Hi Amy,
My presentation is very similar to yours on the first day. I thoroughly explain everything on the syllabus.
Patricia
The course requirements are given in writing. I also leave some room for change and tell the students that we might spend more time on a subject if it becomes necessary.The written outline is a guide and not written in stone.
Hi Sandi,
I also have the students sign the syllabus attesting that they understand fully what is expecting of them.
Patricia
Communication written sylabi and always ask for questions.
I make sure that all of the course requirements are listed in my syllabus. I explain to students my reasoning for my specific requirements, to assure them that meeting these requirements will not only result in a good grade but will also help reinforce a few life skills that they will be expected to adhere to on the job. I let them know that my expectations of them exist because I know they can meet them. This lets them know that I am not just being hard on them, but I truly believe they can achieve success in my course, and that success is important to me. I also create a "Plan for success" for the students. This allows me to list the rules, but not make them look like rules, but more so blue prints to follow while they are in my course. I do all of this day one, so that we have no confusion about what my expectations are. I find that students appreciate knowing up front what they will encounter and I get very few excuses about missing or late work.
Another idea is to give a short quiz on the points on the syllabus. It ensures they understand it, plus can be pulled out as a reference when they tell you, "I didn't know about that." I also like Amy's idea of the release.
I normally provide the students with a syllabus that I go over on the first day of class. I make sure to hit the high points, and go into detail regarding deadlines, my rational for deadline penalties and late assignments. In our industry, not meeting deadlines could mean claims not getting paid. I use this example to stress the importance of deadlines, and I try as much as possible to mimic the work place environment. I also have the students sign a release stating that they have received and understand the syllabus requirements.
Hi, Patricia.
Our school issues a master course outline that is comprehensive on grading, weighting, explanation of the rubrics, daily assignments, testing, etc. It contains all relevant information. We invest a large part of the first day going over it so students know what to expect. It prompts questions and allows students to hear how we will follow the details of it. The clarity students get on class expectations is well worth the extra time. Students focus better and worry less. --Gary O. Ackerman
I use a structured syllabus with hightlighted points and detailed guidelines. I also use calanders to tell students when things are due.
This is a great idea....I will incorporate in my new class this quarter.
I have a syllabus that includes a course schedule, requirements and anything else they may run into for the course, as well as rules and regulations. I have each student sign a form stating they have received the syllabus and understand its contents.
Very well said. I agree completely.
I am a proponent of writing things on a whiteboard, having it in a powerpoint and in the syllabus. Taking into consideration that they are students, I will remind them of the first assignment due. However, since they will eventually be producers in the work world, I will not remind them going forward of all assignments due and pass ownership of turning the assignments in on time to them without reminders. I find some powerful learning in allowing them room to make the error here if it helps them after they graduate.
first day, we "walk" through the syllabus in each section, esp. the requirements and the points earned in class.
my expectations, from subjective (eg participation) to objective (eg pts/test) are presented and how they relate EXACTLY to the course reqs.
also, while reviewing reqs, we identify the various disciplines in the class and try to associate their course of study with the reqs.
In addition to covering the syllabus on the first day of class, I have a separate handout that outlines my expectations for their behavior, their assignments and explains the projects that will be due. This also covers the consequences if they do not follow these guidelines. I have my students initial by each line item and sign the form. I return a copy of it for their records. This seems to help my students stay on track.
Hi Laurel,
Students need to and want to have something to refer to. There are some students who truly revisits the syllabus for clarity.
Patricia
The syllibus is most important because it gives the overview, grading system and requirements for the course. It puts it right out there and also gives the student a reference point.
Hi Melanie,
Your students should really appreciate the completed calendar. Most instructors will suggest a calendar so that students can jot down deadlines.
Patricia
I discuss the syllabus with them on the first day and ask for feedback and/or questions. I give them a calendar with the reading schedule, class times, quizzes and exams.
Hi Blaik,
I like to give a thorough overview of the course syllabus on Day 1 as well as have students put on their calendars various due dates.
Patricia
