Letting the class know right away what your expectations are.
As an instructor of welding I have to make it clear on the methods and techniques that we use to be able to produce a quality sound welds. It is important for them to know the information because this is what gets them a job.
To give clear directions and have a open discussion of my expectations of them and to give a clear course outline and syllabus
James,
These points of contact are so important to and for each student. By sharing a little time and a few words you are showing them that you respect them and their contributions to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In lab courses I try to walk the classroom and talk with each student. I often ask them questions about the technique or procedure that they are using and guide them in the right direction.
Mariesol,
Good idea for how to get students to review and see what is contained in the syllabus and why they need to use it as a course guide.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
After reviewing the syllabus I have a discussion about the expetations for the course. I could also give a "post test" about the expectations.
There are various different methods that can be used such as videos, Powerpoint , skits and a great sense of humour.
Just keep enforcing policies. Correct them immediately if they are following policy. It not corrected the problem will continue and then it will only get worse.
My method/technique is my course syllabus. When I hand out each course syllabus I require each student to sign a course syllabus acknowledgement sheet stating that we went over the syllabus, the requirements, and the expectations of the that course.
I will usually tell someone what is expected of them. It is also helps out to write it done. But not only tell them what is expected of them but to show them how it can be achieved. I also like to include the consequences of their actions if the expectation is not met.
Rex,
Simple forthright way to check for understanding. This way your students and you know what they know and what they don't know and then you can build from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Simple q&a after each main point seems to work for me. I also ask a couple of times and then at the end of class about assignment due dates, what is to be read etc.
Janet,
Checking for understanding is a good way to keep a continue "read" of how your students are connecting with your content. Keep using this strategy as it it is yielding good results for you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I make sure up front at beginning of class I let them know what I expect, as far as professionalism,etc. During class I always break every so often and ask questons to make sure they are getting he material I just went over.
Lisa,
I think it is the "Student Bermuda Triangle" of hearing. The SBT is where all instructor given information goes never to be heard from again because just as soon as you say it there is a question about what you have just said.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Travis,
This is how a learning leader should conduct the class so all students have equal opportunities to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You are right about that...(Funny)
I see this while in the classroom during lecture. A student who is looking you dead in the face will turn around and ask you about what you just said moments earlier... Their mind must have escaped them temporarily.
LT
I pull the alway from all distraction. I stand where they all will be able to see and hear me. I also speak loudly and make eye contact with them while I address them.
Lisa,
Repetition of due dates and project requirements is a must for instructors. Students seem to have selective hearing or maybe hearing loss when it comes to due dates and project requirements. We instructors need to post them, repeat them and then do all the steps over again and we will still have one or two students say they didn't know something was due.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
