in their first day I like to write on the white board a good outline of the class. I cover every point, one by one, making sure that the students understand the class, the policies and make sure to introduce myself but no only covering my quailifications but giving them examples of how they can apply what they are about to learn once they start working in a professional kitchen. I also go over my expections for the group, grading policies, attendance, etc making sure to be very specific, clear and allowing them to ask any questions they may have regarding the expectations set that day.
Olaolu,
Seems like you have to this throughout the course so they can remember deadlines and requirements.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree with this thanks a lot of help for a new instructor like myself.
Establishing clear expectations via documents is one way to let students know what is expected of them. Another way is to engage the students, verbally, with ice breakers that allow students to understand the importance of:
Participation
Reflection
Engagement
Policies
and other Standards for learning
Hand cards, the use of technology, and other presentation methods can allow students to address their fears, while understanding their expectations, without having it on paper.
I continously remind them every class session.
A written syllabus and course outline followed by reminders and how the information learned will be meaningful is a good way to keep students focused and motivated.
If you provide value in meeting expectations students most often met them. You have to articulate what they get out of meeting the expectations to create value.
Juanita,
Good way to get a feel for the class. As you say you can tell from the nature of the questions asked by the students how to shape your instructional planning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
William,
This approach also shows the students the value the instructor attaches to what is contained in the syllabus so they need to follow the syllabus throughout the course so they can meet the expectations of the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Anthony,
Learners don't like surprises when it comes to course expectations or requirements. They need to be laid out clearly and understood by the students this way they can focus on on meeting those expectations and requirements in a consistent way.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Dawn,
Yes, it does. A well prepared syllabus becomes the road map (GPS) for the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
On the first day of I review the class syllabus, hand out rubrics for projects and also listen to what concerns them. Freqently students questions will guide me in how I assign tasks for clinical.
A full explanation of the syllabus at the start of the class. Not just a reading but going through point by point.
The first day of instruction is the most important of the whole course. Setting down the guidelines and expectation at the start will not only give the student exactly what to expect but will eliminate any surpises at a later date
That can be a draw back, but at least you will know what to prepare for the rest of the course.
A detailed syllabus outlines the institution's and instructor's expectations during the course. The tentative schedule provides the week-by-week progression. Allowing time for questions and discussion helps alleviate confusion.
Most of my students have a sens of nervousness, about my class in particular, that is until they get settled in and we begin discussing the class and the objectives and competencies we will be covering during the course of the class.I find this focus on the learning tends to get them focused a lot quicker and relieves the tension they feel starting a new class
I use verbal, written and visual communication when explaining my expectations.
Gayle,
Sorry to hear this. We all have classes like this. Just keep forward focused on your next group of students and how you can engage them in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
JoAnn,
I like your check recheck method. This leaves no doubt as to what the course expectations are and how the students can meet them. It is a matter of building on them from this point forward.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
