Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements
Why is it important to give a comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements?
In my opinion, providing a comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements allows the students advanced "warning" of the course expectations so that they are better able to plan their lives to promote success. I think this is imperative with adult learners who typically are juggling work, family, and school responsibilities.
My students need to know from the very beginning that there is a short time for them to learn what they need to past state test.
comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements set the tone for future out come and full fill the course requirements
It is important to give comprehensive and clear descriptions of course requirements, because clarity at the onset will minimize problems down the road. Also, it will increase the likelihood of academic success for the student if they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them in the classroom.
I usually have my syllabus ready as they come in to the classroom and also I send them an email version of syllabus. giving them options works well and stating deadlines on the board and on email is one way to be clear and concise to students
Edwin,
Yes it does and it gets everyone on the same page as the course is getting started.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It gives the su=tudent a better picture of what is expected during the class and how they can reach that goal
Vanessa,
Seems like I have such students every session. They do have selective hearing and reading when it comes to quiz and due dates. By taking the approach you do and holding them accountable through the syllabus you have meet your professional obligations and helped the students to see that you are expecting them to meet the standards you have set for the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have had a few students who feign surprise at the weekly quizzes even though I informed them several times during orientation and the first day of class. I also have them listed on the syllabus. Apparently they have selective reading and hearing. I see the merit of having them sign the syllabus so that when there is a question of a grade we can refer to that initial contract.
Paul,
Right you are. This keeps the flow of the course going from one session to the next and reduces confusion on the part of students about what they need to do in order to be prepared for the upcoming class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is a good habit after summarizing the day’s events and answering any questions on those topics, to review the requirements necessary for the next class and to discuss upcoming due outs for projects or assignments. That way everyone is clear on all of the expectations for the immediate future.
If the students don't know (or weren't clearly instructed on) the course requirements, how could they possible understand why they will need to put in the time and effort to learn the material you will subsequently teach?
If they can know the course requirements, they will have a basic understanding of what they will learn, how they will be tested on it, and, most importantly, how that will lead them to eventually working in the field.
I think at a basic human level, we want to be able to anticipate the future to a certain degree...I believe that knowing what to expect puts us at ease and gives us confidence. There is no worse feeling than to have someone expecting something from you without telling you what is expected. It erodes confidence and fosters frustration.
Eric,
You make a key point when it comes to being clear and concise in explaining the course requirements. These gets everyone on the same page and thinking about what it takes to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Why is it important to give a comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements?
Unrealized expectations are the source of frustration. By giving students a comprehensive (and clear) description of the course requirements, students are informed on what will be necessary to successfully complete the class. This should eliminate confusion on the assignments that they will need to complete and provide a map for the conduct of the course.
Landis,
By following your strategy student frustration and anxiety is reduced. They know the expectations and requirements and they can strive then to meet them. It should never be a mystery as to what the instructor wants in terms of course outcomes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do not feel you can set good expectations without giving comprehensive and clear descriptions of the course requirements.
If your spend the extra time and clearly describe the course requirements in your syllabus and thoroughly explain them in the first class session you should never have any issues come up that calls into question the course requirements.
Even on a weekly basis I have my syllabus lined out clearly with each weeks course requirements and expectations.
So far I have not had an issue arise about the course requirements and expectations.
Landis
GERALD,
Good way to get the new students on the same page as the veteran students. By having them sign the document you are helping to hold the accountable for their own learning and understanding. This sends a very important message their their success is going to depend on their effort and self discipline.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Whereas I have new students blending in with returning students quarterly, I take the new students on the first day to explain program policies and procedures. Most are in document form signed by the student and put in their student file. This helps remind students who are in conflict that an agreement was signed.
