I think that getting a class off to a good start requires that you set the bar on what you expect from your student and what they should expect from you.
The syllabus is a great tool. I also give them a list of dates for homework deadlines and projects.
Donna,
Repetition of details is very important because students selectively hear what they want to hear many times and they miss some of the details of the course, like due dates.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
On the first day I always hand out the syllabus and we go over it together as a class. I am very clear about the rules in my room as well. I verbally let them know and I also hand out a sheet with written rules and policies. I generally do not have a lot of issues in my classes b/c I let them know from day 1 what I expect and I also am consistent in how I handle issues when they do arise.
After making your expectation clear to the student. You should ask question of the class regrading the information you have given them. You can correct any misunderstandings at that time
Using clear instructions (you may have to repeat this several times) such as verbal and written expectations would be my initial attempt. Allowing the students to ask questions I believe would help the class come to an understanding as well as using the syllabus as a guide.
Christopher,
Good strategy in terms of putting your grade scheme in print. When it comes to students questioning an instructor's grading it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when so the more prepared an individual is the easier it is to work through the question and resolve the situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like the syllabus and other documentation to be as clear as possible and we spend a great deal of time making it correct. Furthermore we have associated documents like rubrics that we hand out when we assign papers. I have had students challenge me on statements I have made weeks or months before regarding grading or policy. I try to keep expectations in writing and if we discuss it we refer to the source document.
Terry,
You make a good point. Students really like examples of the content being covered. With the examples the students see the relevancy of the content being offered and how they can make application of it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to give pertinent examples in which to tye in with class expectations. I have found that in my very short time as an instructor, this makes for relevancy and it tends to lessen the stress of "figuring me out".
Tawana,
Repetition is an essential and required teaching tool. The more repetition the more retention of content occurs.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Amber,
By being on the same page everyone moves forward with an understanding of what the course expectations are and how to proceed to meet them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I feel there is an important topic or expectation that needs to be stressed, I often use repetition. In my experience giving a course outline and /or syllabus is effective for those students who wil;l really read the material; yet repetition of key points often stick longer.
Besides going over the expectations verbally I also hand out the course syllabus which has the same information on it. It is important for the students and Instructor to all be on the same page.
The first day is spent on discussing the syllabus, course content and stuidy techniques that have preven successfull for students. This is done as an open forum discussion.
Just be clear with your expectations and guidlines
Danielle,
This is the way to show the students what the expectations are for the course in a clear and concise way. This is important for them to have as you know because you then can build off of the syllabus and the objectives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
i like to given them written expectations in the syllabus, each lecture and calendars and lists of due dates
Jeremy,
This is such a "big picture" approach. By knowing everything being taught revolves around these categories you giving them "memory pegs" on which to hang the cognitive and tactile components of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kelly,
I like this approach as you are showing the students what it takes for success in the course and they are charting their own destiny by signing the guide to success. This creates a foundation for engagement which will help them to achieve success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
