Making Your Expectations Clear
What methods or techniques do you use to make sure that your students understand what you expect of them?
Dr Meers, communication is critical to success. A lack of communication will fuel failure, and lead to disillusionment. Before my retirement from the military, I used to make it a point to tell mys staff to ensure that they told me what they heard me say. I found that what I thought I was saying, and what they heard me saying, were not the same. There is no greater issue, than to get down the road, several weeks or months later, and find out that the staff and I were operationg on different wavelengths. So, the communication in the classroom has to be two directional, or multi-directional, with all of the students. We are all dealing with different issues, and we all come from different backgrounds. As the instructor, you have to ask what they heard, and hear what the say. If you don't failure will follow...for them, and for you.
I let my students know the expectations in the very first part of the first class. I have found that students are more comfortable with me and the class if they know what the expectation are. Also What i find to be very important is to let them know when they meet and don't meet my expectations so they can make adjustments if needed.
I begin the first day of class, clearly explaining the course syllabus and academic policy and procedures for the school. Then proceed with a discussion of the course objectives.
The methods and techniques that I utilize to make sure students understand what is expected of them is to model the desired behavior. I arrive on time for class and professionally dressed. I also address my students in a respectable manner. By doing this, I desire to convey to my students that promptness, dresscode, and mannerism is very important in all aspects. I also discuss as well as handout rules and regulations for my class on the first day. I have the students sign acknowledging that they are aware of such rules and regulations and that they have received a copy of it for their records.
On the first day it is important is be clear on what will be covered during the course, the assignments, homework and lab activities that need to be accomplished by everyone. This gives the students a better understanding, and helps prepare them for the learning experience.
we address what we expect from the new starts on the day of orientation.
Then again on the first day of class with both the current and new students
I go over the rules of the campus as well as what i expect from them and give examples why i expect it.
*Uniforms, shirts tucked in-Look & Act Professional
*Be On Time
*Treat as coming here is like reporting to your job.
*Safety-Safety-Safety
*When Lab & Homework Assignments are due
*NO Question is a Dumb Question-This is why your here.
*Go over the course Syllabus
I think clear expectations of what the students must do and when. I like to give flexibility on homework, as one of the classes I teach does not build topic to topic. But some students take advantage and leave all to the last day of class, frustrating my efforts at giving them a quality learning experience.
On the very first day I explain in detail what I want from them and what is expected for the course
Everything that I expect from my student is clearly stated in my syllabus that I give and review with students on the first day of class. I have students sign this syllabus and I keep a copy of the signed syllabus.
Tiffany,
This is how you create a foundation upon which to build the course. By letting students know expectations they can concentrate on how they will meet those expectations needed for course success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Outline the course goals/objectives and clearly review policies such as: dress, attendance, participation & behavior. Also review tests, papers, etc. and review when these will be due and how these will be graded.
This is essential. It is also very essential to lead by example while making your expectations clear. For example, if you are requiring students to be on time for class, it is essential for you to be early to class.
Nancy,
Demonstrations are as you say a great way to help students to comprehend content. The more senses you can incorporate in the learning process the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think having demonstrations is the best way to enable students to comprehend the material you need them to remember.
Lisa,
Yes, it does and the class then builds from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Veronica,
Good point about how accessible you are to students. There needs to be boundaries so students do not abuse your accessibility but also be accessible as in a way that shows your students you are there to support their learning efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Starting the class off on a great foundation will provide for a very productive class.
I agree with this statement but i have found that some students feel you are suppose to answer your phone even on weekends so I make it very clear that we all have Jobs and Families so please keep that in mind.
Norma,
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing it with us. I know it will be of help to other instructors looking for ways to get their students to review their syllabi.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
