I use repetition, emphasis, and utilization. Through group work, class discussion, and the questions I pose, the students gain an understanding of my expectations.
I use a written prospectus and a written contract to explain in detain detain what I require, expected, This includes behaviors, uniforms, hairstyles. and others.
I've found that clear expectations are a great way to minimize disruptions, and also class interruptions. Some students like to come and go as they please. However, if you expect them to be in their seats ready when class begins, and hold students to that standard, class goes much more smoothly.
On the first day of class I go over everything with my class and ask them questions about what I went over to be sure they understood everything. Then I have them to a senario kind of like an ice breaker in groups that they demonstrate. I give them right and wrong things and the rest of the class has to determine if the senario is acceptable or unacceptable. This seems to win a few smiles and they get to know thier class mates, while I get to know them. :) works like a charm for me. Any other suggestions?
I also hand out the course outline. It contains just about anything the student needs to know about the course. Once it is gone over with the class, the students are allowed to ask questions so that their is mutual understanding of what is expected. I agree it eases their anticipation of the class a little. Once they know how they are graded and how the material will be broken down, they anticipate the course quite well.
Carolyn,
Good way to get the course off to a good start because as you know the students are nervous about starting a new course and seeing what it takes to be successful. The more you can show them a success trail the greater comfort they are going to have with the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Discuss the syllabus thoroughly with students, and give the pointers on how to be successful in the class.
Maryellen,
This is time well spent at the beginning of a new class as you know because it gives them an idea of what will and won't be accepted in terms of excuses and requests. It is a good way to set the ground rules for the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I review the syllabus with them in detail and leave alot of time for questions. I give them a lot of what if scenarios (what if an assignment is late, what if I am sick, etc.) I want to make sure they know the consequences of their actions.
The course outline clearly gives the student amap to follow and to plan by.The instructer should at all times clearly comunicte to the students
Have discussion and handout that explains your expectations of the students and outcomes of the class
A written syllabus that is very detailed and provides all my expectations for the goals of the class. They also have a skills sheet so they understand the clinical skill component of the class and the time frame in which they must complete it.
I will describe what we will be doing in class as far as when the class meets, what book and supplimental materials we will be using and give them a calendar as far as testing dates and project dates. I will include information about the attendance policy and general classroom expectations. I will list my contact information aqnd general information regarding my hours on campus.
Annette,
This is a good idea and one that I think your students will enjoy doing. I think they will be surprised at the end of the course to realize how much they have learned.
Gary
Troy,
How do you do that?
Gary
I had the class to set and write out expectations for themselves and suggested we compare toward the end of the class.
Good information since my intent is to teach online courses in the future. When I have taken online courses, it was very useful to have an instructor to communicate as clearly as possible with the element of the physical class environment not being part of the equation. Great tip!
Make your expectations clears help the student understand what is expected of them
Matthew,
This is a great way to set the stage for student expectations and outcomes. With this diverse approach they are receiving the information in different ways and this will help them to retain it for future use.
Gary
On the initial day I go over the syllabus so that they are familiar with overall expectations.
As we progress through the semester and begin new topics, I will go over the highlights of the topic so that they have an idea of what to focus on.
