By providing them with a syllabus and then quizzing them on the information on the syllabus. This tells me what they know and don't know.
When I go over course expectations, I give the students the exact expectation and then we discuss the expectations as a group. If there are any concerns about the expectations they can be addressed at this time. Of course, the instructor should be able to give information about the expectations of the course after the initial discussion.
Hi Sherri,
Good way to inform your students plus by asking them what they expect out of the course you are showing them that you respect their input. This creates a great opportunity for the development of rapport with the students as the course progresses.
Gary
I make sure every student understands prior to moving forward!
At the beginning of each block I make sure that I review all course policies and procedures and also make sure that my students know what I expect of them as well as what the course requirements are. I also ask them what they expect to get out of the course as well.
Hi Richard,
This is a great way to open up a new class. You are laying it out for easy understanding on the part of the students. Good use of graphics like your chart really helps. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I walk around the room and ask a lot of questions
I typically have technical project driven classes. This lends itself to see the desired deliverable for the class that other students have created. I also have grading rubrics and expectation sheets for the projects the students will be creating in class. This is typically delievered on the first day of class. I also have a gant chart of when projects are due and a general overview of what will be covered in class. I find this can be engaging for the class and give them an opportunity to ask questions without the direct measure of a pretest.
Hi Stephen,
Well done in terms of making the course expectations clear. This is critical for students to know. I like your use of grading rubrics as well. They just make everything so much more clear when it comes to student questions.
Gary
I hand out a course expectations document that outlines requirements in areas such as grading, late assignments, and participation. I will also provide students with grading rubrics for assignments, if applicable. During lectures, I emphasize points relevant to the upcoming assignments. Finally, I ask students to contact me through several methods if they have any questions or need clarification on course expectations.
Stephen Volz
Making your expectations clear is vital in preparing students and keeping students on track. A well prepared syllabus and a contract (school rules/handbook, classroom rules, projects) is presented to each student on the first day of class which they are required to read, sign and then turn in to the instructor. A copy is provided to the student. Granted you will always have students who test your limits; and yet at anytime I can present this contract to the student regarding their agreement and responsibilities.
Dian
Hi Shelly,
The key is consistency and you have made it very clear that you will enforce your class operation in a consistent manner. This sets the stage from day one and this is important for class management.
Gary
Hi Donald,
Way to go in laying out the class requirements but still giving the students input in the operation of the class. This gives everyone input and ownership in what is going on.
Gary
Making your expectations clear, enables the student to adapt their study habits and focus study time towards specific course
material - increasing retention.
I take my time and introduce myself, and allow the students to introduce themselves. I also try to discuss their expectations, namely what do they think they will learn and why is it important. I believe when teaching general education courses, somehow we must related our information to their "core" classes. My classes do come in with a social history/cohorts and I watch and listen for cues that will help me be a positive part of their continuing history. This is a new experience for me. It demonstrates mutual concern for each other, and so far has been completely positive. The more direct I am with goals and expectations the less stressed the students seem.
I give each student a hard copy of my class rules/expectations on the first day of class. We go over those rules the first hour of class and I give them a chance to ask questions. I also enforce those rules and do not make exceptions for any student. I think that if you have rules/expectations they should be enforced all of the time so that students realize how important they are and it also shows them that you are serious about those rules and there will be consequences for not following the rules, just like in the "real world".
I provide my expectations in writing as well as discuss them in an open forum with the students. I want to get them to understand that they need to meet my expectations, but also give them an opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have. I have found that the discussion gives them the sense that their ideas and concerns are valid.
I like to have a set of "non negotiable" items that are tried and true but then include some of the class desires, especially around break times, length of breaks, best day of the week for major tests, etc. The students are willing to live withe my needs (extra credit - yes/no) etc, if I also am willing to live with some of their ideas.
Hi Lillian,
Good way to keep them engaged and focused on the course. This way they give their attention to you and the discussion. This will lead to a higher level of retention as well.
Gary
