I have a PowerPoint presentation that talks about syllabus and class rules and procedures. I shared that with the class in the first day. That helps students easy their minds.
Tara, I agree with you. Interestingly, students have more respect for an instructor who is firm and fair than the "wimpy professor". ~ Sandra
I use the rubric, detailed course outlines, and tardy policies. In addition, I let them know that I am flexible when it comes handling special circumstances, so they'll know that not everything is written in stone. ~ Sandra
A clear outline in the sylubus, going through this as a class and elaborating on each topic and making sure to ask for feedback throughout will ensure that you and students are confident in your expectations.
Hi Chris,
Good strategy. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
I like to put together an expectation list in calendar form based on the curriculum and lesson plans. Tht way you are breaking down the class day by day. Students canm focus on one day at a time or look ahead.
Hi All,
Thank you all for the different ways of making your expectations clear to and for the students. By making the expectations clear you can reduce the frustrations and fears of students so they can focus on what they are going to be learning throughout the course.
Gary
Hi Barbara,
I like your approach because you set out clearly what the course polices, expectations and requirements are. This way the students know from the first day what they will be doing throughout the course and that they have your support to help them achieve success.
Gary
Learning goals and expectation are talked about the first day of class on the syllabus for the whole course and the supplimentary syllabus for my specific class.
Day 1 lay down the rules.If rules are broken talk to the student in private.If rules are broken again adress problem on the spot.
I agree, about boundaries and letting them know what will happen if crossed.
That is right, nice but to the point.
At the beginning of each class I go over the expectations and requirements of the course for that day. We go over any questions that they may have and I let them know I am available at any time. Then we as a class set the guidelines for the night. This holds them accountable to each other.
To ensure that my students clearly understand my expectations of them, I clearly state expectations on day one of class and list them on the syllabus. If they ever have questions they can refer back. I also think that it is important to hold all students to those expectations throughout the entire quarter.
Each student is given a class packet which includes contact information, course syllabus, course outline/calendar , classroom and conduct rules, and a Rubric which is used to reflect how each receives a grade for the combined category of professionalism/attendance/ participation. I review my expectations and ask the students what their expectations are for the course. I tell the students that while I do use and allow some humor in the classroom, I also want them to realize that the course is serious and that unprofessional behavior and language will not be accepted since the classroom. I stress that while I may seem stern, I want them to realize I will be their greatest motivator and encourager, and that I expect them to strive to do their best. I reiterate that much of what we do is industry-modeled and prepares them for being ready and able to be placed after graduation.
Hi Patricia,
What you are doing with your policies is helping the students to develop discipline in their lives. As we, who have been in the work world, know that we have to have a set of "soft skills" if we are going to be successful. Our students need to have opportunities to acquire these skills while going through our courses.
Gary
No, I agree that you have to set clear expectations and rules but I want my students to know that I trust and respect them. If they prove me wrong then of course there are consequences but I do not believe in starting a relationship based on distrust.
I also appreciate the advice. It is also important to practice consistency at all times.
During the first class I discuss my expectations. I also have them printed in the syllabus so there can be no mistake. Cell phones are a huge problem. I tell them about past students who have been thrown out of their externships due to cell phone usage and graduates who have lost their jobs. For many, it falls on deaf ears. I usually have to give another talk about cell phones in class and suggest if they are not put away, it may affect their grade. I hate being punitive, but that is what seems to work. They are graded on classroom participation. I start giving zeroes. Since this is 10% of their grade, it can hurt.
Hi Sandra,
Thank you for your comments on using grading criteria. I use a grading rubric that shows the students where they earned each group of points. This greatly reduces questions and help to zero in on specific areas that need work rather than they just receiving a score of 35 out of 100. They really don't know why they got the score they did. With the rubric they know by category where the points were earned or lost. This really speeds up the process when I conference with students because we can go to the problem areas and talk about them. Has this been your experience?
Gary
