I use the course syllabus to communicate grading scales, how their overall grade is calculated, etc., and I create a course calendar with specific dates. Since I know that some concepts different amounts of time, I do note that the course calendar may be revised as needed. Any revisions to it are communicated as we go if something takes longer than expected.
I also discuss with my students verbally how I expect them to behave in class. I am considering making a written sheet of all classroom expectation that is separate from the syllabus, since our syllabi are standardized and created by our admin.
Thanks for sharing this. I am just about done teaching my first quarter ever, and I'm going to write a set of expectations for classroom etiquette in addition to a rubric for each assignment. This will make life easier for both the students and for me.
I have made thing very clear and stil I have some students say "well I never hard you say that"
I start with introducing myself and allow feed back on what they may have heard about me to clear up all rumors or gossip and this is usually an ice breaker. I then review the syllabus and cover all expectations and use the feed back from the introduction to clear up all any misunderstandings.
what I have often found with the setting of expectations in the classroom is that, they are clear. the vast majority of students understand them and respond accordingly to them. the problem is the occasional students who have such low expectations for themselves which makes it difficult for them to respond in acceptable fashions.
Hi Remonica,
An instructor that has a well prepared syllabus, gives clear directions and is supportive for students has in deed has been professional. This is what is expected of instructors that are dedicated to being role models for their students.
Gary
As an instructor give out clear instruction and my directions and give helping hand and alot of hand on i feel like i have completed my job
I read the syllabus to my students while allowing them to ask questions and give feed back acoording to all expectations.
Hi Asmeret,
Thank you for sharing these different strategies with us. This is a comprehensive approach to getting students involved and comfortable with the course. This format really gives the students the responsibility for their own destiny.
Gary
Hi Gwendolyn,
This is a great tool to use with your students. They have it in print in terms of course requirements, deadlines, etc.. I use a sheet like this as well and it really helps to keep the students focused on upcoming dates and class requirements.
Gary
Hi Gary,
It was quite helpful reading the different methods and techniques other instructors are using to make sure that students understand what is expected of them. This is a very important issue; more so for online classes due to lack of face-to-face. So instructors need to use a variety of ways to ensure that students are clear about what is expected of them. The title of my first class is “Orientation & Course Expectations” and that is the key agenda or chat topic. After the initial meet and greet, we go straight into an interactive PowerPoint presentation and walk through of key aspects of the virtual classroom to ensure that students grasp the foundation for their success and enjoyable session (reviewing syllabus, course content, required text, handouts, and resources, assignments, grading, assessment/evaluation, university policies and requirements plus my expectations and ground rules for maintaining a healthy learning community (e.g. mutual respect and trust, effective communication, netiquette etc.). Given self-directed, adult, virtual learners and working professionals, one technique that has worked for encouraging and raising awareness for online participation is through chat polls. I use the different types of social media participation (e.g. lurkers...) and the poll being unanimous students can identify their own individual level of participation. The aim is to encourage individual participation for enhancing learning and success.
I hand out the syllabus to every student on the first day of each class at that time it's gone over and students are advised to highlight my expectations in "pink"!
I approach them as adults and challenge them to push me as their instructor, by doing this it allows each of us to make clear what we expect to gain from the class and how we intend to get there.
I give examples of behavior that falls short of my expectations.
I ask questions to ensure students understand my expectations.
Based upon the class and the caliber of students, I recognize the perceived talent and maturity in the classrooom and confidently claim that I would be surprised if my expections were not met from "this" group/class.
A syllabus is the best technique to use to make certain that a student understands what is expected of them. It is also just as important to hold them to the syllabus due dates, projects, etc. If an instructor doesn’t it will be difficult for them to remain credible in other aspects of the course. I also review the syllabus half way through the course to remind them of our contract.
I use the syllabus as a means of making sure my students understand their expectations. I also review the syllabus and give students an opportunity to ask questions.
I use what I have named a classroom assignment sheet. It defines specific dates for quizzes, asignments and exams. Projects are included in the classes which have projects. The classroom assignment sheets have been altered when my the class is having dificulty in understanding certain informatio and more time is allotted for the understanding. I make sure to mention that on the first day, I also make sure we understand the assignment sheet, week-by-week. I review over the assignment sheet extensively for clarity. It has worked very well for me. In a perfect world, students would not be absent but when an emergency or illness comes up, they remain on track with the class as well as the teacher.
I give them an outline of what we will cover everyday of the class, that way they can be ready and able to discuss the topics. Also I include on the outline, what assignments we will be doing and when they will be due. I do this so that they can ask me any questions that they might have about the assignments before they are due.
I ask my students to return demonstrate what skills I taught them.
During the first day of class we go over many different papers besides the syllabus. True the syllabus is the foundation but I also give my students a course guide to rules and regulations. This includes dress, attendance, use of cell phones, completion of homework and class assignments, missing work, and how if these policies are not followed what the consiquences will be. They each sign and date this so I know that they understand the rules and how the class will be conducted. This stops many problems right in the beginning of the course so the students know what is expected of them.
