Hi Jason,
When you are telling them about the course expectations what have you found to be the most effective ways to get them to remember those requirements?
Gary
I walk through what was expected of me as I proformed day to day in my field, and what I expect of them as their mentor, leader, guide, and role model. The same pressures provided to me by my employers I return to them with the emphasis on being on time, prepared, and ready to move the obsticles of the day ahead, one at a time. I teach at a trade school.
I repeat what my expectations are, give the students a written copy (where appropriate), ask the students specific questions related to the expectations.
Hi James,
You make a good point. This is my experience as well. I have a separate assignment sheet I hand out in addition to the syllabus. This sheet has the dates, assignments and grading rubrics on it. I also post this sheet on Blackboard so they can look it up online as well.
Can't ever have too much information for them as they get started in the course.
Gary
UP front I tell them everything they should do to learn.
I lay it out cut and dry what I expect and how the students are supposed to act.
Written project milestones and rubrics for how I will grade each phase of the project. I find that when the project specs and milestones are written on paper there is less questions on the students' parts after they get their grades back that they didn't understand certain things.
I used to just explain the project specs and milestones and expect students to take notes but unfortunately many thought they could remember it all and of course they forgot.
Hi Emma,
I think you find that the quiz will help to reinforce what you have covered the first day plus they will see how much they have learned in such a short time. You can have fun with this when you review the quiz with them the next class meeting which will help them to get settled even more into the class.
Gary
Hi Christine,
Good way to start the course. Using your syllabus as a contract and planner helps to reduce confusion and frustration by students. They know what you expect and how you are going to proceed. This is key to their success.
Gary
In addition to the outline for learning in the classroom, I also give very clearly written expectations about attendance, punctuality and professionalism in the classroom. It is a model of what is important in the work place.
To convey my expectations of my students I give them a coarse overview and a breakdown of how their grade is comprised. I emphasize that in order to succeed they have to study and stay on top of the learning that is going on in class. I urge them to ask for help and extra demonstrations when needed. While going through this module I had an idea to give them a quiz at the end of the day that will cover some of the things I go over, such as 3 tools that they can use (that I have reviewed in class)to help them succeed in class. I think this will help to reinforce learning and make sure they understand their resources
I use my syllabus addendum to make expectations known. Any quarter that I have a problem about expectations I address it next quarter.
I take time to explain my syllabus and expectations to the students on Day 1. I then reinforce some of those things on a daily basis by going over some of the specific things I want to make sure they understand. Things like the attendance policy, their assignments (and what each is worth towards her/his final grade), and the format of that days class is clearly defined the first thing every morning.
I tell my students that my syllabus is like a contract between each individual and me - it outlines what I will provide to them; and in turn, defines what I expect from them in return.
Fear.........Not really. On the first day of class I introduce myself, give them a brief background of my experiences.
Then I go over the do's and don'ts of the lab, course material and how best to prepare for each day.
Hi Gilbert,
With clear expectations from the beginning and closure at the end your method reduces confusion on the part of students as to course expectations.
Gary
The first five minutes of the first class are crucial to what will follow. I set my importances right on and repeat as we go. I never close a class without asking what did you learn today?
I make multiple demos an explain the why
Hi Frank,
By letting them know how they can access you you really help to reduce their concerns about how they will fit into the upcoming course.
Gary
I hand out the syllabus and explain to them what I expect of them out of this course. I explain how to reach me during the course and go through the syllabus in class.
Hi Kevin,
You make a number of very good points about how you manage and organize your classes. I use the method you use by using a separate assignment sheet to highlight a major assignment. I have found that this extra attention helps the students to see the importance of the assignment plus they don't forget it as frequently.
Gary
