I always give students a copy of my syllabus on the first day, along with a classroom expectations sheet (rules) and a grade breakdown sheet that discusses point values, assignment requirements,etc. I also point out to them that all of that information can also be accessed through their student portals. They do sign a sheet that says they have received and covered in class the syllabus and the expectations.
The classroom expectations are written in such a way that they focus on the behavior to be exhibited (eg. come to class on time), as opposed to the behaviors I do not wish to see (eg. don't be late). It's important to set the bar for behavior so students have something to shoot for, not for something to avoid.
William,
This is why I like the syllabus as well. It gives a point of reference for the students and helps to reduce misunderstandings.
Gary
I mainly use the syllabus to list my expectations along with a verbal explanation of expectations initially. Also, I find it necessary to remind my students of my expections on occasion.
By going over in detail the course requirements and asking questions so as to ensure their understanding.
One way to ensure that students know what is expected of them is to have a short 'quiz'. Let students use their syllabus and any other relevant handouts and complete a short fill-in-the blank quiz, where they need to find the information themselves from the syllabus. Let students work in pairs or small groups so that the class can get to know each other.
Another way to check your how well your class understood your expectations is to have a question and answer session. Also provide your email address again and let students know your availability to answer questions.
James,
Good check for understanding and application. This gets the students involved in critical thinking at a higher level.
Gary
Often, I get them to repeat the information back to me, and then I ask them probing questions to facilitate a larger conversation which goes into more specifics and ultimately conjures up specific references from the past (stories). I often find they tend to remember these moreso than what is written on the page or online.
DB
I ask questions and ask them to respond by asking quesions back to me. The Socratic method forces them to think, understand and communicate. If they are lost for questions, i know they don't understand what I expect.
Put it in writing then, thier is no questions from the start
Barbara,
I thinking using a PowerPoint presentation is a good idea as it gives a focal point for the students other than just looking through printed material. I use PowerPoint presentations in my online class also. I even upload the presentations so that the students can have their own copies.
Frances
Alma,
Making sure that there is a smooth transition from one element of the class to another is extremely important. Students get restless if instructors appeared to be unorganized.
Frances
We discuss what other classes they have taken and how this will fit into the class structure for my class. We go over the type of software that will be used in the class and why it is important that they be able to use the software both in their personal and professional lives. We go over the requirements for the discussion board assignments and what makes a good answer in general. Then we discuss how both the discussion board assignments and the individual software projects will be graded. I am careful to watch for questions in the chat box so that I can cover whatever students don't understand. Having a clear understanding of what I will do in the class and what is required for their success gets us off to a good start.
Frances
Marsha,
I like this approach. The daily expectations strategy is a good one because each day the objectives are on the board and there for the students to see and work toward.
Gary
Taylor,
Good for you. The more you can make clear the course expectations, requirements and policies the easier it is going to be for your students to get settled into the course and get focused on the content.
Gary
I make sure that students understand what I expect of them by setting clear standards and making sure that I lead by example.
I discuss the expectations of the class upfront. I have also asked studnets to write the expecations on index cards after i have wrote them on the white board. Another great tool is using daily expectations on the whiteboard and using check marks at the end of the class.
I try to be clear about what needs to be done and what will happen if requirements are not met. I ask if there are any questions about the information that I give them.
Anand,
What strategies do you use to do this?
Gary
I use hands on (Practical demonstartion)
Judy,
I do the same thing. Students as we know need to be reminded and prompted repeatedly when it comes to due dates, etc..
Gary
