Making Your Expectations Clear
What methods or techniques do you use to make sure that your students understand what you expect of them?
Hi Aquila,
Good way to create a solid information base for your students. They know from the first day the course expectations and then they can work to achieve those expectations due to the clarity of your information.
Gary
On the first day of class, I have handouts that explain all the rules for the school, the syllabus and also the prospectus. During the first hour we walk through each handout and so that there are no gray areas. I encourage the students to ask questions and also try to help them be more comfortable because some of them have not been to school for many years.
i let them know that I am a person before I am an instructor. I clearly state the classroom policies. I also discuss the need to do the work. I let the students know that I am approachable and I will work with them if there is a legitimate problem.
By having a clearly defined course syllabus it will enable you to convey to the student the necessary information to successfully complete the course and by discussing it in the first class.
Hi Jennifer,
This is a good thing to provide to students as they need ongoing reminders of due dates and expectations, even when they have been covered in the syllabus and first day orientation.
Gary
Hi Kerry,
This is the way to get the class off to a good start. The foundation of respect and understanding goes a long way in creating a supportive learning environment.
Gary
A very detailed outline showing not only lectures but due dates for projects and tests.
I do the same. It's a great strategy that has worked with every class
The tone for the course is set at the first meeting. Be clear and concise from day one. Have a great syllabus ready to hand out on the first day right after introductions. Be at ease so they will be at ease. Be fair but be firm. If you are wishy-washy they will see that as a weakness and tend not to respect your wishes. Repeat what you expect of students often--once a week is not too much. Stay in touch with students--get feedback--to know if you are communicating as well as you think you are. And again, repeat often what your expectations are.
I always go over the syllabus and ask if there are any questions.
I give them a syllabus, handouts, and other documents to reinforce what I expect of them in the class and what they need to learn to succeed in the class.
Hi Larry,
Good strategy. The more application they can see the greater the impact the content is going to have on the students and the higher the retention of content is going to be.
Gary
I tell them, and then I demonstrate the differences between positive and negative outcomes. In this way they have a model.
The requirements spelled out in black and white minimize confusion and misunderstandings.
Is vital for students to have everything clear from the beginning. I make sure that every part of the syllabus is to understand and i answer questions about it, as well as assignments to be covered.
I give the students an addendeum the first class that illustrates exactly what is expected of them.
By providing the syllabus along with a course prospectus the students have a clear understanding of what to expect. I also spend a large portion of the first class reviewing the expectations that I have as an instructor along with the expectations of the student regarding what they hope to attain from this class. I think it is important to form a clear line of communication to start the term so that issues do not occur that were not anticipated.
It is vital in teaching 5 week modules that I am very clear with my students about what is expected of them and how those expectations can be met. In the first class I introduce my self and tell the students a little about my background. I also go over the syllabus detail with them and answer any questions. In most of the courses I teach there is a final project or paper. I find it beneficial to the students to go over this in the first class and to give them specific deadlines for the work they have to do. Attendance is a problem with some students, so I tell them what I expect from them and we go over the school's policy so theie can be no doubt.
Yes, I agree with you. If there is no surprises, the student has nothing to complain about. Having everything spelled out helps the student stay organized as well as the instructor.
C. Hetzel RN MSN
