Making Expectations Clear to students new to college
Would like feedback on getting new students to college to understand what expectations are and to follow through
I find that making myself available through after-class time and email is another valuable way of re-emphasizing expectations to those who may be a bit "at sea" when it comes to college. I generally give my students a supplemental sheet along with the syllabus with some extra information--my contact information, available hours, and a bullet-point list of various things to expect. These generally include what to do if you can't make it to class, my late assignment policy, and just how much work they'll be doing.
I think it is always helpful to let students know where you stand on all situations that can occur in the classroom, that way they know from day 1 what is expected of them and how they can achieve.
Hi Ingrid,
Either one will work. For example I teach a Foundations of Career Education course. I have the students write a "Want Ad" for their area, the I have them write a "News Release" for their area and end up with them writing testimony to be presented before a legislative committee. By doing one part at a time each assignment is independent of the other in one sense but really they aren't because the want ad is 50 words or less, the news release is one page and the testimony is three pages. One builds on the other during which I can help them to get better at expressing their thoughts and writing. The end result is a major assignment that is almost assured of being of quality due to the previous activities they have completed.
This method helps the student to keep from getting overwhelmed with an assignment.
Any questions let me know.
Gary
So would you suggest mini-assignments that leads up to the projects or maybe doing bits and pieces of a project over time so then at the end of the semester the students can put it together as a complete assignment?
Hi Ingrid,
Have a well developed syllabus that explains clearly what the course polices, requirements and expectations are. I like to give a separate assignment sheet as well where the assignments are spelled out and due dates are given. Then I have the students do a simple assignment that is due the next week. By simple they are going to be able to do it and can do it on time. This assignment gives me a chance to show them they can have success but they must due the work and hand it in on time. This is a conditioning process that helps them make the adjustment from high school or being out of school for a long to time the college setting.
Gary
