Hello Herbert,
I always put forth class and course expectations. I look upon these as a working contract between the students and me. One of the main expectations is that they read the announcements each time they enter the class. Frustrations occur because they do not do this. I am inundated with the same questions over and over again, primarily because they have not adhered to the faculty or course expectations. I know that repetition of information can be good, but what strategies do you have to just get them to read the expectations?
Hi Jared, I have never thought about asking students about their expectations of me in online classrooms. Perhaps it is because, during the chats (very few participate, but some listen to the archives.) I indicate how they can be successful in the course, provide that the follow instructions. How does this two way exchange work for you online? Do you see any improvements?
Yes, absolutely! We must set the example as well as meet certain standards and requirements as effective online instructors and facilitators. For example, we must meet deadlines for grades to be submitted or a time frame as to when to provide a response to emails. We should set goals as effective online instructors and continue to further our professional development.
I do feel that is it extremely important to detail the faculty expectations statement prior to the start of the course in order to be transparent and set the tone for learners in the online course. As an former online student myself, I felt it necessary to know upfront what the course and instructor expectations were in order to appropriate know how the plan for the course. As a result, fair and accurate grading can occur with minimal questions. ~Audrey Thomas
Troy,
Should there be expectations for faculty to grading and respond to students in a timely manner, etc. as well?
Herbert Brown III
I definitely agree getting student grades back to them in a timely manner is extremely important to the support of the student.
Establishing student trust, and supporting the student and being present in the learning environment.
Melissa,
These are all good expectations to provide students at the beginning of any course and will help alleviate problems in the course. In addition to student expectations, do you think there should be expectation for us, the instructors, as well? What might those look like?
Herbert Brown III
Faculty expectations are a way for students to fully understand what is expected of them throughout their online course. It is essential to set clear and appropriate expectations for learners such as further explaining the late policy, assignment and discussion requirements and expectations, and to provide instructor contact information. Also, it is helpful to provide a time frame as to when to expect grades and feedback to students. This should be readily available and provided at the start of the course.
After a few years of experience in online teaching, I think that one of the most important pieces of information students need to know from instructors concerns the expected time between submissions and responses from the instructor. When this expectation is clarified at the beginning of the course (and maintained), students are much more satisfied with the course. The main two response times students need to know are expected response time to student questions and to assignment feedback. I believe it is important to put a reasonable time-frame on each of these, state it directly, and stick to it. For instance, when students know that their assignment feedback will be posted within a certain number of days after it is due, they will not have to stress about when to look for that grade.
Kenjiro,
Do you do anything to ensure that the students actually read and understand the expectations? I include very clear expectations and still often have students say...."I didn't know that..." when it is clearly spelled out on the syllabus in the expectations.
Herbert Brown III
I feel that the faculty expectations should be stated clearly and in the beginning of the course. All of your expectations should be easily understood and inline with the rest of your faculty peers. Sometimes it is difficult to communicate your ideas and feedback clearly in writing online via email or chat session because the way people read, there is no body language or voice tone for the student to judge how your are saying something.
Maureen ,
It is hard! I enjoy the intrinsic rewards of watching student succeed in my courses. I used to take it almost "personally" when they didn't try to act like they cared. I now realize that all I can do is provide as much support as possible. What the student do with that is up to them. It is very rewarding when they take it all and exceed all expectations. If not, that becomes a learning experience for them as well.
Herbert Brown III
Christina,
All very good points. I include those same elements. Do you believe there should also be faculty expectations in addition to student expectations? Do you have any, what might those look like?
Herbert Brown III
I feel it is important that you state all your expectations as an instructor at the very beginning and then also ask the students what their expectations are of the course. This way you are able to become more of a facilitator. Students know your expectations and you know their expectations.
Heather
I agree, Herbert. I initiate contact all the time. Unfortunately, those students who whine and complain that they do not understand the work, generally do not accept the help offered to them. It is very frustrating when there are so many opportunities for a student to avail themselves of in order to succeed, that they do not take advantage of most of it.
Maureen O'Connor
I agree, Herbert. I initiate contact all the time. Unfortunately, those students who whine and complain that they do not understand the work, generally do not accept the help offered to them. It is very frustrating when there are so many opportunities for a student to avail themselves of in order to succeed, that they do not take advantage of most of it.
Maureen O'Connor
In order for online courses to be effective, students need to thoroughly understand what to expect in an online learning environment. From personal experience teaching in both a traditional classroom setting and in an online environment, it is evident that even if a student excels in a traditional classroom, it does not guarantee that they will attain the same success in an online course. That is why I think it's important to present an expectations statement in the beginning of the course stating that the students must be self-reliant, self-motivated, independent and not afraid to contact me for help to succeed in an online course setting.
Mountasser,
As I read your response I see that you include faculty expectations in your list. What kinds of things do you expect of yourself? Timely grading...?
Herbert Brown III
Michael,
In general, what types of specific things do you have in your expectations? Do you have expectations for both the students as well as you the instructor? Should we have instructor expectations as well?
Herbert Brown III
