I use a standard syllabus that I go over verbally with the students so that there's no confusion on what's due and when. I reassure them that the projects will become more clear to them every day they attend class and that I'll reference a technique or information as a reminder.
I really use most of the first class meeting to discuss the syllabus. I also create a more specific course addendum that we talk about. I also give them 'concern slips.....' Pieces of paper for them to jot down anonymous questions for me to answer outloud later, next week.
Making sure the students have a written copy of your expectations that are reviewed with them the first day of class is key. Questions can be asked by the students and clarifications can be made as needed.
Judy,
I agree with you. It is a great idea to put all your information in the handout but discussing the information is the best by way of getting your point clearly across because some student don't take their time to read the course outline and thereby requirements.
I tend to write down the information in a handout, then discuss it out loud and ask questions.
We have a defined syllabus that we are to use. It definitely includes all of the items which we went over in this module. Besides course content,goals and objectives it contains grading and uniform policies,homework assignments, textbook information and much more. I find that it helps to give a sense of structure to the first part of each new class that is helpful. The students begin to recognize what they will have to deal with at the beginning of each module and it gives them a degree of comfort even in a new class. This also gives us, the instructors a good solid guideline for beginning each class.
To make sure students have a good sense of what is expected of them is a q/a session. This always gives students the opportunity to expand on their understanding of rules and expectations.
Hi Robert,
You have a very comprehensive approach to getting your students started in a new course. I include information about the expectations, requirements, and policies in my syllabus but like you give my students an additional handout with details on the assignments. I have found this to be more effective in getting them to zero in on the assignments and to meet the course deadlines. Has this been your experience as well?
Gary
My syllabus for each class details the course content, material covered, specific assignments and when they are due, how the class will be conducted, cell phone policy, etc. I go over all of this as part on our first class meeting, including a Q. & A. session so the students can clarify anything they may not understand. In addition, for specific assignments like term papers, presentations or research projects, I provide a separate handout that details the assignment, what I am looking for and how I quantify the grading.
Hi Dianne,
This is a great approach. Low pressure because it really isn't the first day of class but informative since they get the course information. I am sure the first day of class is very positive since much of the nerves have been taken out due to the orientation meeting the previous Thursday. Keep up the good work.
Gary
So that the students are not so nervous on the first day of class, I have a preorientation the Thursday before the start on Monday. I hand out the syllabus and all other material and spend about 45 minutes going over all my expectations for them and all that they will accomplish. It gives them the weekend to digest the information and if they have any questions before Monday they can email me. It has been a effective tool for the start of my class. It is like a ice breaker. They are a little nervous on the first day but they already know my expectations and it as proven to be a fun day for them
Hi Albert,
Good way of informing your students about what is going to happen in your course and what you expect of them. This creates a very good foundation for them to develop from.
Gary
Hi Ty,
I understand about the fingers flying situation. I have the same problem at times.
The recounting of your experiences is a great way for the students to see how you have progressed in your career and that you are a former student yourself. Sometimes they forget that we all have paid our "dues" in learning our skill and that we didn't just come upon our knowledge. We had to work hard to acquire it. What a great set of experiences you have had, thanks for sharing.
Gary
Hi Ty,
Great example. Thanks for sharing it with us. You are right about the need to reduce frustration to the minimum. Expectation also translates into success once the expectations have been met. This is what are students want to achieve with their studies. This is how they will meet the goals they have set for themselves.
Gary
Hi David,
Well done. What ever way you chose to let the students know your policies, requirements, and expectations you are making it clear what they are. This way there are no surprises. Keeping them informed is critical to teaching success and you are doing that.
Gary
I have handouts with a detailed list of activities we will be doing each day. Techniques that will be demonstrated.
Timeline for projects,the days that quizzes and practicals will be done. Course grade breakdown.
Office hours. Suggested reading and the text.
Web-sites.
My last answer did not answer the question! My fingers were working too fast and hit the submit button.
My first class is spent pretty much the way this module otlines. I do spend time with the new students by asking them what motivated them to chose the Hospitality Business. I break the ice by relating to them my first job as a 12 year old dishwasher in a my hometown's French Restaurant in England. How that not only did I get paid but the Chef fed me as well! This method works for me and the students tell some great stories on why they are at school.
I remember a regional V.P. explaining to our management team about drawing two parallel lines one above the other with a two inch space. The top line represents "expectation" the lower line represents "delivery" the space in between is called "frustration". It is when the delivery line meets the expectation line that the frustration disappears. I think our new students
have an expecation from us and when we do not deliver they get frustrated! So, it is extremely important for us to be ready for them on Day One.
The first day, I either hand out or display on the overhead the syllabus. I have used the overhead to cut paper usage lately, but still offer a hard copy for those desiring one. I also like to list some of the relevant things they will need to have learned in order to be successful in the industry, and how those things are integrated into the course. But it is also important to explain the grading standards for the labs, tests and term paper, so they understand what I will be grading on. And finally, I give a little talk about participation versus test grades, and explain that the two are integral and each has its virtues...and that neither by itself is adequate for the challenge.
Is to be set day one and renforced.
