In general, while discussing the course objectives, I inform my students what they can expect from the class as well as what my expectations are based on the assignments noted within the syllabus. It's important for me to have my students feel from day one they are all "A" students, and it's up to them to keep that "A" attitude by completing the required assignments accurately, and timely.
Cory,
I like your approach. By both telling and sharing in printed form your expectations you are establishing the foundation of how the course is going to be conducted and what the outcomes are going to be. Reduces student questioning because they have the information in front of them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I clearly state my expectations on day one after we do introductions. I tell the students my background, answer any questions they have, and then go over expectations. I also provide a printed copy of my expectations to each student on the first day.
I provide a detailed list of expectations which removes all doubt and, thus, puts students at ease.
Anthony,
This information needs to be clear and concise right from the beginning. You are doing this with your approach and as a result you have something to build off of throughout the rest of the course. They know your expectations and policies and that you are going to be consistent in enforcing them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
On the first day of class I tell the students what I expect of them. This includes actions and behaviors inside and out of the class such as study habits and cell phone policy. I also like to ask them what they expect of me and of eachother.
Walter,
Good way to show your students daily expectations and accomplishments. They can see steady growth in relation to the end course goals and objectives through the daily objectives that are up on the board. I like this graphic way of sharing your message with them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I try to make it as interactive as possible by asking for questions and checking for comprehension of topics prior to moving on. i also welcome questions that re-ask a previously asked question, because if one person didnt catch it it is likely that others did not as well.
One of my most successful ways of making my expectations known is by using my board. I have overall expectations in my course and then there are daily expectations of what we are going to accomplish and how.
Every day I have my board prepared and it shows what our objectives are, how they fit into our overall objectives and then it shows what the expectations and objectives for today are.
I also keep my name, the course name & number as well as the date on the board every day along with any study tips or suggested reading.
Use of course sylabii is critical to laying out your expectactions. But I also use a per class developed course outline that specifies certain critical dates, expectations that might not be in the sylabus and other expectations that I have of my particular cohort.
Whenever I begin teaching a class I go over my expectations and I ask what their expectations are of me. I also ask and clarify any questions they may have regarding my expections. Sometimes it is necessary to remind students of my expections if I see them losing focus or getting off track.
Tim,
The connection between the course and the work world is always an important component of the educational process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The most important thing is to know myself what I expect of them. I need to have a very firm grasp of the Goals and Objectives, and what they need to meet those.
Then I need to be clear, concise, and direct about what I expect from them to accomplish those goals. If I don't know, I can't let them know, so I have to be sure first.
I also need to be thorough in what I expect, make sure you let them know every single expectation up front. If I want things done a certain way, presented a specific method, etc. the students need to know that right up front so they can prepare forthat from Day 1.
i agree this shows students what is excepted for them and you.
Tell them up front the rules/ show them the text of the rules. To relate rules to work place
Baneet,
Good way to keep your finger on the pulse of the class. This way you can determine what progress they are making in acquiring the content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Sometimes I group students and give them a topic to present in front of the class. I do a lot of pop quizzies and test them frequently.
I give students a syllubus ans included in the syllabus and in portal are is a schedule of all the assignments for that term. Giving students this information lets them know what to expect.
George,
If your students don't have a lot questions and you feel they understand your policies, requirements and assignments then you are covering the essentials with your syllabus and that is sufficient.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
At this time I only use the syllabus. I go over it the first day of class line by line.
