I teach in the last three terms of a six term RN program. the students are already familiar with the concept of syllabus and curriculum.
rules about late assignments are outlined in the sylabuss. One of my rules is that a make up test will contain short answer and essay questions where the regular tests do not usually. No one has missed more than one test.
My curriculm lists the assignments on the day they are assigned as well as on the day they are due. i also send out periodic e-mails reminding students of what is due and what the next test covers.
Each student gets a syllabus on their first day. Their syllabus will have their books listed as well as the chapters covered in their course. The syllabus is discussed first day and any questions are answered. Students are also encouraged to study their student handbook. Some of the policies and procedures are discussed that might affect students on the first day as well. The schedule for exams and quizzes is discussed.
Make sure you hand out a syllabus and expectations and stick to them. Be consistent!!
I have a three part plan:
1. Send a welcome letter to all studetns introducing myself and briefly going over what we will be doing during the session.
2. Post a file in the classroom titled Course Expectations, which is a detailed explanation of these requirements.
3. In the first meeting I go over these expectations with the class.
Clear and concise communication helps establish course requirements. Meeting each students different learning skills (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) will help make sure the requirements are understood by all. Finally, allowing adequate time for students to ask questions is essential.
Hello Beth,
Great! You let your students know from the very beginning what they are up against. Your students are not in for any surprises, which is super!
Patricia
Hi Bill,
It sounds like you are very thorough! Students need as much details as possible. Whenever students have to question many things they tend not to do well.
Patricia
Hi Richard,
How do these things make course requirements clear for students?
Patricia
Hi Rebecca,
Most students don't want to be wrong; it is human nature to be this way. I like the idea of the paper airplanes.
Patricia
Hi Dana,
I like the idea of one Free Late Pass. Things do come up in life.
Patricia
Hi Steven,
It is important to walk students through certain things, such as the syllabus.
Patricic
Hello Rebecca,
It is exteremly rewarding whenever they finally get it!
Patricia
Hi Erie,
You would think with all this documentation that the students should be fully clear about requirements.
Patricia
Students are given a college catalog upon admission to the college. The instructor has a course curriculum to follow as well as a lesson plan that he/she prepares. THe instructor then prepares and hands out a syllabus that contains all of the vital information, i.e., dates and places that lectures will be held, assignments with due dates, evaluation periods and methods and anything else that the student is expected to know.
I currently teach in a clinical area,so not much opportunity to implement ideas.I hope to teach in the classroom soon. I like the process of teaching an reachng the student. It is rewarding when you can see the light bulb go on.
rebecca
I think adult learners are always a bit anxious about failing or getting somethhing wrong. folding and flying paper airplanes is not a difficult task and even the most nervous can accomplish this. In addition it is a little fun it see it fly which helps the studant relax, and take the exersise lightly.
I like the idea of then taking an individual task, folding and flying, to a group analysis of which plane flew the futhest. This changes the origional goal to a team goal. Communication as a team is a whole different skill. so I'm asking the student to preform as an individual as well as a team member.
In the end,without much risk or emotional cost, the students have discovered something about themselves and something about each other.
I make sure that the syllabus is clear and precise, I then walk through it with the class. I also use a web-based classroom management system that I make sure is clear. I walk students through this on the first day of class.
Hello Everyone,
As an online instructor, it is extremely important to support students through a course by providing them with the expectations and requirements. When the time is taken at the beginning of a course to explain all of the expectations, students are able to gather the insight in preparing for the course. I also provide a clear guide of the expectations and the policies of the course, as well as, an overview of the late policy guidelines. I set one Free Late Pass (prior to 7 days) to allow for a little freedom in times of need. Then after this is se there is a clear guideline of deductions. I enjoyed the elements within this module and have taken notes for areas in which I will address within my course as well.
Thank you,
Dana LaMantia
Written syllabi and verbal explination.
Hi Rolando,
Children can be your best teachers. I learn from my two all the time, things I can share in the classroom.
Patricia
