Lourdes,
Students seem to have selective memories so the more we review and repeat course requirements and expectations the better. This way they cannot use the excuse that they didn't know because you have covered them several times.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to read them all the course requirements and also give them copy of the clear description of the course so students have prove of what's being evaluated in class and they can review it every time they want. Also it's always important to remind them what's coming for next class at the end of the class so they don't forget and hand in everything when it's due.
Michelle,
This is a good way to create a connection with your students while providing them with support as needed. They get to see you as their learning leader and a resource upon which they can call as needed. This is such a great position to be in as you help them move toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I was in school I always hated not knowing what my instructors wanted of me. I try to make my expectations as clear and precise as possible. I inform the students if I have made an error, to show I too am human. However, I leave an open door policy for them to come see me during office hours or e mail me with any concerns or questions. By doing this it allows me to keep a repore with my students and some who are struggling are less likely to fall behind.
so the student knows exactly what they need to do to complete the phase
Rodney,
The key to putting together the order of how things will unfold in a course is that the list be yours so you will be listing things, activities and requirements that follow how you want the class to flow and what components you want to list. So feel free to create your own in a way that works best for you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with this statement, especially when students are brand new to the school I find that this really helps to reduce their anxiety so we post the assignments online, I write them at the board for the following day and discuss them and my expectations for what should be turned in repeatedly. Communication is key. I found that I struggled a little bit with the activity on putting things in chronological order for the first day. Do you have the full order available as a handout?
When students know and understand clearly what is required of them, makes it easier for them to move forward. Their questions of "what", "why" and "how: have been answered and they can get things- assignments and projects done It gives them a sense of direction on what they are supposed to do and accomplish requirements expected of them.
Emeline,
Yes, this is essential. Otherwise students may be confused and frustrated about what the course expectations really are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to give comprehensive and clear descrition of the course requirements to avoid confusions and anxiety on the part of the students.
I think that it eases the minds of the students when they are clear of what is expected from them. Also because I give each student a copy, I can refer to them in cases when there are questions later. Giving clear course requirements also reassures the students that they are learning material that will be relevant to their career.
Amy,
You have outlined the reasons for a well prepared syllabus. This information I know will be valuable to other instructors, especially those that are just starting their teaching careers. Thank you for sharing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The syllabus is the best way to share your requirements with the students for completing your class successfully. Not only is it a hard copy for you to reference, but it also offers the instructor to lay out in a clear and comprehensive fashion all the details of the class. It covers attendance policies, grading policies and percentages, testing policies, behavior and participation policies, the textbook, and a detailed outline of the course with dates and deadlines. Addressing all these details thoroughly on the first day of class significantly reduces future misunderstandings about expectations and the course, in general. It's definitely been a learning process for me; it only took one time skimming the syllabus, believing that, as adults, my students didn't need me reading it to them, to realize that I DO, in fact, NEED to be very clear and thorough in walking them through it! Live and learn! I also use it as an opportunity to explain to the students WHY the policies are in place and the purpose they serve; they came about by necessity.
Yordy,
This is a must right from the beginning so the students see what the expectations are and can do a self assessment in terms of whether they think they can meet those requirements. They need to be able to see where the course is going and what it is going to take to be successful in it. If they can't they are going to be frustrated and anxious.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am agree with you. I consider a vital point and a key to succeeds in a course to have a clear class overview , expectations and when each evaluation and or other activities will take place.
prof Brito
Dave,
I wish you continued success with the list. I still use one to make sure I like you don't miss a critical item and short change my students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I liked the to-do list concept. I have done this in the past by incorporating the list into my initial class PowerPoint presentation. However, I will go back to a written list so that I don't forget to include a critical component.
James,
This is common because of the student network that exists in each school. As the learning leader you need to make sure they know who is leading the course and how it is going to be conducted. If this is not done it won't be long before control will have been lost by the instructor and then chaos will reign.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students sometimes have pre-conceived ideas about how a course will run. Sometimes this happens because of peer-to-peer communication that gets misconstrued.
Heather,
It seems that college students have selected memory loss when it comes to due dates and quiz times. The more you remind them the better and this helps to reduce their anxiety about not knowing because you have reminded them several times prior to the due date.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
