I give out study guides with objectives listed so they know what to learn.
I sometimes have students take a syllabus quiz (which I make very easy, and they can use the syllabus during the quiz). This helps to ensure that students have, in fact, read the syllabus and understand course policies and procedures.
In the course syllabus I try to make the content clear and to the point. When I'm reviewing the content, I try to use metaphors to help students see what I'm getting at. For example, when I discuss plagiarism, I use the metaphor of different levels of crimes: misdemeanors and felonies serve as excellent metaphors for different kinds of plagiarism (unintentional verses intentional) and traffic tickets for mistakes with citations and references seems to make sense.
Dominick,
Taking this approach reduces confusion and frustration on the part of students. They know from the beginning what the expectations are and how they can achieve success in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I ensure that the students understand how the course will operate from day 1. Test, quizzes, assignments, course project, etc. will all be discussed during the first week of the course.
Johndrea,
If your students are like mine they have selective memories when it comes to due dates and expectations. You reminding them throughout the semester is a good strategy even though they have already received the information via the syllabus.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I make my expectations of the class very clear the first class. But I also remind the students during the semester of the the expectations to keep it very clear.
First and foremost, I make sure that I have a well-prepared syllabus. At the first class meeting I will go over grading scale, grading categories/weights, course policies/procedures, and general expectations. I continue to re-iterate expectations throughout the semester.
I like to go over classroom expectations with all students and will continue to remind them atleast once per week.
This is a difficult thing to accomplish. I tell them how they can earn each and every point that is available. I read the rubrics that I have developed for each graded part of the course and we discuss them.
A clear, well written syllabus that tells the students the grading policies and student expectations goes a very long way in establishing clear expectations. Discussions or answering students questions on the first day of class when reviewing the syllabus in detail will eliminate any unclear areas for the students. Documenting the questions of the students will also aid later in the course if the same questions are brought up again. Modelling professional behavior and holding myself to the same and higher standards than I hold the students allows them to visualize what is expected.
I tell it how it is , i am still relevant to my teaching field
Heather,
Your emphasis on student responsibility is a key element in terms of student success. You are letting them know that they have to meet certain standards if they are going to provide the level of medical care required. They need to see your passion for your field and the enthusiasm you have for teaching about it. These two elements in addition to your experience in the field establishes the fact they they are going to be studying with a dedicated learning leader in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use a syllabus and go over it in detail. I make annoucement posts every week as well so they have an online resource to use if they are not following the syllabus. I also have a very detailed discussion with them on day one and then again to explain what the class is about and the level of professionalism I expect from them. I teach medical courses and this isn't just math or english. We have the capability to severely injure someone physically. So I expain how you must be precise and professional. We are in school and in the lab, but we have serious work to do. I have to prepare them for real medical situations and to be professionals. When they leave my hands they represent what I have taught them and the school they come from.
Clear communication is vital to make sure students understand expectations.
The method used to make sure students understand expecttion is reviewing the syllbus and course handout
Leslie,
Like both lists because they form the foundation for the development of trust and respect for you and your students. It is upon this foundation you can build the development of rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to keep expectations simple and not have too many. I usually let my students know these four expectations:
To be on time
To dress and act professionally
To be ready to work and have fun
To be honest in the work and behaviors
I then clarify these expectations by offering examples of what meets the expectations and what behaviors do not meet expectations.
I also like to ask the students what they expect of me. I usually get from them:
To be on time
To treat them with respect
To teach them
To help them when they need help
WAEL,
Good strategy to have for your instructional effort and your students. We are not serving our students if we set our standards for them too low. We need to reflect the standards of our field so our students will be successful when they leave school and enter their field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Because no one rises to low expectations, I always set and maintain high expectations for student performance which are calibrated to student preparedness and ability. I use syllabi, assignments, course website, and conversations to set these expectations for my students. The first day of class I make my expectation very clear and repeat these expectation several times throughout the semester.
