In my lab I give a skill packet. It is set up with a grade sheet on the front so the student can track their progress. The skill sheets include all the steps they must do to be evaluated for their competency. This is given on the first day of the new term and reviewed at that time. The packet is left in the class and the students have access to it every day. I also give the students a calendar that includes demo dates and test dates.
I utilize the first day of class to distribute the syllabus, go over it with the class, then allow time for the students to ask questions.
Hi Tawana,
As you grow as an instructor, you will become better. Being an instructor is work in progress. I have been teaching for over 23 years, and I am still tweeking. I do not care how good you are, you can become better.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sonia,
The syllabus is certainly the best way to ensure course requirements are clear. Rules should be shared on Day 1 as well.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jennifer,
I can tell you were a good student, and you are going to be a good instructor. You are going to give your students what you wanted as a student and much more! Continue to put your students first!
Patricia Scales
Hi Lisa,
Students need to know exactly what is expected of them on Day 1. Most of our students have a lot going on with family, work, etc.
Patricia Scales
I am planning to use the group reading of the syllabus to begin with, I am slowly adopting my methods being a new Instructor.
This seems to be a method I will use, since I am just starting out in my teaching career. I am Hoping to be able to tweek my style as i mature as an instuctor.
I believe making the course requirements clear and concise is important for students to be successful. I would ensure that expected requirements be met with clear and concise direction on the syllabus, class handouts, and make class anouncements as needed.
I'm not really sure. But I would give them a copy of their syllabus and lay out the structure on how class will be taught for the course.
I am a new instructor but when I was a student I liked a syllabus that was detailed and supplemental material that explained assignments in more depth. I as an instructor, I will provide a detailed syllabus and provide supplemental material to my students. I would also make it clear to the students that the due date is the date assignment is due and what the penalty is for turning it in late. I would allow the students to ask questions about the course requirements and when assigments are assigned, again, ask if they have any questions. I would also let them know that they could e-mail me questions they might have about the course and let the student's know that I may share the question with others in the class.
I agree that measures for making course requirements clear are always helpful to the student. It is how they develope a sense of the workings of the class. It also helps to guide their daily decision making by prioritizing needs. Needs such as, what time will they need to accomplish career goals and maintain family goals.
Hi Darlene,
It is good for students to have a hard copy. They can always use the hard copy to refer back to.
Patricia Scales
After going over the requirements in writing (making sure each student has a hard copy), i ask if there are any questions, and clarify any concerns they might have.
It's essential that we make the course requirements unambiguous for our students we don't want students coming to us as the end of the term, disgruntled because we faile dto explain something. We all hate to hear "You never told me."
Hi Jeanette,
These are sure ways to ensure students have been given their requirements. The idea of securing a signature is great. Students take a different level of seriousness whenever a signature is secured.
Patricia Scales
Hi Darlene,
We must provide great clarity to our students, and I like to put things in writing for them as well so that they can not say they were not told.
Patricia Scales
Provide and go over the class syllabus. Have students read the course requirements, and if it is the school policy they may have to sign a form saying that they have read and understand the course requirement
making course requirements clear to the students is essential to their successful completion of the assignments. What we don't want is students coming to us late in the term and saying, "you didn't tell me." There should be no confusion as to what is expected.
having it clearly stated in the syllabus and going over the syllabus in class and allowing class discussion to clarify unclear items
