On the first day of class, when I pass out the syllabus, I make the requirements for the class very clear (in writing). I give the students an opportunity to ask questions about the requirements. I also give them a list of assignments with exact details of how their grades will be managed.
Since I teach clinical classes also, I find it necessary to explain what behaviors are acceptable, along with acceptable dress codes. I have found it helps the students to understand if you give them an opportunity to voice their opinions and also if you give them feedback early in the course. Waiting until the middle of the course, sometimes can ingrain poor habits in the student. Further along in the course, it is more difficult to change those behaviors. I also find when they are voicing their opinions regarding behaviors or dress in clinic, it will help them assimilate the appropriate behaviors if I can relate the reason why those behaviors are important in their professional lives (ie acrylic fingernails can carry virus and bacteria even when you wash your hands and they pierce latex gloves)
Hi Danielle,
Students tend to really take anything more seriously whenever a signature is secured. I like the idea of having the students sign the contract.
Patricia
I have all assignments, test and quiz dates in my syllabus. I also have a student contract that I go over with them and have them sign it, outlining what will be expected form them as far as attitude and respect.
I always cover syllabus and explain testing procedure, when assignments are due and when I will go over them, and what projects are and when due. Leave time for students to question any of the process and then there is no excuse if not done. Yes, I do allow for late work but that is also up to my discretion for grade as to why the work is late.
In the beginning of each module, I read the syllabus and the requirements of the course, what chapters we will be covering during the next 4 weeks.
Also, each day, I write on the board, the date and what chapters, etc. that we will be discussing for that day.
Hi Michael,
You do a goo job of keep your students abreast of clear course requirements. I put a little more responsibility on the student, and I highly suggest to them to get a calendar so that they can write down due dates.
Patricia
My syllabus gives information on attendance, make up work guidelines and grading scale. I discuss this on the first day of class.
A clear and concise syllabus.
Regular verbal and written communication with the students re: upcoming assignements and expectations.
Being abailable to to the student to answer questions.
I always tell them when each assignment is due and continue to address this as th due date gets closer. I also give them a calender of everything that we will be going over for the module and if anything changes they can put on their calenders.
I completely agree. I also teach in the medical field, and I find that helping students focus on learning the essential skills component of the class, which are listed on the Master Sylabus as "Course Objectives", helps them achieve a better overall grade in the course. I try very hard to get the students to realize that the "application" of these skills is much more essential to career success than their overall GPA. I use my experience as a practitioner to illustrate case examples where these skills saved lives. I find these case history illustrations on the first day of class, as I go over the course objectives and the sylabus, help the students understand the importance of learning the material in the course.
Hi Christopher,
I also quiz them on the course requirements and secure a signature about having been told about the course requirements.
Patricia
Hi Christopher,
Add to you list to quiz your students on the course requirements. I have found that this works.
Patricia
I find that that following things listed below has really helped each of my students understand the course requirements much better. But what else can I add for the students which just can not remember and act upon the course requirements??
1. Stating the course requirements to my students during the introduction of the class on the first day.
2. Changing the font face and font size of the course requirements on the syllybus.
3. Requiring students to sign a "Student Expectations" form with the course requirements listed on it.
Hi V.,
What do you do to make course requirements clear for your students?
Patricia
Hi Fred,
The syllabus is definitely a road map to clear concise course requirements. It makes things even clearer when students are allowed to ask questions, and the questions are addressed.
Patricia
I found that making the course requirements VERY clear helped when students come back and say "well you never said that" when they did not meet the requirements at some point during the quarter. As well, I type the requirements in bold and use a different font face on their syllabus.
Hi Janice,
Putting something in writing makes a world of difference. Students tend to take things more seriously whenever it is written.
Patricia
I agree with her reviewing the syllabus with the student the first day of class it help the student to understand was coming during the semester. It will help the student to be prepared for every assignment and when they have to turn in the homeworks and projects.
students need to know where they stand. by recording them on hard copies you can show them at anytime what there grades are and and where they need to improve. remind them of the due dates and if late turning in it will hurt there grade and assure them of all projects, and homework has to meet the deadlines. put it in WRITING for them and it helps
i agree with lesson plans but the students have to be told that they can change in order to complete the course and it it is ok to do that it can help with them working ahead somwtime but they need to know what can be done at any given time. just explain in detailhat they need to do
