Hi Ronald,
It sounds like you do a fantastic job making the course requirements clear. I am sure your students appreciate how thorough you are.
Patricia
I use specific rubrics that are given to the students when I give them the assignments. I make a copy of the rubric and use it to grade the assignment; then return the rubric as used to grade with which shows them exactly where they received or missed points when I return the assignment.
Review the syllabus with them at the beginning of the course, have them read it outloud, a paragraph per person at a time
A course syllabus is a way to let the student know about the course and what is required , I go over the syllabus the first day of the course . It includes Course Description,Objectives,Chapter test,name and point value. Lab task Number and point value. Equipment and Tools used, Projects, and Reading Assignments Through out the course I refer to the syllabus, as a reminder.
After discussing the course requirements, I have asked a student(s) to tell me what the requirements of the course are as they understand them to be. I can detect unclear expectations and misunderstandings, and the requirements are repeated one more time.
We review the syllabus at the beginning of each term. The objectives are reviewed and a calendar of topics/lectures and tests schedule is given.
Hi Carolyn,
It seems to mean more to students whenever you secure their signature. The student's thought is, this must be important.
Patricia
I will be teaching my first clinical site from the beginning. I have learned alot from these replies. I plan to review the syllabus on the first day, and weekly there after, and to have the students sign and date documentation of these reviews. Thanks for the tips.
I mainly use a syllabus, but when I approach a paper or exam day I go over it again. Refreshing the information. Also constant reminders of what is coming up and I put it on the board as well.
I hand out a syllibus the first day of class and ogover it with the class explaining what is needed and what is expected in every area. I answer any questions to help make clear any misunderstandings or confusion about what is expected. I usually have one or two who when everything is due, still try to say that they did not know it was due.
Hi Jeanne,
It is good to know that you willingly answer students questions. I've been told by some students that some instructors are very impatient, and they do not like answering questions.
Patricia
Hello Tim,
You leave no stone unturned. You are direct and straight to the point. Your students know up front exactly what is required of them.
Patricia
Hi Brian,
How thorough! Your students can not say they were not told.
Patricia
I take a whole five hour session dedicated to rules and regs and course requirements. It is laid out to the students in a power point presentation and they also have the information in their class workbooks. We go over as aclass each section so nobody has an excuse that they were not aware of policy.
On the first day, I explain not only what projects the students will be completing and the skills they will need to learn to do this, but also what will constitute any infractions or mistakes that could negatively affect a passing grade (successful completion). I also explain other criteria that may affect a student's succcess, such as attendance, behavior and test scores.
Additionally, I will repeat this information on an as-needed basis, both to individuals who need to be reminded, but to the class as a whole at the beginning of a lab period.
I try to write carefully and specifically on my sylibus and curriculum content so there are no misunderstandings. I go over it with the class and give them plenty of time to ask all their questions and clarify any points.
I usually start by asking what their majors are. Then I try to relate the course materials to the choosen area of career choice.
Hi Candace,
Students really look forward to receiving this type of information on Day 1. You will even have a few students that will work ahead to get a good jump start.
Patricia
Normally, push-ups are involved.
Actually, a course syllabus is handed out and reviewed. Since the majority of our instruction was developed based on feedback from their peers involved in real-world operations, students understand that the course requirements are based on specific operational challenges that they will face in the near future.
On the first day of the new term I go over the class schedule for the term as well as give each student a copy of it. It includes the chapters we will be reviewing as well as test dates and when homework assignments are due.
