Matt,
You were given good advice because it is so true. Clear and concise information delivered via the syllabus is important if students are going to understand what is expected of them and how they can achieve success in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I once worked for a chef owner who told me that the only thing I owe my kitchen staff is clarity.
Delivering concise and clear verbal instruction is a good start.
Hands on demonstrations are particularly effective in a kitchen/culinary setting.
Of course, a well written syllabus and other course material are crucial as well.
As a new instructor I learned too many ideas in this forum. I will keep looking for your discussions and hope to be able to give ideas after gaining the experience.
Thanks
Angela,
This is such an important way to open a new course. This way the students know what they are expected to do and what will be done to help them learn the required content and skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I first make clear what the course will teach them, I lay out my rules, I explain what is expected from them as well as myself. I allow for Q&A to make sure everyone is aware of what the next few weeks will be about.
While covering important topics I tend to scan the room and look for strugling eyes. Assessing the students often helps to make sure the lesson was learned.
I review covered information at the start of the next day, asking questions to the students.
Marion,
One of the most valuable tools a teacher has--consistency. The students need to know that their instructor is going to be consistent in expectations. If they are uncertain they become frustrated very quickly.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I lay out my expectations on the first night and then I stick with them. Consistency is the key.
M.A.Davis
For each class or session, provide objectives; periodically ask students if the objective(s) was meant and/or frequently get feedback from students if they understand what was discussed and if not review to assure learning objective was met
Stacy,
This is such a good service to provide your students as this helps them to organize themselves and keep moving forward in the course. Many students as you know do not have good organization or study skills so they need some help in terms of keeping up with the flow of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too use pop quizzes to make sure that students are getting the material. I also ask them the use 3x5 cards a study material and Critical thinking question to find out where they are in the thinking process.
I make a detailed day by day outline. It states the flow of the day including breaks and also home work assignments. That way student's know what to expect for each day of class.
Vanessa,
Students have selective memories at times so the more and different ways you can get your message across the better. This way they will know they have been told and that they are going to be held accountable.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use the combination of verbally saying it as well as giving them a written view
I have found that through Q&A and have students show how to do, helps them stay on track with understanding the material.
Antonio,
Right you are about this important point. By doing so everyone is on the same page in terms of expectations and with you providing an expectations sheet with your syllabus the students have it in writing. This will reduce misunderstandings and confusion.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is very important to make your expectations very clear on day one. I have an expectations sheet included in my syllabus.
I come to realize that this strategy works for all learning styles because you can incorperate a little of everything and the studendts are engaged and share their ideas more as to how they intepret what was said.
David,
Are there some ways you can reinforce the key concepts when you do your big test review such as using small groups to share information, or games where students use the information to answer questions? Any type of activities that will get them to use the needed information over and over so it will be sealed in their memory for recall during test time.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
