Tammy,
This is what being held accountable should be about. Students like to use selective hearing when it comes to due dates and project requirements. By signing that they have received and read the syllabus they are putting themselves in charge of their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nichelle,
Good way to share course information with students as well as help them get prepared for the first class meeting. You are also holding them accountable for having read the material so they have an idea of how the course is going to operate and what the expectations are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Review the course syllabus with them. this will assist them with understanding the goals; objectives; rules; & procedures of what is expected.. then have them sign a document the course syllabus was reviewed to provide accountability. hopefully this process will promote student 'buy-in' and alleviate anxiety for them to be successful.
Approximately 72 hours before the course begins, I post an welcome message to all students that includes a brief synopsis of the course, a little background information about me, and key expectations of the course. The syllabus is also posted in the same time frame, and includes detailed information on the following:
1. Instructor contact information;
2. Title of the course, course objective, and textbook and supplementary materials;
3. Attendance policy (including how to withdraw from the course if needed);
4. Detailed explanation of each assignment requirement; and
5. And a day by day breakdown what will be covered each day of the course, as well as assignment due dates.
On the first day of class, I review the syllabus verbally, and reinforce that the document will be strictly adhered to. Students are also made aware that they can contact me about anything pertaining to the course.
The methods that I use are the same as what was described in the block of instruction for “Day 1 Events.†I also ask the students what they hoped to achieve from the course and how it would/will affect their professional lives.
Having a clear expectation in writing and having them read and sign it makes for no misunderstanding.
Elizabeth,
I like the idea of having them sign a document that says they have received and read the information. This puts accountability on them and this is as it should be since they are in college and adults. Many of the students want to be treated like adults but want to be cared for like elementary students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do the same but I have it written out and all the student must read a sign this the first day of class.
Give them a write out of what is expected and have a Q and A so that they and I can ensure that they all understand where I am coming from.
Dorothy,
Like your style because the students have chosen to be in college and they are preparing for their future. They need to treat their classes like their jobs and be there and be prepared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When setting expectations for the class, I try to incorporate examples. I hope it helps to clarify and set the new students at ease.
I believe in making the outline simple and direct for example we start class at 900, you need to bring this book each class, there are only 2 absences allowed per semester etc...
Kelly,
This is a good point because the students come into courses with diverse backgrounds and experiences. They need to have the goals and objectives shared with them so their backgrounds and understandings fit the course goals and objectives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Susan,
This is such an important foundation to create with students. Then you can build on the foundation because everyone understands what the course expectations are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Most people want to do the right thing or fulfill what is expected. This cannot happen if objectives, goals and expectations are not clearly outlined.
I make my expectations very clear the first time then it is understood from the beginning
Robert,
Can you explain how you do this with your students?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
state your expectations, be firm but fair.
Nanyamka,
Good point because the syllabus can be a part of the selling process in terms of getting students excited about what is going to be covered and how they are going to progress in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Steven,
Good way to hold the students accountable for having received the material and reviewed it. The quiz will get them to thinking about what they know and don't know in terms of the upcoming course and the requirements.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
