Hi Laurie,
Keeping students informed and current on course happenings is critical. You are doing that with all the communications you are having with them. This way they can ask questions about the content not spend time wondering what is going on.
Gary
Keeping it light and having EVERYTHING written in a syllabus/addendum. By the time I have the students in class they have had 2-3 quarters together already--- 8-10 1st days. They all know each other and roll their eyes about the name/getting to know you schtick....any suggestions on that(I still need to get to know them but it's a real yawner for the class.)
For getting across how important this particular class is they are in for their progam and continuing through it, I ask questions the 1st day about previously learned info. (simple stuff)I guess this would be like taking a quiz for baseline. I do the "quiz" outloud as a group(not individual-so not embarrassing) so they can all see what they do and do not remember and how much each class builds on the others.....Many times they feel nervous about how much they have forgotten and how much they need to keep on top of everything...all the time.
There are a number of ways to help students focus on course expectations. This begins with the creation of an effective syllabus that outlines course objectives and expectations as well as due dates and an outline of assignments. This is a foundational guide for students and something they can consistently refer back to as the course progresses. I also post announcements and send emails each week to keep them on track and remind them of expectations.
Laurie
What methods or techniques do you use to make sure that your students understand what you expect of them?
Disseminating our expectations to students early and often is the key to minimizing student frustration. This can be done through welcome announcements and emails very effectively in an online environment. Additionally, weekly feedback that is individualized, substantive, and constructive will not only further clarify the course expectations overall, but will also assist the students in knowing what assignment-specific expectations are being met and what expectations need more attention in an effort to meet the overall course expectations.
Hi Carrie,
The practice quizzes I know really help the students with expectations. They know the format of how they will be assessed in the coming weeks. Helps to reduce some of their fears and stress.
Gary
Hi Stephanie,
This is a great way to call attention to upcoming events and deadlines. It also helps them get settled into the course as you mentioned.
Gary
I make sure they have a clear understanding on the first day of what is expected of the progress trhough the class. I give them practice quizzes so they can practice and know in advance what the course will refect.
Since I teach in an online environment, I use a "Housekeeping" announcement posted in the first class. It is somewhat lengthy and detailed, but it provides all of the information recommended in this module. It provides the students my expectations right up front. They have fewer questions about their grades the first week and feel more comfortable about their ability to succeed in the class.
The first day is key when we go over the syllabus and my accompanying addendum. However, I have found that students quickly forget as the quarter goes on. I try to remind them at the ends and beginnings of classes when homework is due and when a test is coming up. That and I always have extra copies of the syllabus and addendum available during the quarter as well as posted to BlackBoard.
I often check to see if students have the syllabus with them.
Always use a syllabus with all requirments.
Hi Alicia,
Good plan to make sure the students are clear on expectations and requirements of the course. The daily critiques of preparations gives them immediate feedback so they can work on improvement each day.
Gary
Aside from introducing myself at the beginning of class, I talk about the course outline and go over our class syllabus one day at a time. I talk about when they can expect to take an exam and certain quizzes in between. We talk about what is expected of them and when at that time. In addition to that, we give daily verbal critiques on items they have made for us, one by one, so that they learn how they can get the best grade posssible by the end of the term.
Hi Rachel,
The key point is to personalize it. You are doing that by focusing on them the core reasons why they are taking the course and then expanding from there.
Gary
Hi Sarah,
Way to go in making your course expectations, requirements, and polices clear for the students. This way they know from the very beginning what is going to occur and when.
Gary
I break down objectives in direct relation to the industry that we are training them for.
Besides handing out and going over the syllabus addendum in class, I tell students there will be a quiz on it. Then I give a quiz on it either later that evening or at the next class period (day). Then we go over it and (with a different color pen) they can add to or correct their answers and I grade them on their cummulative answers. I also post the addendum, all assignments and anything else I hand out in class on our class website (Blackboard)
I find that get involve my students by reiterating to them what are their core values for taking the course that they are taking. By doing this it helps them to understand what one another's expectations including mine and that of the class and of the school are.
To Expect is to be Expected when material is clearly defined.................
I remind my students as to why they are here and to keep sight of what their goal is, by doing this it helps students to stay focused with both my expectations of them as well as their own.
Hi Richard,
Sounds like you have a very supportive method of teaching. There is always a lot of concern when it comes to anything related to math as you well know. By letting your students practice and question all along the way you are helping them to see the sequence of problem solving and how algebra can become a part of their daily life.
Gary
