I have yet tried to post the course requirements online, but at this point I am willing to try anything since 25%+ of each of my classes cannot locate their syllubi after the first day of class.
We go over the syllabus in detail on the first day. I also make sure to reiterate important aspects of the syllabus throughout the term.
Hi Jim,
Students like to play the cards nobody ever told us and when is this due. I have my students sign a sheet attesting to understanding all course requirements, due dates, test dates, etc. When they try to play the cards, I show them where they have signed...very effective. The students are wordless.
Patricia
I go over the entire syllabus, including tests, homework,class participation, and the final.
Hi Jennie
I do give one reminder as well, but in the real world employers do not remind their employees. It's the employee's responsibility to meet deadlines.
Patricia
I revise the required college syllabus, but I add my own requirements (such as team collaboration activities and alternative assessments). Additionally, although I teach all of the required learning concepts listed on the syllabus... typically I do not follow the sequence because sometimes (to me) it simply is not the most effective process. For example: A required summative assessment about the concept of test-taking appears in chapter 5 of the textbook. Yet, the students are required to take tests in each of the prior chapters. I believe it is more effective for the learners to understand how to study (chapter 4), followed by test taking so I change the required syllabus format. (Actually, I do not even "like" the term "test-taking" because I believe that the chapter should address "assessment-taking"...but I did not write the textbook...:)
True, many students seem to operate in a different world, including adult students, by not meeting assignment deadlines. Aside from being in a Task List, in the syllabus, in announcments and mentioned in the classroom, there will always be those who miss deadlines.
For online courses, most students are in the working world. Following directions and meeting deadlines is expected.
I feel that it's very imporant to let the student's know what is expected of them stright off the bat. It helps to clear up any gray area's about the class.
This is hard for me. I think in the real world, supervisiors and managers won't be constantly reminding you to get done tasks. That's why I was hired, to get my stuff done because others don't have the time/knowledge to do it. Having said that, I think most students don't have this understanding yet and I do want them to succeed in my class. What I typically end up doing is reminding once about a project or assignment the week it is due.
You really can notover remind a studetn.It is good to reinforce requirements.
I like to to inform the students on the reqiurements and why it is important to meet each one, by giving them life situations and how the they will be able to help and know what to do
The course sylabus now being used has the requirements in the first few pages. On the first day I preview the course, I go through the packet used in the first pages is the requirements for hands-on work, attendance, what is minimum for the final test. After all three factors are taken into consideration how the average is made. While previewing the the course required work is re-iterated and the consequences of not doing the work.As we progress through the class, the requirements for mandetory work is repeated as we work with the material, particulary the due dates.
Even when continually informing students about due dates I always am asked when is this due or nobody ever told us. At this time my blood pressures pills do their job.
Student understanding of course requirements is key to their success. I go over the syllabus as well as evaluation methods during the first class, plus, post them online.
Hi Rich,
I too believe that performance based objectives prepare students more for the workplace. Students really benefit from performance based objectives.
Patricia
I typically go into way too much detail in expressing course requirements. Recently I have been focusing on ensuring that each course requirement I write includes three components: conditions, criteria (standards), and performance. We are in the midst of converting as many cognitive requirements as possible into performance based objectives, whcih we believe is more consistent with industry expectations. Tricky, but rewarding.
Hi Christopher,
Students must be held accountable. You are going above and beyond to make things clear for your students. It does break your heart as an instructor to fail students, but sometimes this serves as a wake up call. I would suggest speaking to these students to find out why aren't they being responsible for their work.
Patricia
I constantly have to remind my students. But still most forget about exams and project due dates. A bad grade is the only thing that gets their attention it seems like.
I would say that 90 percent of my students don't even know where their syllabus is located after the first day of class. I always write the agenda for the next two class periods on the board and still some fail to study for exams and/or turn in their projects on time. It's sad but I am just giving the students the failing grades that he or she has earned.
Any suggestions?
Hi Edward,
It sounds like you do an awesome job of making requirements clear. I like how you use the various ways to make things plain to your students.
Patricia
