Setting realistic expectations
As a new instructor, I have noticed that the students expect to be "spoon-fed" information for tests and quizzes. Since the class I teach is part of a certification exam, I expect the students to take the initiative to study and learn the material. By this I mean that I am not willing to have a review before a test/quiz that is an exact replica of the test/quiz. These students have come to rely on this "spoon-feeding" from their previous classes. I actually had a student tell me that it's not fair that I cover the info in class twice (once to introduce it and the second time when we review) and expect them to study on their own for tests. The students have their books, copies of my powerpoints, the review cd that came with their book, and access to me for any questions outside of class. How can I change this behavior?
Hi Alejandra,
Outstanding response. I agree with what you mentioned about spoon feeding students verses guiding/teaching students. We have information overload, and we as instructors must emphasize to our students the most important information that will help them to be successful.
Patricia Scales
As a student and instuctor my self, I can agree with your expectations and way of teaching but as a student it depends on how much information your giving. Everyone wants to do well and sometimes if given too muh information, it's hard to pin point what's truly important and what's good to know. There should be a balance b/w spoon feeding and learning on your own. If you give the same info the book has in form of powerpoint how are you differentiating what's important. There has to be a way to focus on what's needed and what's fluff info, (even though we all know it's all important)if you can give points of areas to focus on then your not spoon feeding your guiding and will also have better results come test time. I truly believe it's all on how you approach and handle the information. We are all adults and know we have to work hard to earn the right grade and are willing to read and do the work, but sometimes to read everything and do all the work is overload and your not truly learning. If everyone can read a book on their own and pass tests there would be no need for teachers. The teaching part is to teach student's how to pick our what's truly important. Either way best wishes.
Nikki, is your institution accreditted by an outside governing body? How do your certification scores impact this accreditation process?
You as the instructor must set the expectations for the class. You do not have to "spoon-feed" or "lower the bar." I have found that if you communicate your expectations, most adult learners will push themselves to meet your expectations.
As an instructor, I often complete an item analysis. If a majority of students miss a concept, I will assess my effectiveness in teaching the concept. This may require that I reteach the concept and give additional practice.
In general, your thread sounds like you have a great understanding of how you want to establish expectations. I believe that if you communicate these expectations, you will experience much success in your teaching.
Best wishes,
Jackie
Hi Nikki,
Continue doing what you are doing. Some will adapt to the change, others will continue to want to be spoon fed. I have encountered this in my 22 years of teaching at this level based on the students we cater to. We cater to the nontraditional college student. When I was in college the professor said you are having a test on Chapters 1-10...no other explanation. You either swam or sank.
Patricia
