I set clear expectations on the 1st day of class. I then ask if any questions so I can address them right away and make sure everyone understood what is expected. Also, I hand out a course outline to show what work I expect them to complete and describe how we will complete them.
We have our requirments printed in our syllabus and on the back of the calendar. I also show the grading system on the board more than once.
Yes this is so true. To add to this, once we show our guns and establish that we will draw them it is emparrative that we are not scared to shoot.
I often wonder if the younger students will buy into the professionalism? Even if you are trying to set the example.
Hi Catherine,
Great ways to effectively communicate the expectations and requirements of the course. All of these information points helps the students to see how they fit into the class and what it takes to be effective.
Gary
Hi Jim,
Having gone through such a program that you teach I like the way you approach the use of live animals. The students need to see the value of handling the animals in certain ways and why they are doing so. By having this knowledge they will be more effectively and efficient with the animals. The more they learn now the better they will be when they are in their careers.
Gary
I give each student a syllabus with grading criteria, reading schedule, testing schedule, and objectives for the course on the first day of class. I introduce them to the textbook and point out the organizational components of this text that make it user friendly as a study guide. I write objectives for the day on the whiteboard each day. I provide timely feedback on exam and quiz scores. I offer tutoring.
By, Edwardo Mojena
It is important to students from professors that we are clear with the student’s expectation from the professor. From the start the syllabus is one of the vital formats that have details of a scope on for students in being clear with expectations.
In addition to the syllabus, I include a course outline, course calendar, rubrics for participation and behavior, expectations for classroom ettiquette and a copy of classroom policies from the student handbook. This provides a clear guideline for what is expected from day 1. All assignments also have clear and concise rubrics attached so that a student cannot state they didn't know what was expected for the assignment.
I teach in a Vet Tech program and we use live animals in some of our labs. I make sure that I go over the syllabus in class and when we have a big lab class coming up we go over the procedure in a mock set up before we actually do the procedure with the animal.
Jim
After discussing the contents of the syllabus, I also give handouts for the entire course, this way the students can actually see how we will progress and the goals that will be met by the end of the course.
Donna
Hi Laxmi,
Good way to set the stage for student success. You are clear and concise in terms of your expectations so this gives the students a clear idea of what they are going to need to do to be successful. This gets the class off to a good start.
Gary
Once I get the class settled and go through the formality of introducing myself, and getting the administrative stuff out of the way. I pass out the syllabus and then we review it per institution guidelines. After that I then tell the students of my expections for the class and include what it will take to get through my class successfully. I also advise them that If they deviate from what I have explained to them; then however that grade comes out on the spreadsheet is what they will have earned. I explain to them that everything is earned in my class!
At the beginning of the class I give what is expected of the course. I let the student know that I am here to help them to succeed and not here to see them fail. So I will do what I can to help. I also ask the students if they understand my expectations and if not I will talk with them as a class in whole or individual.
I strongly agree that expectations must be clear in the very beginning. I think about the course requirements & tell the students I expect only 3 things of them.... I develop 3 phrases or a single word that encompass what they need to successful & each represents a domain of learning. So for example in the clinical setting I tell them all I expect is that they be #1. Safe
#2. Productive
#3. Professional
We discuss specifics for these attributes until everyone has had an opportunity to verbalize an understanding. There are clear guidelines that also spell these out in more detail. By asking them for something from each domain I hope to motivate them & give them a foundation for donning their new profession.
Hi David,
Good strategy. This method reduces student frustration and expands their understanding of course polices, requirements and expectations. This gets them started on understanding what it is that they have to do in the course to be successful.
Gary
I start off each program with a detailed orientation program where I give them my expectations about performance and behavior. Most students appreciate knowing what they need to do to be successful and I give them specific examples of how they need to perform and act while in class.
Hi Wendi,
This is a nice comfortable way of introducing your rules to the students. This way you can get the course off to a good start with everyone on the same page.
Gary
Hi All,
Many great ideas on how to make sure the students receive, review and respond to the syllabus. This is so important in establishing the operational format for the course. By knowing the policies, expectations and requirements from day one the students can focus on being successful.
Gary
Hi Evelyn,
Good way to set the stage for the upcoming course. This way the students know what the expectations are for the course and what they are going to be expected to do to be successful.
Gary
