In addition to including descriptions of objectives and assignments (in class and on syllabus), I also like to point out examples of common pitfalls in order to reinforce certain fundamentals required in the proccess of the project/assignment.
I teach Culinary History and students have to do a 5-10 minute presentation in front of the classroom. During the first day of class, I go over the syllabus and show all the examples of the research papers, PowerPoint presentations or displays created by the previous students as examples. This is a great practice as it provides the current students in the course a guideline and structure of what my grading criteria will be.
I am very clear on the homework assignments and guide students to the proper online resource where they need to upload assignments.
~Louis
Showing examples helps the student know what to expect from the upcoming cource.
Seeing what is expected of them gives them a goal to which they can meet and hopefully exceed. It is in our nature, at least for most of us to simply to what is required.
Hi Robert,
We must make it a point to reach all three types of learners. It appears you do a great job in this area. We do not want to slight any student.
Patricia
i use examples from other students, we sometimes need to have the students create portfolio books, so i show a great one, average, and a not so hot one, then my students get a great idea of what i expect, what will do the job, and what wont cut it.
it really is one of the best ways to set the standard.
Many students are tactile and visual learners. By providing examples, both verbal and visually, I can reach many students with the information being presented.
It gets them motivated what they too can acheive with their education
Hi Tracy-Ann,
Sharing examples with students give them great boundaries to follow. Having a visual puts things in great perspective for students.
Patricia
Creativity can come from trial and error as well as building off of the experience of others and their work. Why not show some examples of previous work to help kickstart the brains of the newer students. Also, by seeing and not making the same mistakes, new ones are discovered!
Well this will give the current students an idea of what is expected of them through out the course,how to use the examples shown in their own projects, and what criteria the instuctor is looking for.
It gives the student a clear idea of what the instructor is looking for in a particular assignment.
Wow! What better way to leverage the expertise of what someone else has already successfully done than to give examples of that behavior or performance? This is an important step for every class introduction.
Hi Mary,
I like to show my students an example of excellent work, average work, and failing work so that they can get the big picture and decide which category they are going to work toward.
Patricia
Hi Ted,
Great points made! Students are more at ease after being shown an example. By being shown an example, students have a better idea as to what is expected.
Patricia
It sets a foundation for what they can expect and a model for them to follow. They will be less nervous about doing work as they arent going into it blind.
Whenever people have to do work they havent even seen before anxiety goes up.
With my situation I can only show examples of work as we get to the particular skill being taught. We always give demos and examples of the product through our own work in fcront of the class. This is very important for learning when teaching cooking. Giving demonstration and expectations is an absolute must in this situation. Being there with the students as they practice the skill is a way to solidify your expectations and technique. When you are considered an S.M.E. in the mind of the student, reinforcement of this will encourage the student to rely on your experteze more.They will also relax more.
I save outstanding work from previous classes. In one assignment the students create a brochure.I show the students creative or helpful examples as well as a copy of the grading rubric so they can see exactly what they will need to do to receive an excellent grade.
Hi David,
Students certainly appreciate it whenever examples are shown. Students tend to understand better what is expected of them when examples are shared.
Patricia
Hi Olga,
Great idea! I like how this binder is shared with students on the very first day. Students know exactly what is required of them, and they can get a jump start on their projects.
Patricia
