One of the things I do to make the course requirements clear for the students is to give them a daily schedule, not just reading assignment but also what we will be going over that day in class. I also go over this in details the first day of class and give them a copy so the can always refer back to it.
Hi Dawn,
It has proven to be very exciting anytime you can mention positive experiences about externships. Students are really interested in hearing about graduates success.
Patricia
Hi Victoria,
I can see how this works with some but not with others. Each group of student is different. It is a great way though to get students to buy in.
Patricia
Hi Ronald,
I see your point. I do it, and I have not encountered this. Normally, I hear, wow, this must be serious, we have to sign.
Patricia
I teach adults and I think that some may be affended, signing an agreement, when they are paying for a class.
In our school, the syllabus is standardized, so we have no control over how it looks or what is in it. However, we are able to supplement each syllabus with an addendum, over which we have a great deal of control. We can alter the grading requirements, specify policies about late work, and so on. So in my syllabus addendum, I cover all of these bases: I've learned over the years what to include and what not to be concerned about.
I have a very clear course syllabus, as well as a separate grading sheet that has a complete breakdown of assignments, tests and quizzes; how they are graded, what I expect, late policies, etc. I also reiterate the information over and over again throughout the first week of the course, and periodically through the rest of the course.
We go over the syllbus and then we talk about what a set of reasonable expectations might be. I try to get them to create the course requirements themselves within the framework of the syllabus. It works better with some groups than with others! If you get that initial buy in, it's wonderful.
Hi Eula,
I like the idea of securing a signature from your students. Things really seem important to students if they have to sign it. It comes across as being real serious.
Patricia
I am required to use a syllabus provided by the school, which includes the course requirements. The first day of class I spend reviewing the requirements of the course, as well as, grading scales and a basic outline of the material to be covered. As part of this explanation, I draw in jobs and real world activities that relates to the content of the course. In addition, I use previous students' experiences through their externships to validate the importance of this course.
Give copy of the syllabus, give the students a calander of events that go along with the syllabus and any dates for quiz & test dates and due date for any projects that I assign to the class. I also request that each student sign that they have received and understand the dates.
I am very clear in my syllabi and provide a course outline, scheduled exams and homework. There is never any question on what to do.
At the very beginning ,I go over what the requirements of the course are. I explain what will be done in lecture ,what will be done in lab < HANDS ON > and the testing requirements . I also spend a good bit of time explaining what the objectives of the course are . In other words what they should be able to do at the end on the course. I believe the more the students can see what they will get out of the course ,the more interested and engaged they will be.
Hi Tipton,
What do you do to give your students an overview?
Patricia
Provide an overview, syllabus and expectations.
All requirements are listed on the syllabus that is passed out and discussed on the first day of class. In addition to that handout I remind them both orally and in writing on the front board upcoming due dates they should be aware of. Finally, toward the end of class, I ask for a student volunteer to tell the class what assignments are due in the near future.
Hi Lloyd,
Why do you feel it is necessary to go over the course requirements and guidelines both at the beginning and ending of class on Day 1?
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
I agree with the continued communication thread.
Thanks
Hi Ceola,
We need to remember that the first day should start the communication thread, but the communication thread has to last until the end of the grading period.
Patricia
I spend the first half of the first class going over my detailed written syllabus, explaining my expectations, and giving an overview of the course content.
