Comprehensive and clear course requirements give the students an idea of where they are, where they are going and how they are going to get there.The other part of this is that this gives them a sense of security of what to expect and what is expected of them. A lot still has to be done by the instructor with their interaction with students but I know being able to properly plan is always a plus for the student that takes advantage of it.
It is important for students to understand clearly what is going to be expected from them during the course.
i do a walk through in my lab with all my students and let them know exactly what is going on and what they will leave with
It is important to give a comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements so that students understand what they are expected to learn, how the course material will be presented (class plan), and how the material can be useful for them after they have completed the course.
Hi Glenn,
This is so critical for students to know and understand. By knowing what it takes for course success the students can get settled in and move forward.
Gary
It can hieghten expectations, relieve anxiety, clear frustrations out of the way of the leaarning process. Every student approach each class with a level of fear and unknown, when the path to be traveled is made clear a level of confidence arises and hopefully the can do spirit kicks in gear. As an instructor it can serve as your roadmap so when the detours happen you know how to get back on course.
Hi Natalie,
Right you are. Understanding the polices and requirements of the course helps to get the students settled in and ready for the up coming sessions. This also reduces their concerns about what the expectations are since they have been clearly explained.
Gary
It is important to give a comprehensive and clear description of the requirements of a course so that the student has an understanding of: what the course is, what the course will require, what will be expected of the student and how he will be graded in regards to those expectations.
Students need to know what is excpected of them throughout the course. If the expectations are not clear than students may not take things seriously.
By, Edwardo Mojena
It gives the students direction in what they will learn also will guide the professor on what they should learn next and also no the expectations with in each other.
Hi Nastassia,
By being clear and concise in with your course expectations you really help to set the students at ease in the course. This way you can build on the first class meeting and you move to the next stages of the course.
Gary
It is important to give a comprehensive and clear description of the course requirements, so that the students clearly understand the course content and what is required. There needs to be a clear understanding of the course in its entirety as well as what is expected to elimate any confusion and/or misunderstanding.
Clear course requirements are a major factor in the organization of any course. Students have a right to expect that the teacher has carefully planned out the course,and that he or she can show them in a syllabus exactly what the expectations are and the lessons that will be presented.
So the student is better prepared for class. Student centered!
It allows the student to understand the expectations and content of the course allowing them the opportunity to ask for any clarifications. Personally, I take notes weekly throughout my classes for any discussions or concerns that arise or any clarifications I have had to address. This lets me be more prepared and tweak my course requirements if needed for future classes.
Hi Dr. Fuqua,
Good advice on how to start off a class successfully. The more students know about the expectations, requirements, and policies of the course the few questions they will have and the lower their frustration will be.
Gary
As specifically as possible, tell your students what you wish to accomplish and why.
Highlight the course goals in such a way that students will be able to see the expected outcones of the course.
Remember thta the first day are only trying to develop a general sense of understanding about the course with the students.
Hi Tiffany,
Good point. They want and need to know what is going to be covered so they can plan for the coming weeks of instruction to make sure they complete all of the requirements. This helps them see the big picture.
Gary
I feel that it is important for the students to know what will be covered in the class. They also need to know what they will be responsible for. By giving clear descriptions, you can ensure most students will know what is expected of them and what they need to know before they can pass the class.
This lets the student know what they have gotten themselves into and how they are going to get through it.
Sometimes students are placed in courses and they don't understand why or only given the reason its required for thier degree.
Once students understand what the course is about and how it should relate to them and their degree then the uphill battle isn't so hard. Letting the students fully understand what is required in the course them they can get on board with the class, instead of fighting it.
Some students only want to know what is the least amount they need to do to get out of the class, while others want to know how to succeed. The description of the course requirements helps both of these types of students and those in between.
