How true! Through the use of technology, we are able to meet the needs of many styles of learners; for example, both audio and visual when showing a video.
Great tip. To build student expectations, present concrete examples of instructor expectations. I have studied TQM, Total Quality Management; an important principle is this: If you want high standards to be met, show the final product first. Then, allow members the opportunity to mirror that quality product.
I can remember feeling frustrated as a student when my instructor explained and sometime demonstrated something to me and I still didn't get it. I sort makes you feel really stupid when this happens. Now as a instructor I know we are all not the same and I must teach them what I want them to learn in term that can understand
this gives the student of acceptable work, and your grading process
To set the stage, to allow for expectations to be development and objectives to be met.
I find that what some students believe is A work is in fact D work in my opinion. If I show them what I am expecting from them as far as content goes there are very few questions about why they received the grade they did. What one student feels is a good assignment others would view as a poor assignment. The impression and personal view point can vary greatly. That is why I like to make my expectiations clear.
Amy Rogers
By showing students examples, the teacher can effectively introduce subject matter to the students, as well as familiarize them with the required tasks. It is believed by many, that pre-emptively laying-out all expectations, is an effective way of managing. Many questions will be answered ahead of time. Questions and problems that arise during the duration of the course can always be referred back to the initial orientation and demonstration.
Students can also benefit from demonstrations if they can imagine themselves successfully performing that task. They visually observe a goal, which can be attained through successful completion of the course.
Hi Gregory!
Absolutely! It gives students great confidence when they can acutally see it for themselves that the goal is attainable.
Patricia
Hi Jonathan,
Showing examples is definitely a great way to generate excitement, reduce anxiety, and build confidence.
Patricia
Hi Claire,
I understand! I teach document processing classes and a component of the course deals with typing various legal documents. Students love it when I show them an example of a will, petition to sell real estate, etc. Being shown examples to follow for formatting makes it so much easier.
Patricia
It makes what they are learning relevent...especially in our particular field of study.
It gives students an idea of what they will be able to accomplish.
In my field (paralegal), showing samples is absolutely critical. Legal documents must be in a particular format and students can't do this unless they can see what the documents are supposed to look like. I always try to provide as many different samples of various documents as I can.
Many students who have been out of school for a while or did not take academics seriously in high school are often anxious about assignments. Showing them an example can help ease some of this anxiety and help them believe they can do it.
It is helpful to show students examples of the work they will be doing in the upcoming course, so that they will know what is expected of them and the kinds of things that they will be producing.
Also, they will know that they have reachable goals ahead of them.
Showing examples of student work provides students with a specific guideline or benchmark for success. It allows them to look at the description of the guideline and compare it to a finished product which may enhance understanding of expectations.
this was one of my main concerns... that students would present 'cookie cutter' projects if I showed examples, but after reading through this forum, I am open to this idea for the next classroom project. thanks
Showing them the examples will give them an idea of what is expected. It will also set a few of the student's minds at ease with what they can expect and what others in the past have done. This may also get them excited about the course or a particular assignment.
It will get them better prepared for the class.
Visual inspiration, i find, is effective in producing good results from students. It is important to set the standard for students to follow. With that information, they can choose to meet or exceed expectations if they want to.
