Hi Michelle,
Students need constant reminders about upcoming deadlines and due dates. So the more you can keep these dates in front of them the more likely they will meet them. Good job of reminding them on an ongoing basis.
Gary
Hi Cynthia,
Good to hear that you have a well thought out approach to the first class meeting. I used the signed contract with my classes for the reasons mentioned with good results and I know you are going to see the same thing when you use this method.
Gary
Give the students everything they will need to be successful in the class, other than their own motivation. This may include handouts, copies of the syllabus and time to answer questions concerning instructor expectations. Be sure as the instructor to enable the student every opportunity to clarify and understand what they need to do in order to enjoy and get the most from the learning experience.
My students receive a calander at the begning of each class that highlights important dates for the class and lists the dates that tests are to be taken. I also write on the board these same dates and times as well as a quick outline of what a typical week in the class will be.
I was surprised that most of the expectations that I discuss with my classes on their first day was repeated in this course. I do like the idea of the signed contract as I believe it will not only help with future problems regarding class work but allow students to focus on what they are reading because they have to sign it.
I make sure I put everything I expect from them in the syllabus. I also review this with them and answer and clarify any questions they have about the syllabus.
Hi Kevin,
I like to give my students guided notes that follow the PP. This way they can concentrate on the PP slides and complete the guided notes without having to write everything down. Without guided notes the students feel like they are in a race to write everything down before the instructor goes to the next slide. With guided notes the key points are listed and they fill in the supporting information as I go through the lecture.
Gary
This is important in both didactic on campus settings, online, and at clinical. There needs to be a guideline in which students can follow this will result in less stress for them in the long run
In my clinical rotation I am very interactive with my students. By being interactive it allows me to assess their skills and knowledge without putting them in a unconfortable envirnoment. I also use handouts and their own assignments to show them what I expect. And at the end of the day I like to ask the students if they have any thik they ould like to share that would increase the other students learning.
SO is it good to do a power poit lecture and hand out the power poit bullets before you do the lecture.
I give my students the syllabus and take my time to go over it in detail. Also, I give my students a written version of my expectations in which they sign and get a copy. That way when class policies are not followed by students I can point out that they have signed my expectations and that this is a binding contract between myself and the student.
Hi Henry,
With clear expectations you can get your students focused on their opportunities to be successful in the course. This is what builds respect between you and your students.
Gary
I give a short fun quiz after going thru the syllabus and the school rules/policies. I turn it in to an online type of Jeopardy game -- it is fun and reinforces what we just went over in the classroom.
It is important that all students have a good understanding of what is expected of them. By handing out a well structured syllabus prepares the student encourage success in the class.
Handing out a course objective and going through it with the students usually helps. It is important to be visual as well as to instruct. Students learn best that way.
I agree Dr. Meers. As an instructor it aids in keeping the class session on task as well.
Hi Krisy,
Students have a very short memory so you do need to remind them frequently about the course objectives and assignments. By doing so you help to keep at the front of their memories why they are in school in the first place.
Gary
Breaking down your expectations throughout the course is a good method. As an instructor I can mention the weekly learning objections at each class meeting.
Hi Christie,
So true. A well prepared syllabus as you know reduces student frustration and increases the understanding of students about course expectations and requirements.
Gary
Hi Katrina,
Wow, I am aw at the experience you are bringing to the school setting. I like your standards. We need to set the bar high for our students because those that meet the standards are those that are going to be successful. I am amazed at my students that do poor work, don't come to class or not good with social interactions and can't figure out why they aren't hired.
Gary
