Maintaining open lines of communication between instructor and learner is critical if they are going to be successful. Providing them with clear course expectations and requirements prior to the start of the course, and encouraging learners to ask questions for clarification purposes is important.
Going over all the information students will need to know is only one part of the process. Letting them know what and where to look at this information is just as important. We should not expect students to remember a certain expectation that is not active in their learning weeks in the future. Reminders where appropriate will be quite helpful.
Hi Sabrina,
You have laid out an excellent strategy for keeping students enrolled. By providing the supports you suggested an instructor can build rapport with students and this leads to professional respect which is essential for learning success.
Gary
While we cannot control financial problems and illness in the classroom, there are many things that faculty members can in order to stave off a drop. Focusing on the stumbling blocks is not the approach that I seek to take. Reminding a student with WHY s/he began school in the first place is where I choose to expend my energies. According to the literature, it is engagement in the learning process particularly in a collaborative environment that leads to student satisfaction…
• Students who learn are students who stay
• Institutions that are successful in building settings that educate their students are successful in retaining their students.
• Involvement is the key.
• Students who are actively learning and are satisfied with the quality of contact in the classroom are more likely to remain
The quality and bond of the classroom environment is the reason that students will be able to overcome.
TRUST…keep your word…set, then meet or exceed expectations
• The more students learn, the more value they find in their learning and, the more likely they are to stay and graduate regardless of various other obstacles.
• If the quality of experience in the classroom is perceived to have shortcomings from a student perspective, this is a stumbling block and a REASON/EXCUSE for students to decide not to complete their education with us
Hi Ronald,
Good way to create a clear plan of action for the upcoming course and to get your students settled into the course. What has been your most often asked question or greatest student concern after you finish your introduction?
Gary
In order to make my course expectations clear
I make sure that I cover the syllabus with particular emphasis on graded exercises, tests, quizzes,papers, case studies and presentations. I encourage questions about the course activities and make sure that the grading rubrics are understood. Once I have completed this task I discuss how the class time will be spent. At all times I encourage class participation and make sure that no student feels afraid to ask a question.
Hi Nitin,
You have a very comprehensive approach to keeping your finger on the pulse of your class. By using the different input sources you know if you need to explain a key point or help your students with clarification. This is a good way to reduce frustration on the part of students.
Gary
I post an announcement with student expectations and also post the same as a word document in the instructor files section of the virtual classroom. I also make it a point of discussing this in the first lecture. Amongst other things this highlights important points like attendance, grading, assignment, late submission policy and plagiarism.
Based on discussions with students as the course progresses, and based on the assignments that come in, I get a feel for what I need to highlight again in class. I plan that and cover it in my lectures and that helps refresh their memory with respect to student expectations.
Hi Elizabeth,
By making the course polices, requirements and expectations clear you reduce student frustration and worry. As a result the students can get settled into the course and start developing a relationship with you. They also start to think about how they can be successful in the course rather than worrying about what she wants. They know that from day one with your approach.
Gary
Hi Evan,
Good way to start a class off. By being specific and giving examples of your expectations the students know what they are going to have to do if they are going to be successful in the course. This way they can focus on course content rather than fretting about what the instructor wants.
Gary
In my class I provide a written syllabus, task list, course expectations, and welcome letter. I explain how I expect students to proceed. I make sure that my late policies and submission guidelines are clear. I also make sure to find out what questions they have and what previous expereince they have. Once I understand where they are coming from, I can better direct them where to go.
I share my expectations with them in our first class meeting. As I go through each element I conclude with "Anyone have any questions on this element?" I then address their questions and move on to the next element and repeat the question each time.
I then start session two, after taking attendance, by asking if anyone has any questions regarding expectations from last week?
Occasionally I will get a question or two. This helps the students to realize that I truly want them to succeed and want them to fully understand the expectations of the course and works well for me too!!
In my first class, I let students know what they can expect from me, as well as what I expect from them. I do not limit my expectations to just their assignments. I discuss time management, quality of work, behavior, technology, following policy and communication. I also let them know what the consequences are of not meeting expectations. I know this may make me come across as sounding very strict, but I don't really have that kind of tone or demeanor, so the intimidation factor isn't really there. I find that students feel more comfortable knowing what is expected, rather than feeling that they have to figure things out for themselves. They want this information made clear so I deliver my expectations both in verbally and in writing.
Hi Richard,
This is a good way to start a class off and you are right that it takes a while for the class to gel. This is a part of social development on the part of students as they get comfortable with each other and you the instructor. It is always good when they do pull together and you have a team of learners that are ready to absorb what you are offering.
Gary
I give a pretest, so they understand both the scope of the course and what parts of the tests look like. This helps relax and focus them (I also use this as a posttest to see how much they may have learned).
Beyond that I carefully go over the syllabus, and the requirements for a passing grade--and many of them promptly forget this, but it can be relearned. I discuss the school boilerplate standards and encourage them to talk with me if they have concerns about the course or other relevant pressures (they get my home phone and email).
The process seems to relax them, though it usually takes 2-3 weeks (until the first test) before most classes fully pull together.
Hi Lorri,
What a great way to set the tone of the class from the very beginning. Your students know where you are coming from and how you are going to operate the class. Also, they know your expectations of them are of the highest professional level. This gives them the standard for the course and their conduct.
Gary
I have a presentation that I use in the class. One of the first slides is the 'Expectations' slide. By using this appraoch, I don't miss or forget things. Also, as I teach the class several times, I will enhance this slide as I notice student deviations from what I expect. In this way, the Expectations improve and become clearer with each time I teach the course.
Hi Russell,
Great to hear. Anytime we have a smiling instructor we know things are going well. Sounds like you have the respect of your peers and have established rapport with them to the point that you all feel very comfortable working and learning together.
Gary
While I walk around the class passing out the syllabus and course schedule, I informally introduce myself. As we cover the syllabus and schedule together as a class, I direct the students' attention to the course requirements that need to be completed in order to earn a passing grade. I am assertive yet approachable, have dressed the part in a business suit, am firm while making eye contact. I also use body language that subconsciously reinforces the fact that I will be giving 100% of myself and time during the lecture period, and office hours, and expect the same in return from their work and attendance.
Although I have more knowledge and experience in a given trade, my adult students are also my peers. When my expectations of them are defined and they are treated with fairness and respect, there are few problems.
This also allows me to smile before Christmas!
