A course syllabus is the guidline for the class. It is a very vital component to the outline of the class. the syllabus allows the instructor to make the course expectations very clear.
Great point! I have been a clinical preceptor for a large trauma center for 10 years, and with every group of new students or new graduates I have to keep a file on them. We always looked for professionalism, quality of work, initiative, and honesty. Each week I would meet with our department managers and discuss each group. Then we would on hire or keep the best of the best. Professionalism is key. Profanity in a patient area can result in immediate termination. Sloppiness or inappropriate atire or language is noticed and those individuals will not get hired.
Excellant idea!! Hopefully, my program director won't have heart failure.
Great ideas. I will be introduced to my first class in June and these are all excellent ideas and learning tools for me. Thanks
Hi Allison,
I like this approach. This creates a connection between the class and the requirements. They have signed the contract so there is no reason they cannot complete the requirements of that contract if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Hi Lynn,
Good point. Thanks for sharing it with us. We need to lay our expectations out and be consistent in enforcing them. This way the students start to get a taste of the work world that is going to be in their future very shortly. Also, I tell them that school is their job at this point in time so they need to conduct themselves just as they would if they were being paid instead of paying.
Gary
Hi Kaytha,
The syllabus is the road map for the course so it needs to be complete and clear. I like to use handouts as well because I can put current information in the handout and give it out as event unfold in the field.
Gary
I hand out a class contract, explaining how many tests, projects, etc. will be required. I also place the attendance policy on the contract as well as my email and phone number. Each student gets a copy and must also return a signed copy.
Do all your homework before you enter the classroom. Be prepared with a syllabus and explain the expectations of the class. Encourage active input from the students.
I completely agree with this comment. I can tell where I have fallen short on not making my expectations known from day one. For example, I have received comments back like "well, this isn't work, this is school". I know that I didn't make that information important enough from day one.
This is why I hand give handouts. My biggest handout is the syllubus.
helps students feel more comfortable and engaged in class
A clear and concise syllabus
Yes I am going to have to try it. My class may fall out of their chairs!!
Jackie
Hi Nancy,
Good approach to laying out course expectations and requirements. The grading rubric is a good idea as you know because it lays out clearly how the students will be evaluated. This reduces questions and frustration.
Gary
Hi Jackie,
I like this approach because you are providing the students with guidelines for participation and contributions. This way you are helping them get comfortable with how the discussions are going to go.
Gary
Hi Jackie,
Thank you for bringing the professionalism topic up. I did the phone thing on Wednesday with my students. Just as I called the class together I a friend call me on the cell. I told the class it was important because my friend and I was setting up a time to catch lunch the next day. I chatted with him for a few minutes wondering around the room and then I asked the class if they would say hello to Tim. I counted 1 2 3 and had them yell "Hello Tim". Very few did because they were so shocked at what I was doing since I have a strict no cell phone policy in the class. I must say I had their attention. I hung up and then we had a discussion about professionalism. It took a while but they finally got it that I had set up the call to get their attention and reinforce why we need to be professional in all that we do and setting up personal appointments is not one of them. Give it a try and have fun with it.
Gary
I make it very clear that I follow the course outline provided on the first day of class and will let them know if I make any changes to it or deviate from it in any way. I also inform them that if I take the time to write something on the board that it is important and they should take note.
I also spend a few minutes explaining what it will take to get an "A" in the class. I provide the grading rubric and ask if they have any questions. It is very important to make the expectations clear because if the students don't know what the instructor wants, they cannot provide it.
The Gallup organization has the 12 questions for employee engagement that can also be slightly modified for students.
Yes, I have heard of some instructors that go into their classrooms completely unprofessional, answering phones, etc.. and they do it because they want to show the students what is not acceptable. It is a great practice.
Jackie
Well I normally state my expectations within the syllabus. What I will also do is after introductions are done, I will go over it again and explain what I mean by my expectations such as participation. I make sure they understand that when I ask you to participate, I want them to literally add value to the discussion at hand and I give an example of what not to do and what to do. It helps lighten the mood in the class as well.
Jackie Sommerville
