I have reviewed the grading system in the syllabus but plan to also give them a template for grading so that they can keep track of their own scores. I am still figuring out how to get more students to look at the material before coming to class.
I am not in a classroom with students,I run the learning center. I deal with students who are failing there classes,I use computers and pictures to help the students pass their classes. I work with students from automotive and diesel courses. Once in a while i have to take them into the lab and show them how something works, We do not take things apart, That is done with their instructor during there shop time.My job is to see that they meet their Graduation date.
Bill Lachman
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On the first day of class I start teaching the course content. This:
1. Shows the students that I am serious about
their education;
2. It shows the students that I am prepared;
3. It sets the tone for the rest of the course;
I also fill out a seating chart - to get to know
the students names ASAP. I also ask each student
what their career objective is upon graduation
and I place that in my seating chart - for later
individual rapport with the students.
I try to clearly state my expectations verbally as well as in the syllabus and try to remain consistent with them.
I have examples of work orders that we use in class, One is filled out correctly with ledgable writing on it and the other one is a mess that you can't read. I ask them if I gave them a handout that had important information on it that was going to be on a test, which example would they prefer to see? I then explain to them that I expect the same from them.
I list the class agenda on the board and then the learning objectives/outcomes for the day at the start of my presentations.
The first day of class students are given the syllabus and the classroom rules. I asure them that I am here to help them succeed and that respect is required in the classroom for the instructor as well as fellow students. I give them the opportunity to discuss additional rules that they may want enforced in the class.
One of the methods I use is to be sure I can communicate between course meetings with me class - either via email or an online learning system. The day after class I will post or email a message recapping our class and setting out exactly what is due and what I expect for the next session - topics to be covered, readings, homework, etc. This is also a great way to bring out any questions the students have or where clarification is needed.
I'm on time with everything from being in class on-time, handing them their test scores and assignments back in a timely manner. I try to stay organized. I give positive feedback and am always respectful to my students. On first day of class I read the syllabus and have students ask questions to clarify my expectations so that they are not dumbfounded at the end of the course.
I think recapping and reminding students if something is due the next day is great. They have a syllabus but sometimes the verbal reminder can get them on track.
Hi Tauisha,
Great point you make. The printed material is one example but the human in learning is an even bigger example. So by your modeling the behaviors you want from your students and what is expected of them in the field you are setting the bar high and showing them how they can reach that bar. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I provide students with hand outs of what I expect of them, and how I expect their work to be presented to me. As a health care professional who is teaching future health care professionals, my actions in the scan lab, and the terminology I use in my conversations reflect how students should act in the workforce. I remind them that they will be communicating not only with patients, but with physicians and other health care professionals.
The syllabus is the main written way but i then recap at the end of class what the expectations are for the next class.
I totally use myself has their first example. I'm on time with everything from being in class on-time, handing them their test scores and assignments back in a timely fashion, staying organized. Giving positive feedback and being respectful. I know a syllabus expresses your expectation. But what happens when that paper get put away. Who will be available to set an example then?
Expectations for my students include attendance, homework, class assignments, participation, attire, attitude, language and most importantly, professionalism. I continually teach them by correcting them and/or modeling the professional response or activity for that situation.
I make sure that I clearly explain to my students the objectives of the class and what I expect from them day 1 of the class. I also send a welcome letter via e-mai to each one of my students with a brief introduction of the class so students know what to expect when they attend the cirst day of class.
Hi Dreena,
As you know students really like it when instructors share personal experiences. This is a good strategy you are using because you are helping your students to see relevancy to the content being shared.
Gary
giving the students an example from my past experiences gives them a good picture of my expectations that is easy to understand and remember.
I use personal examples from previous work experience to help make a point clear on certain expectations of conduct changes.
