On the first day of class, my students receive a course syllabus with the course objectives, and my addendum, which includes a calendar for the quarter showing what assignments are due each day, when each quiz and test will be, and when each project is due. They are also provided with copies of any supplementary materials they need to complete any of the assignments. My procedures on absences and late work are clearly explained The syllabus, addendum, and supplementary materials are also all posted on BlackBoard. During the first day of class, we discuss my expectations as far as communicating with me if students will miss a class, academic dishonesty, and what the different grades mean.
That's interesting...your use of music to make your class experience more positive.
Hi James,
Good point. By explaining the expectations and outcomes and then having the students layout theirs it is easy to see how both you and them are going in the same direction. This should really help with getting the course off to a good start and the students seeing how they are going to fit into the class.
Gary
It usually takes very lttile time to introduce myself and find out who the students are by asking them about what they expect of me. I will ask some leading questions about my timeliness, preparedness, courtesy, attentiveness, equitability, just policies etc... And I have found that by having the student body lay out their expectations of thier mentor/instructor that there requires very little convincincing on my part when I say that these things are the expectations that I too hold.
This works really well.
In the world of culinary eduction, defining clear expectations is very important. In most cases these expectations are very similar to the expectations the graduate will confront in the standard working environment. Time dependent expections with regards to food preparation and plate presentation must be clearly defined and enforced. Quality expecations should be also clearly defined.
first staying professional as i speak of what is inspected of them and keeping them relax getting them to smile tell about when i was in school how nervious i was too.
I always have my to do list with me and write down everything I am expecting from my students in my classroom. I also ask them if they have any questions about my expectations. And most of the time there are very good questions.
Hi Holly,
Great way to set the standard for the day. The expectations are clear and the outcomes posted. This way there are no surprises for anyone and they can strive for the goals all class long.
Gary
I always post a plan for the day, have a syllabus, and clearly communicate when I see them. I work with all sorts of people so sometimes I even make small to do lists when it is needed for certain people. Then they realize I need somethings accomplished in order for them to be successful in class.
Testing, lab work, give assingnments with due dates and make them accountable, have expectations clearly outlined on the class sylabus
I do this by first going over the syllabus in detail and also by providing examples of the types of work they will be doing and the types of tests to be given.
I also explain to the students a little bit about my teaching style and how I plan to utilize resources to get my points across to them.
I make sure to go over the syllabus the first day which goes through those expectations and goes over a rubric I use for grading assignments. I go over the rules of the classroom and my expectation for their behaviour. I then give a quick quiz on the course outline.
I teach online, and post my expectations of students in an announcement before class begins.
Then, in the fist class, among other things, I review student expectations. That list of items includes my late policy, plagiarism, and so on. I try to do that in a friendly, non-threatening, but matter of fact manner.
Hi David,
I like this way of starting a class. This way there will be much less stress and confusion since the students know exactly what it takes to successful in your class.
Gary
On the first day of class I have the students write down the names of all the tests and lab assignments with their point values. We discuss what a passing grade is, and suggest they keep record of their scores. I also discuss briefly what the lab assignments will be and specifically how I will be grading their performance in lab.
Michelle,
Your idea of grade sheets is great. I am going to implement this in my next class.
I'm not sure about the follow up to each class. I can see how your idea ensures the students have the information, but at what point do we as instructors stop holding their hands? I post all the information on the portal which all students can access. I tell them it is their responsibility to check the portal and to follow up on what they missed. Of course if they have an excused absence, I send them all the materials from that day including my lecture notes.
I see part of my role as preparing them for the "real world." They need to learn to take responsibility for themselves.
What do you think?
Hi Aaron,
I like your method of putting the outline on the whiteboard. The students get what you are going to cover by hearing it, seeing it and then experiencing it. All these methods helps to reinforce in their minds and memories what they are learning in the course.
Gary
I write all assigments out in detail and go over it in class. Writing it out gives me the opportunity to organize my thoughts and then review and edit the assignment for clarity vs. brevity.
I repeat my expectations many times throughout a course. I state them on the first day, along with many other things, and what I have found is that much what I say and do on the first day is lost when they walk out the door.
Each time my class meets, I will state my expectations. I do this in two ways: 1) I give an overview of the material that we will cover 2) I put my outline for what I want to accomplish on the whiteboard.
I believe that putting my outline on the whiteboard is an effective tool for setting expectations for a course meeting and keeping me on track, as I will erase things that we’ve done. I also tell students to hold me accountable to my outline, as I’m pone to wander in my lecture and activities. I tell my students that at anytime they may interrupt and prompt me to get back on track, which I think is fun for them and for me.
Hi William,
Thank you for sharing this great example of why the soft skills will make or break your career. I am guessing that the person that did not catch the typo on the brochure is still cleaning up spills on aisle 4 at some Quick Shop somewhere, never to be heard from again in the creative arts world.
Gary
