As others have indicated here, I too give my students a very detailed syllabus and go over page by page. I also make sure that they fully understand the assignments, exams, quizzes and grade breakdown of the course.
Ruth,
Good way to open up a new course. You are setting the boundaries for the course while helping to understand they need to listen and follow the requirements of the course which helps to prepare them for success in the work world.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ashley,
By doing so you are helping your students see how the course is going to operate as well as set the tone for the class. By reviewing the syllabus you are increasing the value of the syllabus as a guiding document for the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I go over the entire syllabus and the rules and regulations. Sometimes I deffinatly have to reiterate the policy over cell phones and ear buds. They are in a professional atmosphere and they need to act that way while in the classroom. It is the training for their future. A Job will make their expectations extremely clear.
Ruth
By going over the syllabus. This is a clear outline of what is expected and allows the students to ask questions that way everyone is on the same page.
Yvette,
This method really reduces the "I didn't know or no one told me" factor as a student excuse.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm giving them calendar with exact dates/chapters/pages...
Gwen,
Good way to set the tone for the class and establish the criteria for course success. Knowing this information helps to calm fears and reduce frustration on the part of students so they can concentrate on what it is they need to do in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always hand out a syllabus first day of class and cover it completely, answering students questions along the way. Any projects, tests, and homework expected through the course is explained in detail and written out completely so they can go back and review it at any time.
Bruce,
Right you are because as you mention this greatly aides in class management. Also, by teaching the value of and as well as the consequences of following or not following procedures and/or rules you are helping them see how they need to conduct themselves in the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Procedures and rules are two specific ingredients to ensure that students understand what is expected of them. In the first instant, ensure student understand their behavior in the classroom (say excessive talking with other students that has no bearing to class work or discussion) and the academic habits (study habits) necessary to complete the required assignment. In the second case, rules (in and out of the classroom) must be followed and consequences to follow for the failure to abide by these rules. By following rules and procedures it will ensure that student meet their (assignment) expectations; therefore, it is incumbent upon the instructor to ensure that appropriate procedures and rules are in place.
Kellie,
This is a must because it keeps everyone informed plus reduces questions about when they are due.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
They receive a calander...we go off of that so they clearly know what is due and when we do reviews. There is no way to fall off track
Mossetta,
This is a good model to follow because you can quickly see if they have got it or not. This also reveals what areas you need to review if needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The methods and techniques I use to make sure students understand what is expected of them is to ask and have them repeat what was said, using their own words.
Cover the coruse overview, expectated learning takaways, policies and procedures during the begining of the course.
A power point is used at the start of class to give out specific information. I then use a course outline that explains in detail what is going to be covered and when.
Melissa,
Good way to not only inform the students but also to creative excitement about the upcoming class sessions. Showing them examples and talking about what they are going to do during the first class meeting helps to get them "hooked" for the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Complete a thorough review of the syllabus and class expectations during the first class. I also make documents and what was covered available online at all times to students via the student portal.
Further, I make sure to remind students regularly during class and via email due dates, assignment requirements, etc. For some assignments I will provide an example of an "A" assignment so they have a benchmark to work towards. My students are art & design students so providing visual and kinethetic reinforcements works best for most of them.
i hand out the syllabus and go over classroom ettique so we are all on the same page. I want everyone clear from the first day that I expect professionism from day one as they would encounter in the field.
