Carl,
This is a good way to show the students the value of their syllabus. By referring to it throughout the course you are showing them that they need to refer to it on a regular basis so they will know what the course expectations are.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Fisrt I try to make the Syllabus as comprehensive as possible so that there are no questions as to what is expected of them and also to relieve some of their anxiety. Also during the term I will continually discuss with them what is expected and check that they are all on the same page.
I let them know that attendance is vital to their success. It is also important to come prepared, participate and to complete homework assignments in a timely manner.
Chad,
I think this is an important use of class time. The information you impart and image you project during this time sets the tone for the upcoming class plus as you say it is motivational because the students get to hear what they are going to be doing in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Romana,
You have a well developed syllabus for your course and the signature sheet will reinforce to the students that you think the content in the syllabus is important and critical for them to know.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I read the syllabus to them and clearly state what is expected. I tell them that I am very fair and the rules are there for them as well as myself.
I usually take the first fifteen minutes of the first class to discuss my expections for successful completion of the course. This is not done in an intimidating manner, actually it is more motivational.
Upon first enrolling I make sure to review both verbaly and in writting what steps are necessary in order to pass the course and eventually the state examination.
I make sure that everything is in writing on the syllabus. I also have a power point which reinforces what is in the syllabus and expands on key points. I find that I have to constantly revise and add to the list as there is almost always something that comes up during the course which I did not forsee. I am going to implement the signature sheet at the end of the syllabus, thank you for the idea.
Sondra,
Good approach. Many students come to us with an "entitlement" mentality. Post secondary schooling is optional, cost money and requires their best effort. No one can learn for them so their success is up to them so they have to put forth the effort. The blame game will not work in this setting.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Cecilia,
Good way to support your instructional delivery. The handout will help them to stay on target during the PP and lecture phase of the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I make sure that students are aware of attendance and partisipation in class. Also, that each and every student is responsible for his/her learning .
I would distribute a handout to accompany a power point presentation on what my expectations of the class would be. During the presentation I would insert questions to see if the students understood what the expectations are. I would also relate my expectations for the class to those of what a future employer would expect from an employee by using actual work situations.
Clear expectations will help not only the students but yourself along the path to the best possible results.
always make sure they know your expectations
Jenny,
Students use selected hearing and retention when it comes to course policies and requirements. I like the way you remind them over and over about what they need to be doing and at what phase of the course they need to be doing. This keeps them on pace in terms of learning progress.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Reinforcement is crucial. Whenever I have finished a lesson, I always go back over the lesson with the students, and ask for their input. I give small quizzes prior to big exams and we have discussion groups to discuss previous lessons.
I not only have a sylibi that I hand out for that class I also have a set of class rules for the entire course. This gives a detailed explanation of policies and procedures in the class room. i will go over it again at the start of each semester highlighting areas that this particular class may be having issues with.
Daniel,
This is a novel way to introduce a new class to your style and expectations. Sounds like a real attention getter plus it engages them throughout the course because they are looking for the time they can tell you that you are wrong.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I make my expectations clear in my syllabus, when assigning coursework, and by using rubrics. Also I alwats show writtern examples of exemplary work as well.
