A comprehensive and clear description of course requirements makes your job as the instructor alot easier during the course and allows students to understand what the course entails from the very beginning. Many questions students may have will be cleared up right away with a detailed syllabus and curriculum outline.
Hi Peter,
Like they way you explain course guidelines. Too many instructors run out of gas long before they reach their destination.
Gary
If students don't have a established set of gudielines to follow, then the whole of the course will not make sense to them. Course requirements are like gasoline to an automobile.......without them you will stall and be stuck on the side of the road of education...
Hi Mike,
How do you share with them your course expectations? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
so students know what is required and expected of them.
Hi Dawn,
So true. Learning should not be a treasure hunt unless a map is provided. In this case the map is a clear set of expectations shared with the students.
Gary
Hi Edith,
Good idea. This lets you customize your assignments to the current class of students. This is a very important aspect of instructional planning and teaching effectiveness.
Gary
Hi Ruby,
You are giving them not only knowledge about how to be successful in the course you are giving them strategies for studying and learning. This is an excellent way to set the stage for success.
Gary
Hi Karen,
I think it is time well spent for your students. Knowledge of course expectations, policies and requirements reduces anxiety and helps the students focus on the future.
Gary
Hi Grace,
I agree. This way the students know how they can be successful and what effort they need to put forth as the course progresses.
Gary
Hi Stephanie,
So true. Reducing anxiety sets the stage for success. A frustrated or anxious students is not a candidate for learning.
Gary
Hi Melissa,
Good point. Expectations that are made clear reduce frustration and anxiety for students. The class will progress as scheduled and everyone will have comfort in knowing the reasons for what is being covered.
Gary
Hi Patricia,
So true. Like taking a trip with no destination. You are moving but not sure where you are going nor when you will arrive.
Gary
Students need to know what to expect from the course. Since we promote time management techniques, it will assist students in planning and preparing for the studying, projects and tests if they have clear expectations, and will cause less anxiety!
It important so that the students will have a clear understanding of what is expected of them
I find that the first time I teach a course that I usually list the chapters that will be covered but do not necessarily define the homework/activities required for each chapter at that time (i.e., TBA). This allows me time to make sure that the assignments are meaningful, relevant, and are appropriate to the class learning level. Usually this information is available from previous instructors; however, I like to develop my own. Sometimes classes are assigned at the last minute and makes this necessary.
This is important because it gives the students clear expections of them during the term. This should be done the first day of class to keep students on the same page as the class progresses. The syllabus covers the course requirements, I encourage them to ask questions about anything on the syllabus, or otherwise, they are not clear about before we start the class.
In addition, I emphasize to them to prepare for class by reviewing the study questions and key terms at the end of the chapters and go to websites related to the course for more information. This was helpful for some of my students that were slow to speak up in class.
One must give a clear description of the course requirements in order to eliminate confusion and frustration on both parties, instructor and student. I review the syllabus in its entirety to review expectations, subject matter, grades, etc and refer to this document occasionally throughtout the duration of the class. I spend approx. have the class time reviewing the document for questions, comments or concerns. Using this time to set the tone of the class compliments the learning atmosphere.
Sharing comprehensive and clear course requirements give students a clear understanding as to what is to be expected and how it relates to their career goals.
I believe it is important because you want to ease the students' anxiety about the class. They want to feel included and not left in the dark of what is going to be expected. This is also true for quizzes and test. If you give the students an overview to what is expected on the quizzes or tests, this allows the student to be comfortable taking the test or quiz.
