Sharon,
We all like to know exactly what is required of us and students are not exception. So the more we can help them understand the expectations the more engaged they are going to be in the course. Thanks for making this good point.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Clear course requirements at the onset of the course allow students to understand the expectation of each deliverable and allocate sufficient time to complete each deliverable.
Lindsey,
So true. When you take this approach you reduce student frustration and questions that are logistical in base. The students know what the expectations are and how they can be successful if they will put forth the effort. From there on then learning is the focus of the class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When you provide students with a comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements, you are providing each student with a solid platform on how they are expected to perform. I recommend providing a handout to the students that thoroughly explains the course requirements. The students will feel more confident if they have tangible piece of information that they can refer back to when completing course requirements if they ever feel uncertain about an assignment. When a student receives a comprehensive and clear description on their course requirement, the amount of grey and uncertain areas decrease.
MARIANNE,
This is so important because if you don't as you know the students are frustrated and as many questions over and over again. Clear and concise expectations equal a class of students ready to start the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Setting the instructors guidelines and expectations on day one is critical for both the students and the instructor. Students want to know from the first day what the instructor will expect from them and visa versa. A schedule of lessons and activities makes the course run more smoothly for all concerned.
Nazanin,
Good example of how to illustrate the value of the course content to the students. They are paying for a product and they need to see that they are getting a return on the money they have invested.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Clear instructions and requirments is like putting the price tag on a merchandise. Students know what they need to pay in order to get what is promissed to them. Missing price tags ruin customers' trust in the store owner/manager. This is true with the students. If they feel like there are no clear cut requirments and instructions, they lose trust and start wondering and making the wrong assumptions.
Regina,
Like your example as well as how you explain the value of clear goals and objectives. They are a must if your students are going to be engaged and focused on being successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In any new endeavor, at any age, we all need boundaries. Boundaries help us to stay within the 'safe zone' as we explore our new endeavor or environment. With a clear understanding of our boundaries we can quit worrying about the fence and just concentrate on enjoying the pasture. Clear course requirements set boundaries for students, and instructors.
Because students will know exactly what is expected of them in order to be successful in the class.
Wendy,
This is the worst way to start a teaching career. Nobody knew the expectations, outcomes or requirements. Sounds like you were able to take control of the class and sort out the various issues and create a sense organization for the students. I commend you for this effort and I know your students do. Keep in mind that teaching does become easier and when you start your own class for the first time you will see how you can lay out a plan of learning that will keep your students engaged and everyone forward focused.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My students had been through three different teachers when I arrived on scene....not only were they confused about who their teacher WAS, but they were confused about what was coming next, as the course outline was adjusted and changed due to teachers coming and going.
As a new (first time) teacher, I was as confused as the students were. I wasn't sure where to start, and they weren't sure where the class was going next.
Well, as a new instructor, I was brought in to a class that had already been in the program for several weeks, and had gone thru three different instructors. Not only were they confused about the course, but also about who their teacher was going to be. On my end, I was confused because I was not given a clear syllabus to follow and did not understand what the students had already been taught.
It eliminates confusion for EVERYONE, teacher and student, when the course is clearly outlined and expectations are understood by all.
Achla,
It is so important to get the students settled in and comfortable with the class structure. This way they can focus on what you are saying without worrying about how they are going to do in the class and if they can be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students are nervous on their first day of classes. They have no idea regarding the course. By giving clear course requirements, first of all we are putting them at ease. They will have a clear picture of what is expected of them. It will help them devise a strategy for studying and getting good grades.
Even the best students need clear expectations and requirements laid out from the beginning. It not only sets the expectations for the students, but it shows that the teacher is prepared and cares enough to put the time and effort into defining their expectations. I think students can appreciate an instructor not being needlessly rigid, but an instructor also cannot be too lax without losing the respect and motivation of their students.
Jacob,
Exactly! It seems that many instructors overlook this step and as a result start a class without direction and frustrated students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you don't give a clear description of what is required in the course how can you fairly expect your students to know what to do.
Hi Walter,
I often have more material than I can cover in a class time in case discussions or activities take less time than planned and sometimes I do not make it through all the material because discussions, etc. ran over a bit. Do you include that material in the objectives? Do you list it as time permitting? I always leave some material for the students to cover on their own, but it changes a bit depending on the pacing of each individual class.
