On the first day not only do we go over the syllibus but I have another handout that tells the students what I expect of them regarding attendance, behavior and make up work. I also have hand outs for and go over what the specific requirements are for any class projects.
The students are made aware of class expectations at the start of the course. I emphasize throughout the course my availability to answer and assist with course assignments and make myself accessible prior to and after class.
by outlining the goals i expect them to meet and following up with a quesion and answer session
As long as you are encouraging success, you can be firm at the same time.
That is a tricky one. There is the issue of student retention that the school itself is concerned with but that does not mean you cannot have standards for attendance, tests, homework, etc. The bottom line is this: treat students with respect and have open dialogue, but from day one: do not apologize for the criteria set forth. Encourage them to strive for excellence!
Hi Shelli,
I agree with the contribution that the syllabus makes to getting the course off to a good start. This is why it is worth the effort to make them clear and concise so they are understandable by the students.
Gary
Hi Carrie,
Teaching in the format that you do is a challenge and you are meeting that challenge through your use of a well planned and clear syllabus. Thanks for sharing your experience in using a syllabus that really helps to make the course requirements clear for students. This information and your experience will be of benefit to many other instructors.
Thanks.
Gary
I like the idea of letting the students know that the syllabus is a contract between myself and the student.
I always found the syllabus as a calming force when I was in school. I helped to comfort me to know exactly what was expected of me in class and on essays.
Hi Jennifer,
This is a great way to introduce new content and activities to students. They get to see what they are going to be working with and then get to use the product. This really gets them involved in the learning process.
Gary
Creating a well written, clear syllabus is the first step. The second is to explain this so that the students clearly understand it. Teaching in a modular syste, new students are always coming in. I have made the mistake of assuming that all students have the knowledge that I have presented in previous modules. It took a few blank stares and many questions to prove that directions, outcomes, and procedures need clear explainations.
I definitely agree in tieing your expectations into a future relevancy for the students. If they don't believe the material is relevant to them, their education, and their future career then motivation becomes an issue. Relevancy is key to motivation.
Explain simply how each piece of what they will be required to complete is important, beneficial and reasonable and how it affects the goal of a successful course experience.
Yes, and this also assist the mutiple learning styles!
Excellent ideas. I believe they also need written directions each time so they are clear about the expectations.
I give them both written expectations as well as verbal. I give various examples to further explain expectations, to make it a little less scary and to have further understanding from students.
I typically try to cover this with a few different methods.
1) At the start of each term, upon completion of review of the syllabus, I'll have each student sign a sheet stating that they understand the material and what will be expected of them. I find that adding the signature portion really alerts the students as to the importance of reading through the course syllabus.
2) Within each project or assignment, I show examples of past student work that exhibits the qualities that I am looking for in future work.
3) I try to send out reminder emails after more difficult material is presented letting the students know when I am available for additional help and any upcoming assignments.
I've found this combination to work fairly well in ensuring that students understand my expectations and have a clear picture of future course projects.
It gives students detailed understanding of
the objectives of subject matter, time line
to have assisgments completed, whereby hopefully
they will adapt a framework of using time wisely.
Power point is a good tool to use. I, too give verbal and writtem copies of instructions and expectations, so they hear it and see it. I also ask them for clarification questions if they have them.
To ensure my expectations are clear I'll first verbally inform the students and than provide the course expectations in writing. Additionally, I have found that having the expectations on a power point slide while you are informing the students helps clarify the expectations.
*Syllabus
*Reflection activities
*Ask questions
*Survey
*Free writes on the topic
*Written directions
*Email reminders
