Read out loud. Then reinforce by writing them on the white board.
I am not the head instructor for the course, but I would make sure that the syllabus is well prepared by being organized, so the students can follow it and refer back to it if they have a question. I have seen in other courses the problems instructors had when not having the syllabus ready in time for the first class. The students were very upset that they did not know what was to be expected of them. This got the class off to a very bad start. Students definitely need to know what the course is all about and how it pertains to the career they have chosen to learn about. In other courses I have participated in, the first class is taken up by going through the detailed objectives and goals in the syllabus and especially the requirements and expectations of the course. This time spent is well worth it for both the students and the instructor's success in the course.
The syllabus, and talking about the syllabus, and if need be to refer back to the syllabus thru out the course.
Hi Robin,
Awesome! What a caring instructor to email assignments to absent students. I put the daily assignment on my voicemail so that absent students can call and get the assignment.
Patricia Scales
Hi Aldorey,
It is always good to give students a hard copy as to what is expected of them so that they have something to refer to at their disposal.
Patricia Scales
Hi Peggy,
You provide excellent clarity to your students. You really go the extra mile. Students like detail.
Patricia Scales
Hi Eric,
I remind my students about homework for the upcoming day. Most students are appreciative of the reminder.
Patricia Scales
I put everything on the student portal and use verbal communication in class regarding the course requirements. This is updated on a daily basis (assignments) if needed. I will also email the student if they were not in attendance that particular day.
A schedule is given to students which is a day to day activities including requirements and deadlines which are written in the syllabus. The schedule is discussed during the first day of class which serves as a guide for the completion of the course.
my class consists of 2 students from a large cohort for 1.5 hrs / dy for 8 days. this is repeated until each student has rotated thru. the first thing i do is briefly address the entire cohort at the beginning, provide them a syllabus and corresponding ppt, give them 1 day to complete a take home quiz on the syllabus, and on the first day of their rotation, give them a hands-on demonstration of exactly what the syllabus expects from them. i inherited this class from my predecessor who really had a good bit of success with this technique. it all worked very well in her hands. i am relatively new at it and although there are still a few students who invariably begin the rotation as if they hadn't received the prior materials let alone passed a quiz on them , the remainder of students are highly motivated and do come prepared.
I utilize the syllabus provided by the college; however, I give them a detailed syllabus with the dates clearly outlined and what is expected of them. It cuts down on "did I miss anything important?" questions.
I also put the objectives of each class period on the white board before class starts. That lets them know what we are covering each day, and also helps me stay on track if we get too involved in an activity.
At the beginning of each class the students get a list of the components that will be covered that day.
Before they leave make sure they understand what the homework is they need to complete for the next day
The first day of my class, after an ice-breaker exercise and following student and instructor introductions, we review the syllabus thoroughly in its entirety. Any questions, comments, and/or concerns are addressed, as well as due dates. I ask the students to keep their syllabus with them for a handy daily reference. It is the "Bible" for the class.
Hi, All,
I go through the course syllabus and make sure that all the requirements, due dates, assignments, and other materials are clearly explained. I go over the syllabus with the class and ask for questions. I also remind students during class about upcoming assignments and, again, ask for any questions about the requirements. This helps to keep students on track as they sometimes lose track of what is due when they have several classes to keep up with.
Anyone have other suggestions for ensuring that requirements are clear?
Janet
The use of an overhead projector utilizing PowerPoint to display the learning objective for the day. On the first day of class I hand out a syllabus which includes the students weekly assignments and due dates for the duration of the term.
Hi Marjorie,
Wow!! You really go above and beyond to ensure your students know exactly what is required of them. Your students should appreciate the indication of time and the difficulty level posted on the syllabus.
Patricia Scales
I put on the syllabus what the requirements are for the course and what the expectation is for the student to meet it is. I have a rubric to show what the work load is going to be. In general for those students who want to earn an A the expectation to study will be 6-7 hours a week studying. For those who want to earn a B the expectation should be 4-5 hours a week on reading and learning the material. For those that want to earn a C 2-3 hours a week will get them through the course material and they will be able to meet most of the objectives states on the syllabus. Anything less than that will unfortunately result in a lower grade. I also outline which chapters will be harder to understand and I put the expectation next to the chapter that the chapter will require more time dedicated to it and the amount of time they will need to set aside for learning.
Hi Wilbur,
Awesome way to make sure students have clarity! I can tell you want your students to understand what is required of them so that they will succeed!
Patricia Scales
Hi Melody,
We have to make sure our students fully understand what is required of them! Clarity produces better grades!
Patricia Scales
