EDWARD,
It is fun to start a new class because you get to meet new students, learn about their backgrounds and then share with them the course expectations. As teachers we continually get new students and get the opportunity to help them move forward with their career goals. These first class meetings are exciting for both instructors and students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I introduce myself; how to reach me; what course they are in and go over the syllabus. The part I enjoy is telling them about the projects they will be doing and how it will relate to there chosen career.
Making Your Expectations Clear
by: Floyd Mitchell Raines
During the first day of class I will take the syllabus and thoroughly go over the content and my expectations for the course and for their contribution. Then I will discuss ways of reaching the goals set out within the syllabus and how this is a work in progress and a journey that we are taking together. I find if you lay out a clear path of accomplishing the syllabus goals and the student can see the possibility of reaching those goals things get off to a good start.
James,
First class meetings can be over whelming for students unless planned well. A lot of information is shared with students and they need to be able to see how this information will benefit them as the course unfolds in the coming weeks. Expectations need to be shared and polices reviewed so everyone understands what the requirements are and how success can be achieved.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first class meeting should clarify all reasonable questions students might have relative to the course objectives. Moreover, the first meeting should make the instructor’s expectations for their performance in class. First meeting goals include students believe in instructor competence to teach the course, be able to predict the nature of the educator’s instruction, and know what the instructor requires of them (Lyons et al. 2003).
Reference
Lyons, R., McIntosh, M., & Kysilka, M. (2003). Teaching college in an age of accountability. Boston: Allyn and Bacon
The clearest possible way I use to make my expectations known is to put all of them in the syllabus.
I will go over, discuss, and answer all questions students may have during my first class after thoroughly going over the syllabus.
There are also additional school expectations I spend a good part of time on such as each class all students are required to wear their scrubs, only white T-Shirts are allowed under their scrubs, and only white shoes are allowed with their scrubs. This has to be covered each and every time I start class for the first three weeks usually.
I also spend a good part of time explaining each departments specific rules to each class. For example in our Respritory Therapist Department, the department head does not allow drinks in the classroom or cell phones to be turned on during class time. The Nursing Department does not allow their students to have anything other than water in the classroom during class times.
I also quiz the students during the first two or three sessions on the requirements and expectations of the class usually in a fun and spirited way.
Landis
MICHAEL,
How do you get this message across to your students to they understand and follow it? This is essential for their success in the course so they need to hear the message clearly.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To be on time and do good work.
Go over the goals for the class room in a simple term. Have student participate in group discussion.
Providing students with clear expectations in the beginning of a course helps provide an understanding between the students and the instructor as to what needs to occur on a daily basis. Depending on the demographic and age of the students, several techniques can be employed to set the tone of the class. One technique, that helped the students understand each others needs, was to have a group discussion on rules of the classroom. This provided a collaborative environment in which students were able to develop their own ideas and were more apt to follow and enforce them with each other.
Brenda,
Good strategy because that way everyone has the same information and can move forward in the class to achieve the goals and objectives that have been shared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I take time the first day of class to go over my guidelines and expectations for the class
Laneita,
Well said. College students have very selective hearing. It is easy for them to forget or claim you didn't tell them something about the course. I put all of the needed information in my syllabus and then I put a one page handout with the the requirements in bullets to give them as well. I always print this handout on colored paper so when a question comes up I can say "pull out your blue handout and we will go over the requirements again.".
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Karey,
This is such a good way to get everyone on the same page. By letting them know the expectations and requirements then the students can start thinking about how they are going to meet the requirements and have the success they want.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is bery important to let them know how they can get in contact with you. Making them feel that you are there for them can go a long way toward making them a better student.
You have to provide them with the black and white information. Some are so nervous they will not remember what is said. They need the concrete reminder. Even if they lose the paper, you will know that it has been provided to them. Spell out what is expected in as much detail as possible so they will be able to base their work on your expectations and grading rubric.
I read over the syllabus and set my guidelines for the class and testing so they know what I expect and the consequences of not following the guidelines
BRENDA,
Good way to get them settled into the course and feel comfortable with how the course is going to operate. They also get to express what their expectations are and then together you all can move forward in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In the beginning of class, after introductions, I always tell them what my expectations of them for the class are. I tell them that I understand that there is a lot to absorb the first day of class and if there are any questions to feel to ask me and I always have them written down for them as well.
This way everyone starts off knowing what is required for course success and they know the requirements are based upon what it takes for career success.
