This answer is closely related to a Forum 2 question. The students must be aware of what is expected of them as far as which course material they will be responsible for, how they are to be evaluated, what the retake policy is and what the passing grade percentages measuring proficiency are. By giving a comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements, the value of what they are learning will hopefully be imparted to them, and within the discription the students should find the roadmap to their continued success toward their educational goals.
Experience has taught me that sharing comprehensive and clear course requirements is also a process of constant communication with the students. The key is to communicate these expectations often and frequently. I have them available in handout form the first day of class. I post this handout in my instructor files. I email the handout to my students. I also integrate and reiterate these expectations at the beginning of class for the first two sessions.
Everything we do ministers,
Jennifer Gaddy
The student will have less anxiety and a clear direction as to how to be successful with the course. It is similar to having a map to your destination, the more concise it is ensures the possibilities to successfully arrive. It then becomes the student responsibility to learn. I believe that the course requirements can make and break a program. It also reflects the instructor/director's vision, mission and style of instruction.
It's fair to the students to let them know what is expected of them. When presented carefully, this information can lead to them returning to class session #2 with enthusiasm because they will feel like they will succeed and that the course matters to them (and their career).
Hi John,
The answer to this question in part is a "it depends" response. It depends on the skill or competency level the students need to achieve for next level success. I am not a good test taker so I would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate my competence by doing a project or assignment. But, I should do it by demonstrating that I know the material in a way that gives me the knowledge base that I need to more forward with my courses or career. I think that extra credit needs to be evaluated on a course by course basis before a decision is made about whether to grant it or not. As you mention this can open a door that can be difficult to close if one isn't careful in planning how it will be earned.
Gary
What do you think about letting students know that there will be opportunities during the course period to enable them to earn extra credit? I am specifically interested in this as I continue to hear that some students are just "poor test takers" and notoriously score less than what their other performance indicates. To enable their overall grade to reflect their capabilities, should an instructor "open the door" early in the course for students to take advantage of this?
john armstrong
Giving comprehensive and clear descriptions of the course requirements help students to be successful. If students have clear description of what the course demands, they will be more willing to give it their all.
Students need to know what is expected of them and what to expect from us....Clear concise explanation of the course keeps misunderstandings to a minimum.
We all need to understand what is expected of us and the more we know the less anxious we feel about our performance.
Giving comprehensive and clear descriptions of the course requirements allow to students to be more prepared for what to expect in the class. I think it is important for the students to realize what they need to do in order to work to their full potential and to get the most out of the classes which we are teaching.
That way, it will be more clear for the students the subjects that going to learn as well their expectation.
Hi Alicia,
This is critical and I am glad you mentioned it in your comments. Confusion only leads to frustration and no one benefits from that.
Gary
It is important in being clear in your requirements because you need to be consistent and allow the students to see expectations and goals to achieve academic success.
It puts students at ease when they understand what will be required of them and see a clear path to that goal.
Giving this description also gives students the chance to discuss concerns and ask for additional clarification.
Hi Steve,
This is a great strategy because it gives you confidence in terms of where you are taking the course plus gives you a clear step by step method of delivery.
Gary
It is always a best to know, upfront, what the student will gain from enrolling in a course. How the material covered will assist in achieving the student’s academic goals and career plans. The student should be able to determine that he/she can manage the course and student expectations. Whether the student is comfortable with the teaching methodology and style the instructor is planning to present to the class.
In my experience, writing out the course requirement and then synchronizing the weekly classes with the assignments and grading system posted on the web portal is even more important for me than to the students.
Hi Lindsey,
So true. We, instructors have to keep our students informed about the course polices, requirements and assignments at all times. This is only fair as well as professional. If we spring things on them we are going to have class management issues that can be avoided if we only inform them.
Gary
I think it is important because it gives students exactly what you will expect of them in the course. From what I have seen students appreciate knowing what homework they are expected to complete in the class so they are not "surprised" half way through the course when you assign a research paper.
Thank you Caroll. I can't think of a greater time waster than a terrible road map. ~ Sandra
