Going over the syllabus...
How does going over how seriously you take the course motivate a student? Shouldn't that be a given?
Hi Crystal,
Your comprehensive approach in sharing all the components of your course through the syllabus and supporting materials is a good one. As you say this should reduce the basic questions that students have about the course. This will let the students know you are serious and that they should be serious as well. It also should a serious message to those students that aren't as focused as they should be concerning the upcoming course.
Gary
I have noticed that if you do not give a clear cut understanding of the syllabus, your expectations and how you will run your class that you have students that will try and take advantage of you. I have many students who show up and always do what is expected of them. I have other students who think I should bend over backwards to let them make up labs, homework and quizzes becuase they are just plain lazy and didn't want to come to class let alone contact me to inform me that they would be missing class. I even go over forms of communication that are acceptable like email and my direct phone line as ways to contact me becuase our front office does not always get the message to us. I feel by taking the first class to be up front and forward about the class content itself and the policies and procedures I would like the students to follow they know what is expected of them and I spend less time trying to make accomodations for those students who do not take me seriously. I have my class sign that they have received the course syllabus, content and class expectations.
Personally, I think that by going over the syllabus and showing your enthusiasm for what is up and coming in the class will motivate a student.
Hi Catherine,
Good point about not leaving anything to chance. You have to be clear about your expectations, requirements and polices for the course. This will help the students to get settled in comfortable with the course from the very beginning.
Gary
I think showing your commitment, excitment and experience on the very first day will help set a positive tone for the entire class. I would not leave that to chance. Often students are somewhat apprehensive on the first day particulary. Personally, I would not assume anything is a given.
I also agree. going over the syllabus verbally its crucial. When you tell you student what you would be expecting from them and them from you its very important. that way you will setting your ground rules on day one.
Absolutely yes! This is your foot in the door, an opportunity to set the tone for the entire term - the students begin to know you by the way you present the information, how questions are answered, if you're serious about attendance, work being turned in on time, etc..
I agree. It should be a given. It provides the framework of what is expected
I agree. It should be a given.
Hi Marcus,
Simple answer is yes, it should be a given. But, in many cases it is not. You would be surprised how many instructors do not project how serious they take the course or their field. These instructors encounter class management problems and then wonder why. By showing the students the "value added" benefit of the course and how it is a critical part of their future you can show them both why and how you are serious about the course.
Gary
Going over the syllabus helps me to set my expectations for the class and the students.
