I really just be clear and honest with my students and tell them, that I want them to learn and respect me.
I use Excel spreadsheets for creating rubrics for speeches & papers. I break it down as much as possible so that they know exactly how many points are available for things such as eye contact or gestures (speeches) and title page or reference page (in APA papers). I hand these out to students on the first day so that they will know exactly how they will be graded. Not only does this help them feel more confident in knowing what to expect in my class, it serves as a secondary form of instruction.
AMANDA,
It is critical that the information about the course is covered in the syllabus. The syllabus is the informational source for students thus it needs to be clear and concise for ease of understanding.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You need to put all of the information about the class in the syllabi. It is important to go over it with the class on the first day so they know what is expected from them.
Frank,
All of the elements you have listed contribute to the total instructional picture. This is how instructors need to plan and deliver their instruction. Thank you for sharing these strategies with us. I know they will be of great help to other instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Developing an understanding of expectations with the student is of high importance the first day. Students need to be explained immediately what will be expected. This can be accomplished during the syllabus introduction the first day of class. Covering the college rules and procedures is of great help because the students know what to expect and that I will be following that practice. Also, a brief explanation of the daily lesson plan each day of class helps direct students in the right direction.
I also like to explain the benefits of any activity to the students in an effort to help them realize the potential learning and real world application involved. This can also be done by sharing on the job experiences that I may have had.
Zachary,
Course requirements, expectations and polices need be clear and concisely spelled out in the syllabus. By doing so you will greatly reduce questions and frustration on the part of the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Discussing them prior to the first class and have it written in the syllabus.
Reza,
Yes, this is so important because the student are very anxious about the class and what it takes to pass it. So the more information you can share about projects, tests and grading the more they will be at ease.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is good when class started be clear for all student that what is your expectation in grade in syllabus and subjects and lab
Heather,
This is an important part of the learning process so the more opportunities like this the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think all expectations need to be clearly defined at the beginning of a class. That way everyone is clear.
I always make sure my students return demonstrate their skill set.
Dawn,
You have a number of factors integrated into your quiz strategy that encourages students to participate and study the required material. I like the way you have developed it because you are asking for effort in the area of content (previous day's lecture and reading assignment) and being on time. If they are late they will miss the points that can be earned from the quizzes so this is working on their soft skill development. I would continue to use this system while getting feedback from your students to see where you can make improvements in the process if they are needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As I also hated to have pop quizzes sprung upon me, I have told my students that a short quiz (5-10 questions) on the prior day's lecture, as well as a few questions based on the reading they were "supposed" to do for today's class is to be expected. I usually do 1-2 each week so while the students do not know WHEN the daily review quiz will occur, they do know it is coming.
I find this encourages at least a little more reading of the material for the current day's coursel. While I do not tell them this, if they open the book and scan through the topics, charts and pictures, they can usually answer the quiz question. It also provides me with extensive feedback on items they have not grasped and that I was not as clear on as I had hoped.
Because I really do want to ENCOURAGE reading and the asking of questions, at least 50% of the quiz grade is based on being on time and ready to begin. If you stroll in a few minutes late, the quiz is either over or you will get a significantly lower quiz grade. I bundle this into the homework grades so they can add a few extra points to the prepared and one day of arriving late due to traffic will not ruin their grade.
Are there any suggestions to improve upon this idea and vary it to incorporate the idea more into the full didactic class?
GO over the materal inthe syllabus at the start of the course.this allow student to ask questions and have a better understanding of what is expected of then.
Explain to your students on the first day what is expected
I am big into asking throughout the lecture "did that make sense?". Students have a chance to ask questions right after a difficult topic, so they can get a chance to grasp the material.
If I know that the students don't grasp the topic (I see the blank look on their face), then I will find a way to reword the information. For example, when I was discussing transcription and translation for RNA and protein production in biology, I used the example of copying the recipe (transcription) and using that recipe to make the cake (translation). I actually had a student who said "I GET IT!" and was very excited that she understood the topic. Sometimes, a different phrase makes all the difference for students to grasp the material.
Students continue to get constant reminders on what they need to do and what is due, because they will feel overwhelmed by so many classes. The reminders help them feel focused and know what they need to do.
Mariah,
This reduces the frustration and anxiety of students and makes teaching a lot easier.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brian,
You make a good point with your second sentence because this is the ROI for them. They need to see the value of why they are being taught what they are and how that knowledge and the skills will help them to enter the career of their choice. This is what will keep them in the course and feeling confident in their abilities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
