Prior to the first class meeting I contact the students, and discuss the course objectives and my personal expectations of them.
Hope,
When faced with this perception you can do a couple of things. One have the students write down on 3X5 cards what they perceive your expectations to be. They don't need to sign the cards so as to reduce any fear that they might have. Their responses will give you good insight as to whether you are making your expectations clear or not. The other thing you can do is write on the board or give a handout of the objectives for that day as well as the "takeaways". This way each time the class meets the students will know what the expectations are for them for that class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel as thought my students still do not understand what i expect from them. This is something I'm working on everyday to get them to understand.
On the first day of class I both print out my syllabus and go through the document with my students highlighting and explaining the various points.
Kina,
I like this strategy. You are approaching accountability for students from a number of different ways and their signing the sheet puts the responsibility for their success squarely on them. You are there to support them but they must put forth the effort to be successful since it is their career that they are working on.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lindsey,
I prepare a hand out of expectations and my grading rubric as well. This is in addition to the syllabus because I like you want to make sure the students see the handout on a regular basis and they know in a condensed version what it takes to be successful in the course. I also put the handout on colored paper so I can refer to the sheet by color when I am talking about it and that increases their focus on it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hello Dr. Meers,
The technique that I use to show them what my expectations are is to give a handout during the first class and make them sign the expectations showing that they know what the expectations of the course is. Not only is this a contract between me and the student it is in writing and can be referred back to if the student seems to get off track.
Thanks.
K. Sweet
I print out a copy of my expectations and hand them to each student. We then discuss and confirm them. I also have a copy posted in the class. I have found it helpful to be able to walk over to where it is posted and physically touch it and remind them what it says. It is excellent accountability,
Martha,
This is necessary because students have a tendency not to listen and then say they were never told about projects, timelines, assessments, etc.. We need to be clear and concise in our explanation of our course requirements.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I give very specific instructions and deadlines along with access to resources that will be needed.
A small orientation is good. Going over your rules and syllabus is a great way.
David,
This is important because as we all know students are always telling us we didn't tell them something. Concrete reminders such as handouts illustrate that in fact they were told and it is up to them to meet the requirements.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bryan,
Make it clear, make it concise, make it real. You are doing this from day one. Good job.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Heather,
I use handouts because they are reminders for students beyond the syllabus. Keep up this strategy because it is really helpful for students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I prefer to put everything in written form and go over it verbally as well. This way they cannot say "I didn't know" or claim to have never recieved a policy or standard
I give out a course syllabus and tell them what I expect each and every day.
I might type up and print expectations on a paper and provide handouts. I also might ask the class questions about what is expected or give a pop-quiz.
Leslie,
How do you share this information with your students? Through handouts, discussion, Q&A? What has been the most successful for you?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Adam,
The sharing of the grading rubric is valuable to the students because they can see how and where they will be evaluated. This is important for them to know from the beginning of the class as it helps them to reduce their anxiety about the course and focus on being successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. Being up front with the student about the precise expectations for your course,makes for a less stressful learning environment.
