain for nearly any painful course. ;)
Tamara,
You make a very good point about the role of the instructor in helping them to understand the expectations of the course. Knowing they have someone that is supportive of their efforts and is there to help them if they will put forth the effort is so important to their engagement in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Phyllis,
They have to know what the expectations, requirements and polices are for the course and they need to know this right up front. If they don't they will spend more time trying to figure things out than focusing on the content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that the idea of a faculty expectation statement is a good one--I have done something similiar in the past. Elements of such a statement should include references to:
1. meeting course objectives (what the school/instructor wants to see to ensure they have understanding/mastery)
2. how the course can help the student in their program of study/career
3. how to best spend one's time (is the focus on studying for exams or listening/retaining information from lectures?)
4. what to do with instructor/peer feedback (view and tuck away or actively use to help with future assignments)
However, my belief is that a written statement can really become lost in all of the other "statements" that we bombard students with. So my belief is to provide this information in various ways (e.g. post in the course expectations, briefly discuss during the first lecture, re-visit it at the mid-way point of the course, then evaluate "how we did" at the end of course survey). I believe that approaching this topic in different ways and at different points in the course help a student see that even if their expectations are somehow disappointed--you did your part throughout to help them understand.
I think it is important to state what you expect of the student. Basically it is your set of rules that you would like the student to follow. I think giving them a set of guidelines lets them know how to follow along the course.
Faculty Expectations should include:
Response times for discussions
Response times for student questions (via email or discussion areas)
Grading deadlines and feedback expectations
Presence in the classroom
Handling of incompletes
Handling of academic honesty issues
Requirements for live chats (times, duration, content)
There are many more items, but these are some of the important ones.
Kurt
Monica,
Very good. These are all very helpful in creating a successful class atmosphere.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Jeremy,
The foundational components of your class communications are critical. Each teacher has their own style and use of the communication channels in a class. Students need to be aware from the beginning.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Posting a bio in the announcements allows the instructor to share their education and experiences with the class thereby allowing an opportunity for the students to connect with the instructor.
Also the announcement should include the instructor’s hours of availability as well as contact info. In addition to tech support if the student encounters assistance.
Office hours, Grade turn around, email timing.
Communication needs to be understood from day 1
Augustine,
Great perspective. I like the metaphor. Thanks for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
To me faculty expectations are the same as rules of engagement. Clearly written faculty expectations minimize frustrations on the part of students and the faculty.
I think that important elements must include: 1) Grade determination scheme (grading rubric), 2) Assignments deadlines and consequences of late assignments, 3) Quality of work expected, 4) Consequences for plagiarism, 5) Manner of communication in any discussions board platform, 6) Assignments make up, 7) How to resolve any disagreement with the faculty, and 8) How, when, and mode of communication with the faculty.
I feel that it is important that students post their discussion questions on time. In addition, students should submit their assignments on time per the instructions. Also, students should feel comfortable approaching the instructor for questions and further clarification.
Debbie,
Well done. Thank you for contributing your practices.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
