The first thing I do is write my name, the class name and section, and the time of the course. The biggest thing that I do to claify my expectations is to not rush through the syllabus. I go through each section thoroughly adding additional information as I go along. I also refer to the assignment sheets as I go along too. The syllabus sets the basis for the course along with the instructor's enthusiasm about the course. Enthusiasm is one of my strongest assets as an instructor.
Hi Shelly,
This is a very good idea. The use of the websites increases the accessibility of this information to students at anytime. I use this method and I find my students referring to the site all the time.
Gary
Hi Jo,
I am very big on reflecting business/industry standards in the classroom. We are training our students to be successful in such settings so we need to get them used to meeting these standards. One of the big ones is the meeting of deadlines. I really have to push this one hard. Our culture is one of apathy in many situations, meaning time lines are meant to be ignored except when it is something for them. Keep up the good work in this area.
Gary
I usually tell my students in clarifying my expectations for the course that attendance and meeting exercise/project deadlines are of utmost importance as this is what will be expected of them in the field of graphic design—a deadline oriented industry.
Prepping the students on this industry standard in the classroom with generous deadlines considering their skill level instills in them the importance of meeting deadlines and not missing instructional material. Feedback is more frequent as well and advances their skills to be successful in their next exercise or project advancing their success level in class.
Hi William,
Great way to set your students at ease. The email is an important touch as well. The students know you are concerned about their success and want to keep them informed. The more communication the more students will feel involved in the class process.
Gary
Hi Jo,
The use of a calendar is very important. With a good syllabus and a clear calendar you will have done much to reduce the fears and concerns of students. They know what is coming and when, even when you have to make adjustments it is still an important guide. Well done.
Gary
Hi Greg,
When students have a clear understanding of the expectations and requirements of the course much time is saved in getting the class started. This is why the syllabus is so critical. The idea of explaining that the syllabus is a form of a contract between the students and yourself is good as well. It helps to up the stakes in terms of why the students are in the class and what you want to make happen during the coming course phase.
Gary
I have used the syllabus and also created a website to the coures to go over the objectives and offer additional learning tools that could be useful in the course.
Shelly
I always prepare an 'addendum' to the standard school syllabus. This addendum covers each weeks topic, chapter, scheduled quizzes, tests, projects due etc.. I go over all the material carefully. Additionally, I always send an email to the students a couple of days in advance of the start of the class telling them the addendum is posted on line, what chapters or other material to read in advance, what my office hours are etc.. Then I always show up 30 minutes early to the first class.
Hi James,
You make a number of good points but one I want to highlight is the one about going over the program mission. I think instructors often forget how important it is to help students create a future for themselves by understanding the mission of the program. What is the college and the specific course dedicated to do for the student if the student will invest the time and effort to acquired the knowledge and skills?
Gary
I tend to ask questions of my students and check for understanding. I also use demonstration at times. I will ask a student to demonstrate a concept or answer a question relating to the material. I also have assignments that I give to follow up the material to ensure that they understand the concepts discussed.
I also try to include a calendar for every class that I teach and include a disclaimer as well at the bottom of the calendar that instructor may change calendar at their discretion. I do try to keep the tests on the same days however.
I find it is helpful for me as well to stay on track and to give students a way to visually see what is coming up and when deadlines are. Most of my students are very visual learners and a calendar just seems to be another way for them to understand course content flow.
More often than not I make edits along the way dependent on the students background and grasp of information.
I use the Syllabus as an instructional tool the first day of class in live classes. I explain to them that the syllabus is a contract between me as the instructor and them as students. My end of the bargain is to deliver the material in a way that they can comprehend and their end of the bargain is to comprehend it. My syllabi have always included my expectations of them as far as attendance, grading, etiquette, office hours, accessibility information, due dates, goals, objectives, and etc. They know what each class section will cover and activities to be completed. The students also know which readings they will need to complete prior to a class.
-Greg
Taking them through a point by point discussion of the syllabi and addendum. Discussion of the text, resources and supporting materials I/they will be using. A reiteration of our program mission. Having them sign a contract that states that they understand these expectations.
Hi Steven,
Way to go in creating a solid foundation for your students. By having the expectations and requirements they know what will be coming in the coming weeks. They can get comfortable with you and the class and then move forward with the class.
Gary
Because so much of student nervousness stems from their not knowing what teachers expect, I make my expectations clear in the first session, both orally and in written form. I then encourage questions at that time and also hand out a form they can use to pose a question or questions they would rather not ask publicly. Getting those questions out of the way at the beginning goes a long way in smoothing out the road ahead, alleviating much of their unease.
Hi Jay,
Good idea to have the "syllabus quiz". With an online setting you can include the students in the process by having them search through the syllabus to get the knowledge needed for the quiz plus they are learning the contents of the syllabus as well.
Gary
I review the course syllabus in details with the students and also allow plenty of time for folks to ask questions. Also, in an online setting I have found it helpful to have a "syllabus quiz" in which students answer questions regarding the most important class expectations and policies.
Hi Linda.
I use an addendum to my syllabus like you do and I really like the results I get in using it. The addendum is very focused and gives all the details of the course. I print mine on a different color of paper so it stands out from all of the other materials and handouts they get at the beginning of the course. I then can refer to the "blue" sheet throughout the course and they know which one I am talking about and they know their success is dependent upon their completing all the things on the "blue" sheet.
Gary
Hi Luis,
I like your approach of showing the students how your course fits into the sequence of their education. Many times students miss the fact that there is a reason for them to take certain courses at certain times. Having this understanding will help to keep them motivated as they can see the progress they are making toward achieving their career goal.
Gary
