the nice thing about the course syllabus is it has all the expectations for the class. it has the major assignments along with the topics of discussion. i will also share the major projects the students will have to turn in as well. i do try to enforce that the classes i teach are not easy courses, and that each student will learn something this semester. this tends to work.
Each Class I hand out a daily agenda.
It gives an outline of the day along with homework and classwork assignments. It also lists my course objectives that we will meet that session.
I use a weekly class schedule and a syllabus to make the course requirments clear for students and also verbally answer questions to clarify issues the students may have.
Crystal
Hi Susan,
You make sure students fully understand what is expected of them. I am sure your students get it. You provide great clarity.
Patricia
By going over the syllabus at the beginning of the course and revisiting them periodically.
You should alaways make course requirements as clear as posasilble for students for more effective and clearer class participation.
I think the rubric is the most helpful thing to students - when I went back to school for my masters, I had no idea what one was; there was no such tool when I was in high school or in college. I loved it, it was so helpful to me. I always use them in my class and find that it is a great tool for them as well.
Good for you.... I agree, although I tend to mention due dates at the beginning of class. Students do need to understand that they need to be responsible
I agree, the first day is the worst to miss. It happens though - most of my students have families and I understand that 'life happens'. Also, usually every semester there is at least 2-3 late adds to the class.
oh yes, the "I did not know" excuse... lol. I make it very clear to my class that ignorance is no excuse. It is their job to know. If they miss class, they have many ways to communicate with me to find out what they missed and what is due for the next class. I also tell them to 'make friends' to study with and if need be, find out from one of them what was covered.
That is a great idea. I just might make up a logsheet for this semester (my class starts tomorrow). Thanks for the idea :)
I believe making course requirements clear for students is absolutely necessary.
Course requirements are always on the syllabus in bold print. The syllabus is reviewed in the first class and I always tell students to highlight the assignments and due dates.
In addition, I remind students at the beginning and end of class which assignements are due and which ones are coming up. Every once in a while, I'll put a bonus question on a test asking about a due date, assignment, etc.
I don't think just naming requirements and due dates are enough. I think it's important for students to understand what is expected and how they will be graded. I go over this in detail at the beginning of a course. I explain the format of quizes and tests, homework assignments, and give clear examples of projects.
Also, I inform the students of the consequenses of late projects, papers, and make-up exams.
Each student is provided with a syllabus. We go over the syllabus and review the text book. Most textbooks I have used have objectives in each chapter. Everyone starts with an "A". Assignments are discussed and bonus points will be given, if the student feels like they need to bank some, as long as they turn in their assignment prior to class start. I give my policy on attendance. I do not lecture the same material twice, so get a buddy to take notes if need be. I reiterate this with every assignment/lesson.
Hi Angelia,
Also thoroughly go over the syallbus the first day of class. Remember, the syllabus is truly your road map.
Patricia
Hi Jimmy,
I like how you make it plain on Day 1. Students really appreciate it when you shoot straight with them from Day 1.
Patricia
Hi Candy,
Calendars are priceless. They serve as a great way to lead to success.
Patricia
Hi Angelia,
Calendars work beautifully. Great way to serve as reminders and to keep things well organized.
Patricia
I work with other instructors who use calendars, but I myself have never used them. This may be something that I can adapt into my class.
I just finished school last September, and I found a calender invaluable to keep me on schedule. I appreciated the instructors that provided a calender along with a syllabus for each class. Since I worked full time and went to school full time, the calenders helped me to always stay on track.
I never really gave much thought about how important that the syllabus is. I usually go over the syllabus on the first day of class. It is not the first thing that we go over though. First I do Icebreakers with the students so that we can get to know one another and become comfortable in the class room setting again. Sometimes I may not even cover the syllabus until the second day of class. When I do go over it. I basically discuss what is going to be covered in the class and how we will cover it. I find that the students do not even look at the syllabus after the first day we review it. I guess in a sense that is my fault. Now I know to take the syllabus more seriously and revisit it through out the class. What suggestions can you give?
