Gina,
Good way to establish a foundation for the course and how it is going to operate. This gives the students a clear understanding of expectations, policies and requirements. From there on in the course it is a growth opportunity for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My course outline contains all of my students expectations. My school also requires the students sign a code of conduct on the first day that outlines policies on cheating,etc.
Robert,
So critical in the development of the soft skills of your students. I commend you for this effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I will be implementing a course code of conduct so that expectations are clear from day one.
David,
This is such a great way to show graphically how the parts of the course come together to complete the total. Your explanation of how success can be achieved establishes the requirements so the students can see how they can be successful if they are willing to put forth the required effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do the same thing but with a less formal approach then a power point. My expectations are expressed the first night of class and said again numerous times before the term ends
I have my students tell me what I just told them. "Put your papers down and let's make a list of the requirements for this course and what you must do to excel." Sometimes they come up with some additional points that I had not suggested. That's great - it means they are fitting my expectations into their lives and study habits.
I also use a large calendar and walk through each lesson and requirement by date. I encourage them to match my requirements up with family requirements (like Thanksgiving) and other course requirements (like other papers due).
Finally, I provide a grading rubric for oral and written participation, and tie it to a taxonomy for the course, curriculum and school I show their level of study (BS, MS, DBA, etc) and what should be expected of a student at each level (Understand the material, Evaluate courses of action, Create a new concept, etc.) This shows that my Goals, Requirements and Objectives in the course are crafted to promote their progress toward graduation, education, and application of knowledge to their future careers.
Leroy,
Good point about using graphics in your presentations. The more senses you can incorporate with your teaching the higher the retention of content will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Using powerpoint presentations help studens and instrctors teach the course on an higher leval.one picture is better than 100 words.
Kathy,
For sure. This is critical in getting the class off to a good start.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pam,
Students are very concerned about what the expectations of the course are so the first class meeting should be used to explain the details of the course to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Having your expectation clear from beginning makes the whole class aware and run alot smoother
It is a good idea to explain what is expected on the first day
Minnie,
How do you share this information with your students/
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to keep my course outline very simple as well.
Monica,
Be concise and be consistent in working with students and you will reduce many of their frustrations. You are helping to do both with your syllabus and the review of it. Good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Develop a thorough syllabus and have students read it and sign that they understand. Consistency also helps, I try not to change curriculum and I make my expectations clear.
Michael,
This is such a great quote because it is so common with us teachers. We think that we are more clear in our communicating our expectations than we really are in many cases. So we need to reinforce and repeat our expectations so I our students can clearly understand things like assignments and due dates.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Good communication is vital from the very beginning. I believe it was George Bernard Shaw who said, "The trouble with communication is, thinking that it has taken place."
Meeting the students need for clarity and understanding is primary in setting the stage for the learning environment.
The instructor who is a skilled communicator will be able to connect through listening with students and empathize with their challenges.
Relationships that feature clear a communication of what one expects within relationship paves the way for a classroom based on collaboration, cohesiveness, cooperation and coordination.
Kelleen,
Have your requirements laid out clearly in your syllabus. Students have selective memories when it comes to due dates and projects. I prepare a one page handout with the due dates and specific requirements that I share with the students in addition to the syllabus. I print the handout on colored paper and I refer to that sheet throughout the course. This way the sheet doesn't get mixed up with other papers. In addition I send reminders to the students via BlackBoard. I am firm on the due dates and it is amazing that after points are taken off for being late with the first assignment how many of the students start to "get it" in terms of meeting future timelines. If you do not enforce the due dates and requirements the students will take advantage of this and you will lose control of the class. So be firm and be consistent.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
