Natasha,
I agree that both instructor and student expectations are important. We as instructors should be held to basic standards regarding providing feedback, clear direction, prompt communications and grading, be available at reasonable timeframes, etc.
Herbert Brown III
Faculty expectations are a way to proactively set the tone of the course, in relation to what is expected. I've also found that faculty expectations outline the expectations of the students, as well as the instructor, which can also be helpful.
I think it is important for the student to know that as they progress through a program, and despite the ease in which the previous course was passed, the further they progress in the progress the more challenging it will become for the learner. This is something I've always used as an explanation for the student whenever they tell me; "Oh!, but I didn't have to do that with the previous instructor", or "Nobody every told me I had to do this". So, whenever I give them MY answer, that the program is becoming more and more challenging (as opposed to saying difficult) the instructor, course and program will demand more from you as a student.
Joel,
I would agree that whatever your expectation, they should be clearly articulated to the students. I have found through many years of teaching online that if there is any ambiguity in my expectations that a student will find it. However, when it is found, I can reflect on it and make changes as needed to better myself and my course each semester.
Herbert Brown III
Jaclyn ,
These are all true student-focused elements. Are there expectations for the instructor in the course as well? What might instructor expectations look like?
Herbert Brown III
There are many elements that an instructor can include in their faculty expectations statement. Regardless of the elements he/she lists, the communication needs to be clear. Some clear expectations could be on:
- correct filename conventions and formats
- assignment submission deadlines and late penalties,
- what is being graded via a course or assignment rubric
- following correct APA or MLA formatting guidelines
- posting in the discussion boards
- live chat participation
- etc.
Setting guidlines and expectations allows the students to understand what they need to do in order to be sucessful. It allows them to plan accordingly for the work they are about to embark on which can assist with attrition. Guidlines also can provide the instructor support when a student challenges a grade.
Diane,
There are students that start online classes that might not be self-starters or well organized which are critical for success; however, that gives us an opportunity to help them with these issues and guide them to success. Providing clear schedules of coursework and deadlines and helping students manage their time. Breaking large projects in to smaller steps each of which you check to make sure the students are on track for a successful larger project. Providing extensive encouragement for the students and flexible help times and sessions. All of these things can help your students succeed.
Herbert Brown III
I found that many students do not have self control and are easily distracted when doing online courses. I think making it a more interactive course it will help greatly.
The importance of posting an expectation announcement is that is sets the tone and requirements for the course. This announcement is also the first interaction that a student has with the instructor. Given that the instructor opened up the lines of communication, this allows the student to ask question and ask for clarifications. The instructor in the expectations announcement can help the student understand the importance of the expectations and can decrease student frustration. The expectations announcement allows the students to achieve higher levels of learning since they are actively engaged in the learning process.
Walter van Poollen
Herbert,
I also seek to revise the course and faculty expectations as necessary throughout the course when it is relevant. Whatever I do change, I announce to my students and also email them about the change(s).
- Dr. Eileen Wibbeke
Kristina,
These are very "student" based expectations. Do you think there should be faculty expectations too? Is there anything that students should expect from their instructors?
Herbert Brown III
I believe important elements faculty should post in a expectations statement are to review:
1) academic policies
2) the course syllabus
3) assignment before each chat session (archived or live)
Furthermore, students should be reminder of deadlines, live chat times and online office hours.
No, not really, I didn't want to give them extra work - but maybe I could set up an discussion expectation thread - and make a posting saying something like..Everyone, please read the expectations and post your acknowledgement in this thread.
Steven,
Have you considered adding a short quiz or assessment on the contents of the syllabus and course expectations at the beginning of the course. This could serve several purposes: to document that students read and hopefully comprehend the material, to give students an early "easy" assignment to work on to get familiar with the course delivery, etc.
Herbert Brown III
I think expectations are a great tool - unfortunately not everyone reads them, which is unfortunate since so much time wasted could be avoided. I think very short to the point expectations are the best e.g., no late work… seems learners can pick these words up easily, and really wonder if late assignments are allowed.
Then I have an individual expectation with the heading, No Late Work, and in that I lay out the rules for late work, penalties, etc. This does seem to work for the vast majority of students, but there occasionally the one who didn’t even read the first post
Additionally, each week I reiterated a part of my expectations, e.g., if in my expectation’s I cover seven areas, in weeks 2, 3, 4, and so, I will post part of those expectations again, a refresher. This seems to also help learners understand.
Belinda,
I agree these need to be clearly articulated to the students. Do you use a communications policy that says when and how you will respond to students or is that only during office hours already listed?
Herbert Brown III
Mary,
The expectations you mention are primarily student expectations. Are there also faculty expectations? How can you be sure that the students have read and understand the expectations of the course - is that our concern?
Herbert Brown III
Important elements of the faculty expectation statement are:
Instructor's Name
Instructor's Contact Information
Instructor's Office Hours
Instructor's Live Chat Hours
Expectations for Assignments - how to post, where to post, when to post, due dates, etc.
Grading Descriptions
Academic Honesty Policy
Instructor's Late Policy
How to get Technical Support
Expectations should be addressed in the course syllabus and reiterated in the classroom post. Information containing how many posts are required, due dates and assignment information are all integral parts of the expectation communication.
