Toni,
This is so important because they need to see what their future will look like in their field. The more experience they can gain in the classroom or lab the easier their transition will be into their career area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I first meet students; I introduce myself; give information about my background. Then I ask them about themselves and understand their goals. Then I continue to demonstrate why we are both here; what we are here to gain and learn; and how they are going to be successful in their education.
I give them a detailed list of assignments, quizzes and exams and final projects. I include the grading criteria for all assignments. This leaves no room for excuses and not passing the course.
I go over what the industry will expect form them as professionals and translate that into classroom policy.
I would like to try that. Is it a written or oral quiz that you give?
Tiana,
By having the students sign that they have received and reviewed the syllabus they have made a commitment to follow the contents of the syllabus. This method reduces students say they didn't receive a copy of the syllabus or that they didn't understand what it said.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use a syllabus. We go over it in class, the students sign it, and then there is a time for questions.
Hi Carolyn: I review my expectations and objectives for each course the very first day of class. I also re-iterate my objectives daily and I hand out a syllabus or "Bible" for the students to follow. Homework due dates and test material is reviewed. I find that the students do better of their tests if they know what to expect. I also provide an outline discussing professionalism.
by Sandra Drab
Rhonda,
Great way to set the tone for the class. They are being given an overview of both the content of the course as well as the requirements. This is so important as you have experienced in getting the students settled into the course and feeling comfortable with how they are going to function in the class setting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I lead by being a good example. At the beginning of a class I always discuss the highlights of the course syllabus. I also present a brief interactive power point presentation of my class room expectations. Most importantly, I am always consistant. Also, I make a calendar spread sheet for each of my classes that I hand out the first day of class. I indicate first assignment, quiz, and course project due dates on the calendar. I continue to update the calendar through the course of upcoming pending assignments. I will project the calendar at the beginning of each week.
Amy,
Good way to establish the ground rules so there is not misunderstanding as to how the course is going to operate. Then it is a building process from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nancy,
Good reminder to self. Yes, it is the first and only time that group of students will be in the course and hear the information about the syllabus, etc.. We need to remember this as we teach our courses over and over so we remain fresh and excited about what we are teaching.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I state on the very first nigth the rulea and guidelines for the class. I also have a sheet that I pass out to each student with the classroom rules and guidlines on them. I have the students sign the forms and give them back to me.
I like to review the syllabus, point by point during the first class. While at times I feel I have the syllabus memorized, I remind myself that this is all new to the students! Allowing time for questions helps to reinforce points I may have missed. During the course, I refer the students back to the syllabus for information.
My expectations are initially covered in the syllabus. I discuss these expectations at the first night of class. I use the course management system, through announcements and reminders, to reinforce the expectations.
Elizabeth,
This is the human part of being an educator. You are showing them that you in fact do understand them because you were once where they are. This helps them to respect and relate to you and your course content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I usually start by letting them know that, having gone through the same type of training and education, that I can relate to their anxiety. Then I go further by letting them know that I will do my best to make sure that they learn the material they need to succeed in their field of study.
Adriel,
Even though they are adults they need to be reminded over and over again about such requirements and upcoming due dates. You would think you wouldn't have to do such but you do as we all know.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mary,
This is a good way to hold the students accountable and reduces their saying "You didn't tell me." about some critical information. By signing off the accountability has shifted to them and it is up to them to use the information contained in the syllabus.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
From the very first class and almost in every class I remind students about projects, homework and major tests. I emphasize the grade distribution constantly.
