Marilyn,
Once the students know the policies, expectations and requirements then it is a building process from there on in the course. The quiz idea is a good one because it holds the students accountable for knowing what the syllabus says and they won't be able to say that they weren't informed about due dates or project specifics.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making your expectations clear is absolutely imperative, and as important is to consistently enforce whatever policies and expectations you have established. I discuss the syllabus page by page on the first day of class. On a few occasions I have also given students a quiz on content in the syllabus such as policies on attendance, grading, homework, class participation, etc.
James,
Humor I believe is an essential part of the educational process. Students like to share a laugh. Laughter helps them to reset their minds and ready for the next learning adventure.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tia,
It seems that one cannot repeat too many times the due dates for quizzes or projects. Students have select memories when it comes to certain aspects of courses. So through the syllabus, announcements and whiteboard listings the message will be received by most students. I am always amazed that there are always a few students that claim that they weren't told about a due date or quiz. I worry about their future when they get out into the workplace and there are no "do overs" when it comes to deadlines.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tavia,
Yes, students do model after their learning leader. We need to remember we are being observed by our students no matter where we are in the school setting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always like to tell a joke to lighten the mood of the class. I start with a joke in the beginning of class and I end with one at the end of class.
It is important to be explicit by giving students a syllabus, reading the syllabus together as a class, asking for questions and then soliciting answers to posed questions about the syllabus; for example, "what days do we meet?" or "when is our first exam?"
First impressions are very important. I feel that student model and follow by example. After introduction of myself and the student, I go over the syllabus and step by step we discuss what is required for the course, what is my expectation for discussion and participation, grading police and etc.
Jodi,
You have good management skills in terms of introducing your own instructional style and course operation. You let them express the fact that "Instructor So and So" does it differently" but you come back to that is fine but in this class this is how we are going to do ti. This is good training for the students because they are going to encounter many different ways of doing tasks under the direction of many different supervisors. They need to be able to adapt their own approach to meet the requirements of their present situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have been instructing for a year and every ten weeks is a new module and a "new" syllabus, even if the students are repeating. They know the drill, but I still go over the syllabus and repeat, repeat what I expect of them. Sometimes I have been the one to move to different classes and hear "that's not the way Miss X did it." I reply that all instructors have different styles and I would like you to try this way and we can all work together. So far that's had a pretty positive outcome. Even though some students complain about having to do something a different way, I think they see it actually helps.
Lisa,
You have a good plan for informing the students of your expectations. It never hurts to spend plenty of time going over the due dates and projects because students have a tendency to tune out until the last minute so by repeating your requirements you are helping them to "remember" when they have things due.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Erica,
Good way to reinforce your course policies, expectations and requirements. By going over them verbally as well as supplying them via a written format you are letting your students know the importance you are attaching to the course and their performance.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Policies / procedures and the syllabus are reviewed in detail on the first day. In addition to reviewing them, these documents are posted on the students' SharePoint site so they can reference them at any time during the course. Ample time is given for questions / answers. I think I could improve upon more detailed discussion of projects / assignments on the first day.
I print out with their syllabus a list of rules and behavior expectations, I read their syllabus with them the first day of class and I enforce what I've told them. i also like to make a calander with dates of quizzes, tests and practicals and exactly what chapters or content are covered so it's organized and lets them know exactly when things are happening. I also put on their due dates for any projects, and their syllabus lets them know wbout the late policies. Everything in writing and everything verbal as well.
On the first day of the class I spend a great portion of the class going over the program handbook and the syllabus for the course. I highlight the expectations of the students and I solicit their expectations of me. It's amazing how shocked the students are when I ask this. It gives us a mutual respect and agreement and sets the tone for a two way relationship.
Joshua,
You cannot cover such items in too much detail because all students have very short memories. So reinforce, review and then do it all over again and you still will have one or two students that didn't hear the assignment deadline.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
whuld you give me example
Margaret,
I like the way you provide them opportunities to get involved right from the beginning of the course. I think this is very important to student engagement. Having a fun ice breaker introduction session and then some samples of what is to come really sets the stage for a positive learning environment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brent,
This approach holds students accountable for their future. As adults they have chosen to be in school and they need to see that it is up to them to be success. You will help, instruct and support them but they must put forth the effort to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to make sure the syllabus is reviewed in full. In addition I explain the class project and an addendum to the course syllabus with due dates for assignments and my own personal expectations as a instructor.
