In addition to outlining all the requirements in the syllabus verbally, I address basic concepts of professionalism, give them tips for preparing for tests, present model essays, introduce study guides and weekly questions and explain how each reinforces the others to aid in a successful outcome. I also attempt to encourage communication with me by whatever means the student feels most comfortable with and alos encourge students with learning disabilities to alert me to their issues in advance.
Setting the classroom standards is important to ensure that students are completley successful in their educational goals. If students do not comprehend the expectations they may deviate without knowing and face certain consequences later. I provide my students with a written document of classroom rules and expectations. I also discuss them verbally and lastly I have the students repeat the standards and interpret the expectation so that there is no confusion.
Starting the first day of classand the very first hour; reciting the objectives,goals and expections is very important to helping students met goals and be successful.
I explain verbally as well as give them in writing. I ask for feedback and specific examples that illustrate what my expectations are. Also, repition is another technique used. I go over my expectations multiple times or relate them to classwork so that they hear the same thing but in different formats or scenarios.
Jim is right about not being their pals because we want them to get what they pay for and not feel like they were cheated.
I spend considerable time the first day of class discussing class expectations. I continue to reinforce expectations throughout the semester every time another expectation comes up, for instance, penalties for plagiarism, late paper policies, attendance. Students receive so much information the first week of class that they can't comprehend it all. Therefore, reinforcing expectations often lets helps students incorporate class expectations more easily.
I clearly list expectations in the syllabus and get verbalized understanding of this.
Daily course objectives are written on the white board, hand out calendars for monthly expectations, and read allowed to make goals clear
Hi Andre,
Right you are. By being repetitive you help to reinforce the foundational knowledge needed by the students to be successful in the course. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Hi Andrew,
This method helps the students to know your expectations as well as what the requirements are for the course. This helps them to get focused on the course and look forward to what is going to transpire in the coming sessions.
Gary
I firmly believe in repetition. Repeat what you want the student to remember. I am very clear as far as expectations. My students will know what is expected of them on the first day. I am consistent with my syllabus. Most of my students questions can be answered if they fully read the syllabus.
The first day I hand out a syllabus in class, review it with the students and ask if they have any questions. In the syllabus I clearly state my class expectations, requirements and polices of the course. I also lay out what chapters we will be covering on what weeks. I also spell what assignment/ quiz is due on what day and the number of points each is worth. I believe in giving the information in advance so students can plan. Students have very busy lives and many roles that they need to juggle. So effective long range planning strategies is a must in order to be able to balance these various roles.
Be specific of course objectives. Set goals in the first class. Clearly explain the objectives, policies and procedures. I ask them relevant questions to make sure that they understood my expectations.
I actually have them sign a Classroom rules and Expectation form that I have created outlining What I expect from them in relation to rules.
Give them a simple but yet thorough explanation and expectations the students will need to know to pass this course.
Go over the syllabus and the course outline. I tell them what I expect from them in their attitudes and level of accountability. Offer suggestions on ways to be successful with the class. I ask them what they expect from me, and guide them to what they should expect if they are off track. I let them know, as their instructor I am their biggest advocate and supporter. With this, I also tell them I wouldn't be doing them any favors if I did not hold them accountable to the expectations.
I go over the syllabus in detail and require the students to verify that they read and understand the syllabus. But I continue to reinforce this each week. I will take the first few minutes of class time to discuss expectations.
Yes I feel it is very important that each student know exactly what is expected of them as well as sugguestions on how to achieve the goals set fourth.
I let the students know day one the course objectives and what is expected. I go over the grading scale extra credit attendance tutoring and must of all to communicate with me. I also let them know there is no problem that we cannot solve.
I open and close a class like Gilbert. During the first few minutes of class I tell the class what we will be doing for the upcoming class (and what to expect for the next few class periods). And at the end of the class I give an in-class assignment over the material covered in class that day.
