I prepare a packet that contains information on the policies and procedures for their externship and present it to them in a class that is about 4 courses away from their actual externship. I am allowed approximately 1/2 hour to present this information to these students who should have begun their search for their practical training site. It is a time when I pass out my business card and discuss my availability to meet with them and to answer their questions that related to solidifying a site, international externships, paid sites, etc.
During this time I and my staff representative reinforce the expectations that the externship is a course that that prevailing student conduct and attendance policies are enforced.
I always give a clear outline to the students on class content and protocols. I also have a group forum to discuss the outline with them that there will be no misunderstandings.
A break down of what is expected of them on a daily basis helps them be prepared for class.
I couldn't agree with this more. The expectations of the industry with regards to timeliness and reliability on top of passion and talent have to be part of establishing that initial work ethic straight from the beginning of classes.
Dr. Meers,
I would make my expectations clear by developing a strong syllabus. This syllabus would layout school policies, my classroom policies, goals, objective, grading, test, quizzes and any other important information that the student needs for a successful learning experience. After passing-out the syllabus, slowly review in's content with the students and ask for follow up questions. I feel this is important for the student to have a good understanding of my expectations as well an understanding of the class.
Ron Hampson
As an instructor it is very important to make your expectations clear to your students. Examples include the course syllabus, explaining your expectations at the beginning of the course, continue to explain the expectations through course grading of assignments. To ensure student understanding I have the students focus on how they will learn and how the expectations match. Student understanding will come throughout the first couple assignments and with instructor interaction.
Amanda Saeger
On my syllabus the first page is my course requirements and expectations. They are layed out right there for the students, and I take time to go over each one on the first day of class.
The method I use is advising the students of the objectives of the course
I try and communication expectations in various methods including in writing and I also have the students respond in a manner to ensure instructions are understood. Not providing too much content is also important. Splitting complicated material over several sessions assists.
I go over the syllabus line by line from the tests, quizzes, homework, lab activites and how much each assignment way in terms of point value.
I also go over the attendance policy and the the period to make up any missed assignments.
Greetings Augustus!
I convey expectations at the beginning of the course. I also post all upcoming assignments and rubrics in my weekly Live Chat. I am always conveying the expectations.
Thanks for sharing!
Lendozia
One of the worst things you can do as a teacher is to not enforce your rules consistently. If one day you ignore misbehaviors and the next day you jump on someone for the smallest infraction, your students will quickly lose respect for you. Your students have the right to expect you to basically be the same everyday. Moodiness is not allowed. Once your lose your student's respect, you also lose their attention and their desire to please you.
As a clinical instructor, I explain to the students what my expectations are of them while in the clinical site. First i tell them to be safe and ask a lot of questions. Second i tell them to be respectful to their preceptors and their patients. Lastly i tell them to be professional.
Hi Victor,
Well said. Make an impact from the very first day and you will have a continuing opportunity to keep your students engaged.
Gary
You need to explode on the first day. Make a good impression on the first session. Present a good syllabus, connect with the students, and give good written material (course goals, objectives,etc.) and even that delivers the on the promise that the learning is structured.
I review the school policies for professionalism with students on the first day of class, and it helps to set an environment of teamwork and responsibility.
I make expectations very clear. I fist ask each student aloud what do they expect from the class and me as an instructor, this opens them up. Then I expalin to them what I expect from them and that way everyone is on the same page.
I discuss my expectations but I also spend time discussing student expectations. This helps me correct false expectations and reiforce my expectations
Hi Evan,
I like all of your strategies to get the students engaged in the course and understanding how they will be evaluated. I use rubrics myself and find they really help students to understand why they received the points they did and where they need to improve. They also save time because I don't have to go over the general points but can zero in on the specific areas that the students are inquiring about.
Gary
Kathleen,
I think that is key. We have to be able to continue to adjust each quarter to meet the needs of our students by improving procedures and various classroom management techniques.
