I think it is important to clearly state the course requirements in the syllabus. It is also great to go over them daily as they come up. The calender idea is fantastic.
I always write on the board what is to be expected for the class .Assignments, papers . It is always a friendly reminder. I also write on the board abou what is to expected for the week.. It gives them a visual guide as well as their syllabus. There is a verbal reminder,too
Hi Douglas,
The daily outline gives students an idea and visual, and it also helps the course flow smoothly.
Patricia Scales
Hi Mark,
I let my students know on Day 1 things are subject to change, but they will still be held accountable. In the real world they will experience changes and will be expected to perform without excuses.
Patricia Scales
I really like this idea of making it clear what will be covered on a daily basis and then stepping through it as the class time progresses. I will have to incorporate this into my class. I use an overhead projector and a lot of presentations, but very little with the whiteboards and I have three of them in my classroom.
I post weekly expectations on the board. I include all deliverables in the syllabus and review verbally. I have seen if you ever change one date from the original posting, the incidence of late work increases dramatically. They suddenly have an excuse for confusion for all assignments. I work hard to avoid changes
Through the syllabus you can highlight and outline important information as well as having clear deadlines for projects.
Hi Ida Romelle,
Organization is definitely the key to success, and being organized helps both professionally and personally.
Patricia Scales
Hi Allison,
As a new instructor ground rules must be shared on Day 1 and strictly enforced throughout!
Patricia Scales
This works really well and it helps them to be organized,a good skill to develop, one which they can utilize in their chosen field.
Hi Deborah,
I am a new instructor. I think that this is a fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing!
I make my syllabus very clear with the entire requirement. I have class plan for every day of the classes with the date of all deadlines as well as some of the website that is related to their weekly Project to help them with extra information.
In the first day of the class I talk to students and explain plan for every week of the course and we have questions time which help students to clear their mine if they need more explanation. I try my best that students understand about the course objective with all the requirements.
In some of my classes I have 3 choices of final project to choose and I let students to choose their project this helps them in a positive way. I have the office hours and my personal information that they can contact me if they need extra help.
This is true for me as well, clear expectations are important in order for students to succeed.
Hi Aiko,
On the first day students are wanting to know what is expected of them, and we should be able to provide this information with great clarity.
Patricia Scales
Hi Nikita,
A quiz cetainly makes students pay attention when mateiral is being covered. Students need to know exactly what is expected of them.
Patricia Scales
I go over course syllabus on the first day, an orientation to expectations, policies, and etc. Then on a daily basis we go over the "plan" for the day prior to our start, reinforcement is key.
Hi Katherine,
At my insitution it is totally uancceptable for students not to be given a syllabus. Students expect to be given a syllabus on Day 1 and rightfully so. The accrediting body will cite the school if students are not issue a syllabus on Day 1.
Patricia Scales
Hi Matthew,
I have found that students can give you feedback that can really be helpful!
Patricia Scales
Hi Lisa,
Reading out loud seems to make information stick better with students. It is sad that we can not trust our college students to read on their own.
Patricia Scales
It is covered on the first day of class. I usually read it to them and then test their knowledge of what I just discussed with a quiz covering the information
