On the first day of class we go over what the requirements are for the term. As the term progresses I remind of the due dates. Every thing that is handed in goes on to a web site for that class. There are calendars an each of their websites that list the due dates as well. The Syllabus with an outline of what we do in the class is also available on line for the student to reference at any point during the term.
I agree that you can notover remind students of work dead lies. And as an instructor you need to make sure that consequences for not turning in the work is well known by all your students.
Course objectives delivered, explained, my expectations of class and each individual as well as what to expect from me are the way I begin each new class.
I always pull out my syllabus and have the students do that as well. I point out important dates, such as Exam 2 is coming up.
I think reminding students can only help. We instructors need reminders here and there, so our students will likely need them as well.
Besides, everyone learns through repetition.
I give my students examples, so there is no confusion. Sometimes the examples make more sense to the students.
I also explain why this is required. For example if I have a powerpoint presentation as a research project, I explain that in the work world most employees will be expected to know how to use powerpoint.
In my online classes I have a no-late work policy. I have always explained that in the work world, if your supervisor gives you a deadline, it has to be met. And if you don't meet that deadline, you will likely get fired. "I forgot about it", doesn't work. We need to hold our students accountable.
Hi David,
Is this "spoof" unique to your institution? Tell us more about it. We need to hear about different ways to add clarity.
Patricia
My students know what's required of them because not being prepared is reinforced through a 'spoof' of what makes a poor student/employee. It's fun and they don't want to be like the one portrayed in the demo!
Hi Jeff,
The syllabus is a great place to start to make course requirements clear. The syllabus gives students something to refer to.
Patricia
It is called out in the syllabus discussion with a review of the institute's mission statement.
""Name" is helping committed students attain rewarding careers through industry-modeled, student-centered, training and support of the highest caliber." The industry-based word questions are part of our industry-modeled approach.
I work in a clinical setting with students 5 days per week, so it's a little different than class-room instruction. However, during General Orientation which is the first day of the clinical rotation, I explain what is the PCT 160 requirements are and what they need to do in order to succeed. I also, give students a hand-out regarding important dates which they need to write on their clinical rotation schedules. However, I also remind students periodically regarding important assignments' due dates (clinical term papers).
I teach on a modular course. At the beginning of each module, there may be students new to the course as well as those that have been in the course for a while. On day one of a new module, I hand out the module schedule and objectives to each student. I then run through the topics we will be covering, highlighting when the assessments will occur (that's always the first question!), due dates for assignments, etc. If there are new students, I will spend time explaining the requirements of the module, format of assessments, etc. Highlighting public holidays always goes down well! Periodically throughout the module, I will remind the students of upcoming assessment dates.
By means of on a writen and verbally, so repeation is key. One has to go and install all ways to get the students to get the class job done.
Hi Michael,
I like the 24-hour service available to students at their disposal. Students have no excuse for not knowing.
Patricia
I agree with you that it's a good practice to make due dates available both in print and discussed verbally. We also use our student portal as a resource for assignment information. That way, if the syllabus is lost or the instructor is not available, class documents are available to all students 24 hours a day.
Students benefit for the better when expectations are clear and concise. Class and lab requirements to be successful are provided to give the student the power to be successful. Frequent reminders of assignments and due dates need to be clear so that deadlines are met.
On the first day class, students are anxious to know what they need to do to be successful in the course. Providng a syllabus that defines the expectations clearly can be very helpful for the student.
Hi Michael,
The syllabus is such a thorough document that it should be gone over in great detail the first day.
Patricia
Students tell me that one of the things they love most about my classes is that on the first day of class, they always get a detailed calendar and syllabus addendum that includes every assignment for the quarter, including when assignments are due, what the reading is for each week, when every quiz or test is, and samples of the assignments. In addition to handing these out to students, copies are posted on BlackBoard for reference in case they lose theirs. The calendar is always printed on bright paper so it stands out. This way if a student misses a class, he or she still knows exactly what's due the next week.
In order to make the course requirement clear for students, I use Engrade.com to write detailed notes on the parameters of each assignment. Additionally,
I supply detailed instructions and deadlines as well as attach grading rubrics.
