One of my methods for making clear my expectation that students will become ACTIVE participants in my class is on the first day, I tell them that I expect every one of them to tell me I'm wrong at least once during that course. We then go over the reasons I expect that of them. It tends to get their attention!
Deborah, Good idea...asking students what they expect or need from you is key to creating a positive environment.
Preparing a well thoughtout syllabus and one that is clearly organized is a good start. Then, making sure that there is ample time for questions/discussion is essential. Also, a handout asking studenst for a short bio and special concerns they might have re: the class is a good method for addressing individual needs.
Marisela,
Bookending your goals really help them to have value to and for students. This way they see what they have accomplished at the end of class because the accomplished goals are highlighted.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I clearly outline the goals of the day at the beginning of the class or clinical day. At the end of clinical days I discuss the goals with the students and we evaluate which goals were met.
I make sure to carefully cover the class syllabus at the beginning of each class and to answer any questions or concerns. I also hand out a class calander that gives a day to day agenda and any work that needs to be turned in or chapters to read. I do my best to dress and act and speak professionally, because that is what is expected of students entering into the health care environment.
Marla,
Good way to create unity in your program. You tell them what they will be learning and then do a learning check at the end of the day. This is a great form of accountability for the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
ZULFIKARALI,
Good strategy. Students need to make a connection between course content and application. Both are essential for career success so the more expertise and knowledge they have the more successful they are going to be.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Each morning I discuss with my group what I expect from them in the clinical arena. In the afternoon we discuss how the learning goals were achieved.
I use verbal and written and visual communication when explaining my expectations. As being a practical scanning lab, I give a class demonstrations of how I scan and what my expectations are, based on the ultrasound society guidelines and requirements. They may pass their written exam components and if they don't do well in their lab/practical, they will not make it in this very competitive world. I will emphasis the importance of practical, hands on experience and get as much of it as possible to be successful.
Steve,
I like the way you explain and use this formula. Helps to show the students how the course is going to operate.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Tracy,
Accountability is a big part of your first class sessions. You are making your expectations clear and then asking your students to sign a document that shows they have these expectations in their minds and in their notes. This is a good way to keep the course outcomes fresh in the minds of the students throughout the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I tell them on day one that this is an 80/20 relationship. They are the 80 percent in that they need to be on time, study hard, read the assignments...etc. My 20 comes from being prepared, on time and changing my teaching style as needed to amke sure all students are able to grasp the material
I always take an extensive amount of time going over all of the expectations of not only myself, but I also extensively cover what is expected of them from the college. I feel that the time spent discussing all of the rules and regulations of the school and of my classroom, I have the opportunity to discuss my background and education and use that time to set the atmosphere for professionalism and I also do a question and answer session so that by the end of the first class, all of the studens in my class have had the opportunity to understand me and I them. I also provide copies of my classroom rules and regulations as well as those of the college and I require the student to sign an acknowledgement and return to me. When you require the student to sign a document, they seem to remember them and adhere to them more consistently.
Catherine,
Like the way you set out your expectations. This way you reduce student confusion and increase their understanding of how the course is going to operate.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
A list of rules given at the beginning of the new term, is the only way to go. I gave mine the title "Great Expectations".
i use a loud voice and consistancy so my student know what my expectations are.
I give the students a syllabus that clearly outlines the requirements for the class. On the first day of class I go over each and every aspect of the class and answer any questions that the students may have. Then each day I put the expectations (objectives) on the board and go over them so that students are fully aware of their responsibilities that day in both what they need to learn and any work they may need to turn in either that day or the following day. I believe you need to be crystal clear with your expectations and constantly communicate those to the students to create a learning environment where the students know what to expect.
Holly,
Keep your mind open to how the students react when you use different instructional methods. You will be able to very quickly see what works with them and then you can refine that strategy even further. This is how your professional expertise will expand.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have included my expectations as an condensed addendum to my syllabus as well as discussing them in class on the first day.
