On the first day of class, I give all of my students a syllabus that states expectations. The syllabus includes a week-by-week course outline and a grading rubric. I go over each page of the syllabus and explain everything on it. Then, I answer any questions my student may have. They sign the last page confirming that they received and understand the expectation of the class. If students are absent on the first day, I give them a syllabus when they arrive and I go over it with them individually when I get the rest of the class settled.
I though that it was a good idea also. Feedback on where they are in the course academically makes a world of difference to their confidence.
Twyler
Good way to show the students the value you place on the syllabus as well as the objectives you have set for the course. As you cross another one out they can graphically see that they are making progress in their career development.
Gary
I thoroughly go over the course syllibus and once we complet an objective off of the syllibus i bring it to their attention so that they can cross it out and know where we stand until the end of the quarter. It also assures them thay we are on the correct path to their learning success.
My methods vary depending on the class I am teaching. I have used a pretest/quiz in the past. I review the syllabus with the class and then I give the quiz. The quiz is usually based on information that is a pre-requisite for the class. While handing out the quiz I tell them that this will help me to establish their needs. Many of our courses are designed as a sort of layer or building block, and it is helpful to see what students have retained from their previous instructors.
I also assure them that they will be accruing participation points for the quiz, and it will not necessarily directly affect their overall grade in this class.
To ensure that my students have a clear understanding of what I expect of them I need to have a detailed syllabus and course outline that we will review on the first day of class. This will provide the students with expectations as well as when assignments will be due.
Michelle,
Good way to inform the students about the importance of the syllabus as well as help them understand they need to be able to take good notes. Good note taking will enable them to get the key points down so they can use this information later for test taking and applications.
Gary
I always give them a course outline on the first day and walk through what I expect and tips on how to study. In addition I also teach them a lab, so we take that day to really go through step by step and give time for questions. I really get them involved the first day and talk a lot about how exciting it is going to be.
From the First day of class to the very last day, I use the on board objectives. As well as the syallabus I post daily to Engrade which is an online grading site. I post previous objectives and upcoming weekly objectives for the classes. It really helps the students understand what will be coming up and how to be prepared
Hello
I usually used "Course Outline" which shows daily assignments, tests, projects, and due dates, which allows my students to understand the class needs and plan to meet the class expectation.
Thanks,
Ali
I review the syllabus very carefully with the students. Before I start, I ask the students to take notes as I'm moving along - this serves a few purposes; I can see who is paying attention, who is not afraid to ask questions, and what kind of note-taking skills they have.
When I'm done with the syllabus, I show them my notes so they can see what additional information is important - I ask them to write down what I have in my notes if they don't already have it so that everything is clear about the syllabus.
I go over the syllabus and discuss it as I go through each area which is going to be evaluated and stress over several times which is the most important of the class grade. What part to put more study and impesses
I stress over throughout the 1st day of class, what is expected and ask, "Are there any questions as to what is expected for this course and what your grades consist of for what part. I give strong voice and visual Cues to express what I want from each student muliple times and ask< 'What is the most important test throughout this course. Are there any questions. And go over the syllabus through visual overhead projector and syllabus in hand going over each page.
I would review policies and procedures on day one of course, provide students with a print out of what is expected, and post anything that needs a refresher on the board.
I think a good way to make expectations clear, after you have done the introuctory steps ...
Is to stated you objecttives of the course and ask for participation on what the students see as their objectioves for the class. THis dialogue can assist in setting the tone for the class.
Also at the begining of each class is to set objectives for the class that day.
I review the course objectives on the first day, ask questions, and acknowledge some of their expecations as well. This helps to dispel any "myths" and shows I value their information also. If the course is a requirement, that is made known at this time also.
One way to assess if students understand what is expected of them, is to ask a student to repeat in his/her own words what is expected. Sometimes the student is incorrect, or other students will interrupt and say they thought it was something different. If this happens, I go over the assignment or expectation again, and then I will repeat the question to make sure everyone is clear on what is expected.
Patricia,
A number of colleges follow this procedure for the same reason as do you. This way the students can't claim they didn't get the information or that it wasn't explained to them.
Gary
Jose,
So important because all students are concerned about how they will be evaluated and if they are going to be successful in the course. The more we can show them the course requirements and expectations the more they will be able to focus on the meeting the learning requirements.
Gary
I not only ask questions that will allow me to "understand" if they are "understanding", but I also obtain background knowledge on the subject so that I can incorporate this into the lesson, in an attempt to make the learning process more meaningful.
