Giving a comprehensive and clear description gives the students the tools to succeed. This communicates to the students what they will need to do to complete the course and to complete it well! Not conveying this information might leave the students confused about what they are supposed to do to succeed. Also, I think it would be unfair to not make this clear.
I appreciate the great job of providing a detailed list of what to include in this area. Great template for developing a great teaching style.
I really liked the video snipets! Help demonstrate the correct approach.
It is important to give a comprehensive and clear course description for the following reasons:
1) It proactively answers critical questions a stduent may have about the course and how they will expected to achieve a good grade.
2) It jettisons all grounds for excuses and places the student in total ownership of their learning experience.
3)It allows the students to asks questions at the time of discussion.
4)Pending student responses, it can give the instructor and idea of the caliber of students in the class room.
Louis-
I also make the course requirements clear at the beginning of the quarter. You are right that everyone needs to be on the same page. Additionally,each class meeting I outline what will be covered in class as well as what the expectations are for the week. Students who attend class have no trouble following the flow of the course. Students who miss frequently must rely more on the syllabus and condensed email versions of what was covered.
A comprehensive and clear set of course requirements is a must for every class. Without it, a student will be lacking one of the most important tools needed for the construction of their academic highway which ultimately leads to the student's successful completion of their chosen degree or certificate. Course requirements that are clear, concise, and organized help the student to be on-task, well-prepared, and can even be used to help stay abreast of the topics being discussed in class in the event they cannot attend one or more class sessions, which is a definite possiblity for some students.
By providing students with a clear description of the subject to be taught will provide them with a more direct guide of what will be comprehend and expected of them to be successful in the class. This informative information will make them aware of what is expected, book that will be used, and list what other mandatory materials that will be needed in order to be successful throughout the class.
Hi Roger,
So true. Once they know the expectations they then can set up a plan for achieving success in the course. Clear expectations also reduce student frustrations since they know what is expected of them.
Gary
Providing comprehensive and clear course requirements are important for several reasons. It provides the students on what will be expected of them through to successful completion of the course. It should cover in detail assignments, projects and lab work, participation, most of what should be described in the syllabus. This information should be as clear as possible, so students understand it without any uncertainties. In addition, this information will provide the instructor with back-up resources in the event, and hopefully not, that a student raises complaints and is discontent with the outcome of the course, or his or her grades.
so students are aware of what you expect
So that the students are aware of the course requirements from the beginning and that will prevent them from saying things such as " I wasn't aware that I had to do that".
Without comprehensive and clear descriptions of the course requirements, students may find it difficult to see the end goal to assingments, and learned knowledge. If everyone involved is visualizing interpretted goals, they all may be going in different directions, making class success more challenging.
Students retain information differently. That is why It is important to be as clear and precise as possible when explaining your course content and requirements. If you are unclear or jump around when explaining your course requirements, students may misinterpret the course to be something that it is not. If you are well organized and thorough students will have a better understanding and are less likely to have difficulty with the course.
The students I teach as an instructor are postsecondary career and technical students who are focused on moving into the workforce immediately upon competing their training. Clearly and thoroughly describing the course requirements helps my students to see and appreciate the relevance of the course, as well as the expectations for their successful participation in and completion of the course. This is helpful in sustaining their motivation and engagement with the course, which can be difficult for adult students juggling a number of work and life responsibilities.
For Student Success! Each student must fully understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from from the course. Misunderstandings of expectations from the start undermines what the instructor plans to accomplish and what the student hopes to achieve. Vague or open-ended course requirements may be misinterpreted by the student leading to a disappointing educational experience.
Andrea, that is a very good point you made about diminishing misunderstandings. Also, as 'things change' during the course of the class the instructor is responsible for assuring that students understand and are not confused. Thank you !
I have always enjoyed continuing education as well as teaching. Based on these experiences I believe that comprehensive and clear course requirements are essential for the student's success and best possible outcomes. Beginning new course work can and should be a challenge to the students, however both as student and teacher we all need to understand how to reach our goals and objectives. Herein lies the vital role of communication that defines all course requirements. This is much like having a good map to follow on a journey. The student must bring initiative and ambition for the journey of learning and the teacher must help guide, encourage and inspire an interest in the subject to be learned. By taking the time to give clear and comprehensive course information and requirements the teacher gives the students a good foundation for the best educational experience.
I teach several different courses and I find it to be important to give the class the requirements necessary to obtain academic success. Since the institutions have provided me with a syllabus, I feel the students should have a copy so they have a good understanding of what is to be expected from them. Unfortunatly, I have to spend class time reading it to them because if I don;t, they will only stick it in a binder and never look at it again. I also hand out specific projects and homework assignment on the first day of class which student say mysteriously disappears. The concern I have with my adult students is their lack of responsibility, after all my concernes are not just my own and how can the instructors provide quality instruction if the students will not do their part?
By doing this you are setting the standard for what the students and class will be aiming to achieve. There is no mystery about expectations in the course. They are all spelled out. Everyone involved can see them, ask questions about them, express concern and if need to modify them and come to see why they are like they are. I you assume anything you and the class are doomed to fail right from the start.
Hi Cynthia,
Good point. Knowing right up front sets the stage for success and reduces frustration about whether or not an individual can be successful in the course.
Gary
Hi Cheryl,
This is a great story and one I can relate to. My brother-in-law is one of the grab it and go vacationers. My sense of order doesn't allow me to be that way. I want my agenda planned out which gives me piece of mind as I travel. This is why your point about what our students need is such a good one. They do need to see how the course will unfold and what the expectations are. This way they can focus on being successful without wondering what the requirements are.
Gary
