Students have enough to worry about regarding just learning, demonstrating competence, and applying outside of class. Weak requirements give them a poor roadmap in how to succeed.
I think the most important revelation to the students by sharing comprehensive and clear course requirements is that they can assess time commitment. Many of the students that I will be teaching are non-traditional with families and full-time jobs. From my own experience, I returned to do my Masters as a non-traditional while raising a family, working in a full-time, salaried managerial position and serving on a City Council. Time was in short supply. I actually managed more course schedule around the amount of time I could commit to the course work at hand. I also tend to believe that by establishing clear expectations that students tend to perform better because they can predetermine how their set of values and beliefs can be applied to achieving the course expectations.
When students know what to expect, it reduces their anxiety because they don't have to guess. They are then in a better position to learn. They are more receptive when they know what to expect.
In order to let the students best understand what is expected and what they will learn in the class.
It is important for students to know that the instructor is knowlegeable in their area of learning. Once they begin the class they want a clear outline of expectations to get them through the course and so there are no surprises along the way
Specifically, so adult learners have a clearer idea of how they may need to allot their time when completing the course.
With out it you have no idea of what you are expected to do to be successful.
Hi Karen,
This is a good approach to take. I deduct 20 points for each day the assignment is late. That way in 5 days the assignment has no value. The reason I do this is so there is closure. As you know if you don't students will be handing in assignments at the end of the course that were due the first day.
I also take into account circumstances that have impacted the late assignment. I talk with the students so I am understanding of why they had some challenges in getting the work in.
Gary
I understand about not taking late work, but when you have older students there has to be some leeway (with points deducted). When you have students who are parents at home, sometimes a child getting sick, etc has to be considered. So I would write that late work up to a certain day with points deducted, and an explanation of why it was late.
You do a disservice to yourself and your students if you don't provide clear and concise expectations. Without direction, you're paddling with one oar.
It is students right to know what's expected from the classroom. As it was discussed in the course, syllabus is the contract between the student and the school. It is a important guidance for the student and letting them know how much work they need in order to achieve the credit/grade.
So the student knows what he/ she can expect.
Hi Sammie,
Right you are. The students need to see fair, consistent and professional models in their educational setting. This way they can transfer this modeling to their own lives and success as supervisors in their field.
Gary
Student need to know exactly what is required of them. Students that are seeking higher education may end up in supervisory type roles. When they start working in their chosen field they are going to want to provide their employees with clear cut goals and expectations. We can begin modeling this for them in the class room.
So there are no gray areas and the students know EXACTLY what is expected of them. They cant say it was never explained to them
Very true Tanya,
Setting clear expectations and giving the students the tools they need to be successful reduces confusion and mis conceptions. I also stress the fact to read-over the syllabus on the first class and by stressing key concepts in it that is important factual content.
Because if you leave up it to students to read over their syllabus they will not read it or they will skim over which results in not following the requirements.
Students need to know what they are responsible for and what they need to do to succeed in class. It can help students feel a lot more secure and help prevent lots of problems by making sure that you as an instructor are on the same page as the students are regarding what is expected of them.
This is definitely something I am working on. I am now saying I will not accept work late unless they have notified me with a very good acceptable reason for being late with points deducted, or I won't accept the work at all.
I think it makes them feel more secure with a structure around them and a focus so they don't have to worry about the unknown.
Hi Elsie,
Simple and forthright in terms of consequences about being late or missing exams. With a well developed syllabus you reduce the number of "You didn't tell me about this." issues since it right there from the first day on.
Gary
