Well there needs to be no confusion, no guessing on the student's part, wondering just what is expected of them. Communication is absolutely the most critical component of classroom management as far as I am concerned, both instructors communicating with students, and students communicating with instructors. By the way, the communication is not just for issues, or problems, listing of requirements and expectations, but also communicating the positives both from students and instructor. I find this really helps to establish a sense of trust for all in the class room.
Hi Robert,
Good point. Clear concise directions and expectations help to reduce the stress and frustration that students experience at the beginning of a new course. This gets them ready to learn much quicker.
Gary
Giving a clear and comprehensive description of course requirements gives the students a specific direction the course will take and a defined set of expectations to which they will be held. The goal is to eliminate as much confusion as possible while giving the students a clear picture of where the course will take them and what will be required of them along the way.
Hi Lyn,
You made some very good points about the need for clear and concise information concerning course expectations. By doing so you reduce the number of logistical questions about the course and increase the questions about substance and content. This really helps to focus the students in on what is going to occur in the upcoming course.
Gary
Hi all,
Students lead busy lives and clearly stating expectations and requirements helps them to plan and manage their time efficiently.
The requirements are associated with evaluations (grades) - so students want to know what is due when and how these will be reviewed and graded. It would be unfortunate to miss an assignment or not leave enough time to prepare for any one of the projects, quizzes etc.
Sometimes a course calendar helps with due dates.
Once, I had a student ask me in the first session if I was a "harsh grader." :-) What a question!
I thought about it and responded that I would grade objectively according to the rubrics I posted for everyone. But, I also assured her that I would be going over guidelines, tips, and expectations, as well as important concepts for all of the units and assignments. I added that I welcomed questions from students at any time if they needed more clarification on anything related to the course.
Having clear guidelines provides a starting place, and something that we can all refer to but in actual practice, I still expect students to ask me about them. Lyn
In order to have a successful and meaningful course, it is important to give a comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements. This helps the students understand what they will learn and what is expected of them in terms of assessments.
Course requirements give students an idea of what is to come; this puts many people at ease. By having a clear and comprehensive view of what is expected of them, they have one less thing to worry about.
Hi Jayson,
The use or non-use of electronic and communication devices in classrooms is a constant challenge for educators. Just as sure as you make a policy about cell phones for example there is a request for an exception. This is why we need to talk with each other to see what others are doing in relation to these situations. This gives some additional input when we make our own decisions about their use.
Gary
I have encountered a few issues regarding smart phones and other electronic devices. My class policy is no phones, ipods, MP3 players, etc. during class time as I have seen phones used to google information at inappropriate times, texting during class, even phographing test materials.
One conflict I experience is the fact that one of the course requirements is a Portfolio of the student's work with color photographs - many of the students do not have digital cameras and therefore wish to use their phones for that purpose.
Hi Patricia,
Good point. If the students don't have a clear understanding of the course from the very beginning they will have a higher drop out rate when they learn what the true expectations are later on in the course. This is very unfair to students.
Gary
I would agree, even more so today. With busy lives and working students it is important they know what is expected of them when the class begins. Surprises down the road doesn't address their needs and may cause lower effort.
Hi Tony,
Clear and concise information about the course also reduces student frustration. They know the requirements, expectations and polices of the course so there is no mystery to how the course is going to be conducted.
Gary
The students need a clear and comprehensive description of the course so the student can better understand what the course is all about and what is expected of the student from the instructor. With out this there is no clear guideance for the student to follow.
Many students in school these days have families and jobs and need to know the extent of the work that will be expected of them and when it will be due. It will help them feel comfortable knowing what to expect at each class, when assignments are due and get them comfortable working ahead if they know they have conflicts with other things in their lives.
Hi Sabrina,
Good point. Consistency is critical for instructors. If they aren't they won't be able to manage the course effectively and then problems start to arise as a result of student frustrations.
Gary
Hi Lloyd,
Clear understanding on the part of the students is a must. This really helps to reduce the stress and anxiety on the part of the students.
Gary
Nobody seems to respect someone who changes the rules or tells you the rules halfway through the game. As a pivotal sign of professionalism, it gives students a framework which aids in learning, and also eliminates problems such as subjective hurt feelings. You are only following the the requirements you laid out, and students cannot complain therefore about you personally, especially since so many of the requirements are school policy as well.
A good comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements sets the stage for the rythm and flow of the course. It states what is to be learn by the completion of the course. This will help aid in keep the students focus for the overall end goal.
So that students are aware of what is expected of them as well as what is expected of the instructor. Even so, I find that there are always a couple of students in each class who claim they "don't know" about a particular aspect of the class that was well explained in the syllabus and on the first day of class. It is so frustrating!
I want my students to know from day one what my class is about, and what I expect from them.
