Hi Barbara,
It is good to have instructor availability. Students need and want us to be available to them...afterall, it is our job to make ourselves available.
Patricia
Explain to the students briefly what is to be expected, give them a chance to ask questions to make sure that there is clarity. Place bullets next to the important parts on the syllabus that is to be handed out to the students.
I simply make sure that I cover everything the first class period, including penalties for failure to meet the requirements. I am always available to students, so they can aproach me if they have any questions or concerns.
Hi Neville,
Wow, you sound like a carbon copy of me! My students know these things up front as well, and generally I do not have a problem with my students. My attendance is always in the top three every grading period.
Patricia
At the start of the module, I will clarify the need for attendance. The students are informed that attendance is part of the grading system. The students are also informed that much of the testing will be hands-on and if they are not there to take the hands-on portion their grade will suffer. One other thing that is critical which I harp on very much is that it is the student's responsibility to make up the missing assignments. I will not chase them, but they must come and inform the instructor that they would like to find out what they missed during their absence. This and other criteria are spelled out in the syllabus.
I give examples of work that students in past have turned in. I also include examples of both excellent work, good work and poor student work. This way it gives the students an idea of what I am looking for.
Hi Herb,
I like how you make things easier for students to find and read. Our students do not like to read, but based on condensing things and highlighting areas, you are encouraging our students to read and search. If it is too long, they tend to not want to read it. Smart tactics. Have you ever thought about it this way?
Patricia
Hi Patricia and all,
The syllabus is the key - a well-written, clear and concise syllabus is the "bible" for the class. The syllabus will contain everything the student will need to succeed in the course. The syllabus will discuss the requirements and expectations. If you are an online class room, your writing skills must be impeccable, since you do not have a chance to reiterate the requirements and expectations verbally. In an online class, you can post a thread "For all course related questions" and this provides the student with an opportunity to ask further questions about the course assignments and any expectations that are on their mind.
By having a syllabus in the class that is very specific in regards to dates due, assignments, etc. I also use highlighted titles for each section/area so they can refer to it easily. Also I use kind of an outline form so that it is easy to read and not too "wordy". But there has to be enough written so everything is clear and can be understood.
Hi Timothy,
You do an in depth job of making sure your class requirements are clear. I especially like how you make all the requirements clear on Day 1. The sooner students know, the better. You students have several reminders about due dates, super!
Patricia
I always start on the first day with an intro of myself and then the program. Clearly explaining that the course will involve reading the text information, research projects and practical work. Writing the dates of all quizzes or test, research projects due dates on the white board in class. Then review the hard copy syllabus that I hand out to each student. I post on the white board a reminder of all due dates, quizzes and test in advance. All the class content is all so listed on the student portal.
Hi Rosalie,
I utilize the syllabus as a reference tool often. I also refer my students to the syllabus whenver they poise questions and those answers can be found in the syllabus. Students need to learn how to utilize their resources.
Patricia
They are outlined in the syllabus, and we discuss. I also give a short quiz on policy.
I agree. The syllabus should always be used as a "reference tool" as needed.
I also make course requirements clear on the first day of class. Studens are given a written course outline of what is expected of them in the class, as well as, an oral presentation of these requirements. Students are also reminded of important dates thereafter. Reminding students does help them succeed.
Hi Ana,
It is a typical, yet effective practice to go over the syllabus on the first day. Students need to know on Day 1 exactly what is expected of them. I've known instructors to even quiz students on the syllabus to make sure they understand.
Patricia
Hi Janell,
I like your outlook! You are getting your students ready for the real world. We must make it fully known that slackness, tardiness, laziness, etc. is totally unacceptable in the real world. Thanks for preparing your students for what really lies ahead.
Patricia
Hi Mario,
A syllabus is definitely the main tool for the first day. Students need to know up front what is expected of them. The syllabus acts as a great reference tool as well.
Patricia
At the begining of the course a sylabus it handed out and my expectaions and course layout are in it. going over the sylabus with the class the first day and discussing its topic. lays out the course requirementsand gives the student Opportunity to ask questions.
Adult learners are generally have returned to school to achieve a specific goal. On the first night of class I introduce myself and share my professional work history and qualifications. During this time I try to help them see obtaining a career goal takes dedication and dicipline. I provide them with a detailed class syllabus and a letter welcoming them to class with the expecatations I have for them. This letter makes it very clear to students that late work is not accepted,there is no make up for missed work and there is no extra credit. We will spend time reviewing the expecations and discussing the reasons for them. Essentially, they are training for a job; and an employer would not accept projects late or give extra money or benefits for a poor preformance.
