Professionalism
A well designed and thorough syllabus also sets the stage for student homework expectations.
Hi Abigail,
I agree whole heartedly! It is simple, you get from students what you expect! We all should hold our students to very high standards.
Patricia
Individual instructors have their own levels of professionalism, preparedness and passion. It is our responsibility to maintain those levels at a high standard since we are the experts who are laying the foundation. Students will follow our lead and if we give them an opportunity to question our professionalism, preparedness and passion it makes it difficult for our colleagues to teach and manage them in future classes. I have seen the same student "care less" or have less focus when they know that their instructor has a reputation of not being hard versus knowing that they have a "tough" instructor.
Hi Lawrence,
I couldn't agree with you more. As instructors, we must demonstrate the level of professionalism, preparedness, and passion that is required to be successful in our prospective fields. Giving students structure helps them remain focused on the foundations we are trying to teach them.
One practice that I have been successful with is writing daily reminders of specific "Standards of Professionalism" on the board. As I am giving my lecture/demo, those daily reminders are displayed behind me as a subtle reminder of what is expected of them.
Hi Victoria,
I concur! I try not to ever have my students use the excuse "I did not know." I go to great lengths to make sure in several ways they are aware of due dates for assignments/projects.
Patricia
I sometimes have trouble setting concrete dates for homework assignments as some classes may need a little more time with certain chapters while others whiz by. I have them laid out on the syllabus, but I still feel better writing it on the board at the beginning of class to remind them. I feel that it decreases the "I didn't know we had homework" population of students.
Hi Navinthran,
Not a bad idea! I have known educators to mail students welcome notes to add a real personal touch and to start the rapport building process.
Patricia
I think that a good thing to do before class even begins is to email all students a short welcome note with an extremely brief synopsis of what the term will consist of. This way, on the first day when the syllabus is discussed they will already be prepared for what we are about to go through. Thoughts?
Hi Larry,
Great response! The first day is crucial. Establishments must be made on the first day so that students know exactly what is expected of them.
Patricia
Reading over the comments - I would add that the instructor's demeanor, tone, dress, voice, articulation, eye contact along with the warmth and friendliness s/he projects in welcoming the students goes a long way toward establishing the professional image the students visually and aurally take in on the first day of class. The tone of the class is set the first day!
The way the syllabus is presented and the involvement of the students in reading and discussing the syllabus, coupled with the instructors comments on various sections or points s/he wishes to emphasize goes a long way toward reflecting on the instructors credibility and his/her evaluation by the students.
Objectives need to laid out early and firmly understood by the students - thus they must be repeated in different contexts as the class moves forward. This makes for reinforced learning and objective reitteration with more student centered learning and relevance being demonstrated in a professional manner.
WIIFM is more dramatically shown. Students take a useful piece of information with them when they leave the class. Something they can use. Right Now!
Larry Bignall, Cleveland, Ohio
Hi Susan,
It is extremely helpful to go over the syllabus. Students have an opportunity to ask for clarity if there is a need.
Patricia
I agree that a well developed, also a well executed syllabus helps the students understand exactly was is expected of them in the class. I think it helps to go over the syllabus with students during class orientation, no excuses!
I do believe this is true. I will make sure to include my homework policy on the syllabus so that the students know exactly how I handle late assignments. I also include an assignment calendar so that the students can be completely aware of all due dates.
