Review what is expected of them often. Written, schedule of assignments, due dates, so the students can be prepared as well.
I will randomly call on my students to participate in the lecture.
By going over the syllabus, overview of the course, course goals and objectives then explaining that in order to achieve course goals, participation and attention is key ingredient for successful completion of this program.
Donna,
I like your approach to student centered instructional planning. You are basing your delivery on coordinated outcomes based upon your students and your expectations.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I usually type out what i expect from them and we discuss it during the class after handing each student a copy. I also ask them for feedback on what they expect from the course when compared to what i expect from them. This helps me know we are moving together.
After I outline my expectations, I ask what their expectations are to see if we are in line with each other. If not, then I reoutline them, in words, a handout or on the board so there are no misconceptions.
I use handouts along with verbalizing my instructions allowing plenty of time for questions. I usually give the students a couple of days to go over the information and then I ask for a second time if they have questions. During evaluations of the midterms is a good time to address any new questions or concerns.
Beth,
This is so important to do. This gets everyone on the same page from the beginning of the course because as you know students need to be reminded over and over again about due dates and projects.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find that providing the course outline to students and discussing the assignments and tests with their corresponding due dates clarifies expectations for the students.
After reviewing the syllabus, I generally assign students to small groups and have them participate in a syllabus quiz. This helps reiterate the important aspects and expectations that I have of my students. What other methods do you use?
Jay
Similar to the instruction in the text, I use the first class to share my expectations that include participation, attendance, group work, test/evaluation, etc.
Gino,
We use BB in my school as well and I find that it is a great resource for sharing supplemental materials with my students and keeping them current on deadlines.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
My institution has BlackBoard (an electrinic teaching tool), and I find that communication after the lecture is provident for the student to retain ideas captured in lecture.
I give my students realistic expectations and the reason and resources to meet my and their goals. Talking and sharing the first day i give examples of previous classes and how the adjusted to this new level of learning,
Kisha,
Good way to balance expectations with reality. You are setting the standard for the course but you are also letting students know they can talk with you when something comes up in their lives that could present a problem with their studies. This is the foundation for you earning their respect.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Being firm and consistent starts with the first encounter when it comes to expectations. There is also the element of flexibility and allowing the students to know that while as an instructor you understand "things happen", that is not going to change the expectation for performance in the class.
I like to make sure that the expectations are clearly written out and availabel for the students before calss starts through the use of our class portal or website. I then go over them again in a lecture format on the first day of class to allow the students to ask questions and take notes if they with.
Sandra,
This is a good sharing experience for everyone. While this is going on the students and you can start to understand each other and get comfortable with how the course is going to operate.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I usually start by asking the students about their expectation for the course and their reason for taking the course. After listening the students I give a brief explanation on my expectation and I also address their expectations
Sheila,
Good way to set a positive tone for the upcoming course. You are showing them they can be successful if they will put forth the effort that is needed. If they do it can be a winning situation for them because they have used their life experiences to progress toward their career goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
