I give my student my own personal copy of what I expect and what they should expect to get from the class. I go over it in detail the first day of class and ask if there are any questions regarding my handout. It is a two page handout and the second page indicates that they understand it and they have to sign and return that sheet to me. This way if there is any confusion mid-way through my course, I can pull this out and remind them of what we went over early on.
I always introduce myself first and let them introduce themselves. This gives the class a warm environment. I always go over the syllabus, and tell the students exactly what I expect of them, therefore if there are any questions on what is expected they are taken care of on the first day
Quetittia,
Like the way you set the tone for your course. You inform the students right up front as to what they will need to do to be successful and then you help them to to get settled into the course through the ice breakers and introductions. Good foundation upon which to build future class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do the same, but most important I stress if they are not in class they can not learn. There is always a student that just cant get to class
The very first day after our ice breaker/introductions.
I actually tell them what my expectations are from them. I give them a syllabus and we go over it line by line. We go in details about assignments/grades/attendance, etc.
I am very stern and thorough with explaining all requirements in detail and ensure that they do understand by having them sign a statement of understanding.
KENNETH,
Does your school have a standardized syllabus or do you get to develop your own for each course?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
hi
I use a syllabus outline my goals for the course and expectations of the students.
On the first day of class, you should talk about all of your expectations as well as the schools...dress code, attendance, homework etc. Also ask what the students expectations with the course are. This usually prompts a great class discussion
My syllabus is complete with important points covered in detail. I answer any questions the students may have
Ed,
This is a great way to check for understanding while moving the students forward in the course. I commend you for the way you circle back to ensure your students are getting the content and if not providing ways for them to catch up.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One technique I've used with success is to jot down this phrase on the blackboard and have my students copy it. " Qui tacet consetit" which translates to "silence implies consent". I make it a point to let students know that if what is being taught is not getting through it is their duty to speak up other wise the implication is they understand. I want to insure sure students understand the material before they are formally evaluated (tests). On the other hand I make sure I do the same on their behalf. If I notice the work they are producing shows they don't understand the subject matter I will let them know and help get them back on track. Another related point I make is to let the students know we need to work together to get them the best education we can.
Cenek,
This is so important because it gets everyone on the same page in terms of requirements, polices and expectations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first day of class discussion includes:
Attendance
Dress code
Behavior
Homework
Course goals and expectations
Jim,
Like the way you open a new course. You get everyone engaged and on the same page in terms of information and comfort. This approach will help your students to be prepared for future sessions and what they are going to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
After a brief ice breaker, attendance, myself and student introductions are out of the way, I present a simple power point to introduce the expectations of the course. I incorporate the importance of attendance, acceptable appearance and dress code, emphasizing the professional nature of the program. I cover the grading policy including how missed and late assignments will be handled as well as any make up work if necessary. I go over what is acceptable with respect to the lab assignments and notebooks. I outline the time table for the class highlighting the need for prompt return from breaks as well as how laboratory exercises are conducted. I detail the student’s responsibility for housekeeping and laboratory safety. With a pause for questions and answer’s, the wrap up includes relating the positive aspects of expectation as viewed in the professional realm. Let the course begin.
Jared,
This is so important and it is good you take the time to cover this. They need to understand how important professionalism and career development is to their future success. Also, I really like the effort you put into them understanding that it is up to them to succeed. Just because they have paid tuition doesn't mean that they get an A, they have to earn their grades.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In the beginning of the class I review the plan for the day. What I expect of them to learn and achieve. Grading and etiquette. I find by reiterating this the students take more personal responsibility for their actions.
DANIEL,
This is such a good way to open a new course because it is comfortable for students and lets them get settled into the class while talking about something they know and that is their own life experiences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rebecca,
Important to establish the expectations right up front and then build on them from there. You are doing so and this gets everyone on the same page and thinking about what they need to do to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I will tell my students a little about myself, by back ground and what some of m out side interests are. I will then go around the class and have he students do the same as well as way they chose the class they did and how far they would like to go when they finish school.
