On the first day, I explain what projects the students will be completing and the skills they will learn to do this, but also what will constitute any infractions or mistakes on these tasks that could negatively affect a passing grade. I also explain other criteria that may affect a student's succcess, such as attendance, behavior and test scores.
Hi Norma,
I think it is a great idea! Anytime you can utilize technology in a helpful way do so because this generation is certainly technology driven.
Patricia
Hi Jim,
Great job on making things clear to your students. You go above and beyond by providing a calendar with due dates for each assignment to your students. Your students should appreciate you going the extra mile. Most instructors give due dates, but it is the student's responsibility to get a calendar and document it.
Patricia
After introductions are completed I hand out copies of the course sylabus to each student. We then review the sylabus in detail. I also give each student a calendar with due dates for each assignment. The calendar is subject to revision based on class progress to date. If the calendar changes each student is given an updated copy with any changes highlighted. I also give each student a copy of the attendance policy that is used at my school.
Hi Roy,
I think you make a great point about the need for both written and verbal reminders. With the new generations of students in our classes, the need for the use of technological reminders can also work. Social networking sites, twitter, facebook, blogs, texting reminders. I think it also helps to establish accountability from the instructor to their students and also helping the student create good habits of being held accountable, especially when you mention that out in the work-force, it could be "costly and distraastrous". What do you think about using those new technologies in your classroom for this kind of situation?
Hi Donna,
Absolutely! Everything is clear. There is no need for guess work because all expectations are made clear up front.
Patricia
Going over the syllabus with the class on the very first day of class I feel is manditory. Some students never read it, some say they lost it or can't find it after 2 weeks into the course. This way you can emphasis areas that are important to you, and/or the student. You start the course with all expectations expressed. They know what to expect from you and you are telling them what you expect from them.
priopr to this course I did not value the syllabus. Now I see it as essential for getting students involved and committed
Hi Patricia,
Adults expect limits and requirements to be made perfectly clear.
Patricia
My adult students are not children but everyone likes to know what limits and expectations are.
I review the syllabus in detail, answer all questions and review due dates closer to the actually due date.
I review the syllabus in detail, answer all questions and review due dates closer to the actually due date.
In order to make things very clear I will either write it on the board and repeat it a few times to reiterrate the information. If it is something that is lengthy I will make a note or flyer that will catch their attention and be a reminder
First I prepare a syllabus as accurate as possible, which explains all the course requirements. This includes, all the types of assignments which will be given out during the class, what they are worth in grading and when they are due. This syllabus is posted on the online section of the class and I always go over the syllabus in the first class. Each student is also given a hard copy of the syllabus.
The students are given a detailed syllabus on the first day of class. The course syllabus lists the course description, course objectives, text, course outline, attendance policy, grading, evaluation and make-up policy for the class. In addition to thoroughly covering the syllabus the first class, I repeatedly highlight certain key components of the syllabus each of the next three classes to make sure the students understand the syllabus and the expectations of the class. Also listed on the course syllabus is my complete class schedule and office hours. Procedures for submitting homework/assignments and completing tests/examinations are also included.
I make sure I post Annoucements that provide the students with expectations of the course.
Besides going over the syllabus the first day, I've realized that repetition is key. Reminders of requirements seem to help my students.
I use the syllabus to reinforce what I cover in the first class, At the beginning of each class, I checkpoint where we are in the syllabus, and give reminders of upcoming assignments...
It is still a challenge, because students may miss the first class... Students also come late to class, so they miss the checkpoint!
Course requirements are stated in the syllabus and in the student contract signed at the beginning of each term. We review and discuss syllabus and contract with the students before they sign. Questions are discussed and answered. Students are also provided a schedule detailing what chapters will be discussed and need to be read prior to each class along with homework assignments.
The forum is going well and the instruction is overall very helpful. I would use visual aids and hand on to help the studentbecause most adults like to see what they are doing verses the boring lecture style. I would add flair to the lecture and use the chalk board to keep the students interested.
