Get Your Students Hired
Deborah,
Based upon the experiences you had with your teachers I am sure you are going to be able to lay out clearly your goals and objectives. This way your students will know what the expectations are and how they can meet them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As I reflect on my teachers I have had, the expectations, objectives, requirements and so forth we're outlined completely the first part of the first class. I knew exactly where I stood and had a clear path of where I was going and to what lengths I was going to go through. I hope to be able to do the same for my students in a clear and concise maner.
Theresa,
As you know from your teaching experience students need to have repeated information. So the more ways you can present it to them the better. Talking about the day's plans, goals and objectives, listing them on the board, giving a handout with them are all ways to reinforce what is going to be taught and what the expectations of the students are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At the beginning of each week writing on the corner of the board, I put each day's plan so the students can see the week at a glance. It also helps when the student is going to be, they know the lesson to do.
Brian,
This is a good strategy to follow and I like the way you focus on the expectations so the students are clear on what they are and how important you see them in terms of course success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I go over the syllabus with my students, I make sure that everything is clearly described and understandable so that the students know what is expected of them so that there are no surprises. The most important expectations I spend a few extra minutes on so that they know that it is important
I outline the course and try to add context within the chosen field of work to show relevence of the course goals, topics and requirements.
Tierany,
I am sure your students enjoy this as well as they get to recall and share what they have been learning in preparation for the upcoming quizzes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to ask a lot of questions to my class, quizing them over the previous class' lessons. I thouroughly go over the sylybus
I think it is extremely important to give a clear expectations to the students. I know as a student knowing what was expected of me always made me more comfortable in the class. Explaining the expectations on the first day of class is important but it is just as important to revisit your expectations during the entire course of the class. I clearly put what I expect in the syllabus and try to touch basis during the rest of the course.
Jessica,
Your last sentence is a good one because it seems that students especially college students develop selective memories when it comes to due dates, projects requirements, etc.. So the more ways you can communicate your requirements to them the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am always careful to provide written instructions for all activities that the students must complete. I also provide verbal instruction for each assignment in addition to the written instructions. Students are also encouraged to ask questions either in class or through other means of communication such as text and email. I always tell students that unasked questions lead to confusion and misinterpretation of information. Never make assumptions, but instead know what needs to be done.
Anita,
Great way to let your students know you are there to help them be successful. This way they know they have a learning leader and it is up to them to make sure they put forth the needed effort to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
MacDameon,
How do you share the course requirements with your students? How do you hold them accountable for having reviewed the requirements and knowing they are ready to proceed to the next step in the course?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Usually one the first day of class, I make sure I am the first person there and great everyone as they come in. We usually do not get the class roster until the first day, so I have to quickly pull it up from our campus web site. Once I know everyone is present, I welcome everyone and write the course name and number on the board along with my credentials. I then hand out my set of “class rulesâ€, which covers attendance/dress policies, what happens if they miss a test or a quiz (with and without a Doctor’s/ emergency excuse), the consequences of cheating and plagiarism, policy on the use of cell phones in class, I stress being respectful to each other and myself and finally I stress, that it is my job to get them to understand the material that is going to covered. I let them know that I am a computer “nerd†with a MAC and a PC laptop on my desk at home and if they are worried about asking a question in class, they can always e-mail me, this includes any questions or concerns they may have. My policy is to get back in contact with them in less than 12 hours (we generally have 2 hour classes, twice a week). I also stress to them that I am also available on weekends or if they prefer we can have a completely confidential scheduled meeting. I also do the 3X5 card method to get to know what they expect from me, where they see themselves in 5 years, and their likes and dislike (just to name a few things).
My expectations based on the career field and those expectations needed to reach the career field needs both soft and hard skills. I use my experience and success in that field to relay those needs to them.
Making students understand the requirements in the first day of class gives them a expectation of what they are agreeing to. A clear agreement which gives them support in moving forward.
Nichelle,
You are most welcome. You have a great attitude about the impact you are making on the lives of your students. By being consistent in your expectations and sharing them with your students in a way that reduces misunderstandings and confusion helps to move the students in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Good evening!
Students need to know from the beginning what is expected of them. One of the biggest mistakes I made as a beginning instructor is having one one thing listed in the syllabus, but not sticking firmly to it with my actions. Students should be held accountable for their actions at all times. In the real world, not doing so will come with penalties. Thank you for taking the time to read my response.
Nichelle Ancrum