I make sure that as a class we read the syllabus and that everyone has the text books and workbooks required. I give them a schedule indicating what subject matter will be covered and when, including assignement due date and test date. In addition, I prepare what I call Main Focus Points, which they are to complete as we go throught the subject matter. By doing this they meet the objectives, learn the key points, and have completed for themselves a study giude.
I remind my students at the end of class each week of what is due the following week. I also remind them of upcoming assignments/projects a few weeks in advance of the due dates. Finally, I utilize email as a reminder tool. This way, I have a document supporting my reminders if a students claims they were unaware of a due date.
I have a detailed syllabus I give to the students on the first day of class. The syllabus contains the following:
Program Term
Credit Hours
Classroom location, date and time of the class
Course description
Course intent
Course competencies
Instructor office/tutoring hours and contact information
Textbooks required
Grading scale and methods of evaluation
Resources
Attendance requirements and late assignment information
Make-up work requirements
The course schedule by date for each unit of instruction
Detailed course outline
List of References
Specific objectives for each unit of instructions with assignments for each unit of instruction
I end it with the students signing a statement they have read the syllabus along with agreeing to the class honor code.
Then I make sure I enforce the syllabus.
Bill
Hi Edward,
You are clear. You use a variety of methods to ensure you get your point across. I am sure your students appreciate your thoroughness.
Patricia
I give all of my students a course calender on the first day. It lays out all lectures, labs and any assignments on day by day schedual. I found that this helps the students keep track of the course.
Hi John,
Your students are very fortunate that you go to extra measures to make sure their course requirements are clear. Great job on the monitoring.
Patricia
besides the syllabus, we go over it verbally and revisit it each class to monitor our progress.
I only remind students once about when assignments are due, particularly at the beginning of the quarter. I find that the more you remind them, the more they rely on your reminders rather than relying on themselves to make sure they know when an assignment is due.
As the first few weeks go by, I get fewer excuses from students about late assignments because they have learned that they must not rely on me for that information more than once.
I agree! I go through the sylabus, expectations, and assignments on day 1. As the class continues on, I reinforce the requirements and expectations. I also remind them of the assignment due dates as the time gets closer. I feel this keeps us all on the same page as well.
Course requirements are listed in the syllabus that is distributed during the first class.
I initally go over these requirements as stated in the syllabus and also explain how the requirements relate to the objectives.
I teach Graphic Design so most of the requirements are given, taught, explained and graded using Projects. Each of my projects have objectives, requirements, specifications, due dates, and a rubric that shows the students how there projects will be graded.
Beside spending time going over the syllabus, and having Q&A sessions in the first couple of days regarding requirements and expectations, I take advantage of any opportunity that will allow me to bring up the subject of their stated class goals. I make this our first writing assignment, which I then post in the room for quick reference; especially at those times when a little reminder, on the purpose of their presence in my class, will put them on track.
Hi Tracey,
Great system! Your students should really appreciate the reminders. You go to great length to make sure your students know exactly what is going on. I am sure you have minimal complaints about not knowing.
Patricia
Hi Ernest,
It is important to do this type of thing on the first day so that students know exactly what is expected of them from Day 1. Students know the due dates, and they can plan accordingly and not wait until the last minute.
Patriciai
What should I do if my school does not allow me to write my own syllabus? The syllabus I am forced to use is not clear and not accurate. The course start and stop dates, assignments, tests, and expectations are not on the syllabus. I finally won the fight to separate the percentage set for tests and finals, they were combined but not weighted equally.
Methods to make course requirements clear are to have a written syllabus, continuually tying learning objectives to course objectives, and reinforcing how learning ties into the course and the real world. Repetition of key objectives is critical.
We have a 'hard' masteer syllabi for each course. Then we have a little lattitude to produce an addendum, which is approved by the DOF.
When I create my syllabus, I include all of my assignments and due dates. I constantly remind the students when the due date is approaching (at least one week ahead of time), plus write it on the board. They also have a folder with a deadline sheet that has all of the due dates on it along with how many points each assignment is worth. That whay when they hand in the folder, I have everything I need to grade.
When I return the folder, the student gets the graded assignment back so they can make corrections, plus they have the grade sheet with the points earned. We keep exchanging the folder throughout the term.
Each class has a different color folder. That way I can keep myself organized.
I provide a course outline and a syllabus.
At the beginning of every course I give the students the tests and tasks that are required of them and when they will happen and when they are due. The students in my class will know when a test is going to happen, what section will be covered on the test and when labs are due.
Hi Jodi,
I concur! I do the same. Students need to be responsible and be held accountable. Your boss is not going to constantly remind you on the job.
Patricia
