Making course requirements clear for students
What methods do you use to make the course requirements clear for the students?
Hi Ana,
Awesome! Students should appreciate a calendar from the instructor to help keep them on point. Thanks for going the extra mile for students.
Patricia Scales
Hi,
What I do is not only go through the sylabus the first day of class but I also make my own calendar that they must follow as an overall outline.
Set up simple, easy to understand guidlines and reinforce those guidelines on a daily basis with clear instructions. Remind students frequently what the requirements are using multiple methods to highlight what they are and why they are important. Above all: Be Consistent!
I use a syllabi along with discussion on the first day of class. We read of the syllabi together, talk about any projects and due dates. I will write on the board what is expected of them with the projects and ask them to take notes.
We discuss what books and materials they need for the course and make sure they have them or let me know when they will be getting them
I also have them sign and date the syllabi that they understand everything we have discussed that day.
Hi Carla,
Awesome ways to provide clarity. I like the idea of giving students examples. Examples clear up unclear points.
Patricia Scales
Hi Wendy,
It sounds like you do a fine job to ensure your students have great clarity about the syllabus and what is expected of them.
Patricia Scales
At the beginning of each term, I distribute the syllabi for all 4 of our courses. (Each has many classes/subjects within the course.)
Some of the information that I go over include the following: SLO's (student learning objectives) for each class, what type of assignments/tests/finals will they be taking and how they are graded, policies on turning in various assignments, and policies/expectations for classroom/school professionalism, such as the dress code and attendance.
The students also have a calendar that includes what days tests are given and what assignments are due. I also go over this at the beginning of each term.
At the beginning of each day, I write the SLO's for that class on the whiteboard and ensure that the class has a full understanding of each objective by the end of the day.
I go over the syllabi the first day of class. I have my requirements in bold on their syllabi and and as I go through the term I remind them about certain course requirememts. I frequently ask the class as a whole if anyone is struggling with these requirements. I also give them examples on how they can meet these requirements
I write the course requirements out in a syllabus master that I review several times to make sure it contains everything I want, then adapt it for each class, changing the calendar as I go. On the first day of class, we go over all of the elements of the syllabus, and give plenty of time for questions.
I use the syllabus and the board. I use different color highlighters on the syllabus and invite the students to do the same. I actually got this idea from observing one of my straight A students, everytime she received a syllabus, she had a formula. For example one color for required reading. Then a different color each for assignments,homework, projects, test & quizzes and when each of them is due can be another color. She would know at a glance by color what she needed to do.
Then I put more details on the board such as the different parts or aspects of the project that are required, due dates and other pertainant information.
Since we're an online school we have the requirements laid out in many areas. The students get a syllabus, and they also have weekly tabs that lay out the expectations for the week. When students aren't turning in work, they're immediately contacted and walked through the syllabus to ensure that they're able to have the resources necessary to complete the class.
I make a calendar and highlight all the tests' dates and when projects or worksheets are due. The previous week I write on the board when these items are due and then the day before things are due I remind my students that they are due. I have not had any issues with late assignments sine I started this. I also give students my email address, in the event they have a previous appt, and they can email me their work.
Cyndi
The first day of each term I go over all the requirements for the students. Review the syllabus and go over the calendar to make sure they are all aware of exactly what is due on each date. I talk about all the policy for the class and the school. After the first day of each term every student has a clear understanding of what to expect and what direction they need to take to be successful in class.
Hi Michelle,
An outline keeps both the instructor and students on point.
Patricia Scales
Hi John,
You do a fabulous job of informing your students. You provide great clarity.
Patricia Scales
I find having a working outline of the course helpful. Which would include the date (calender) what the student is expected to bring to class (specific book or other materials)and what the activity of the day is.
To ensure that each student is aware of all course requirements I follow these steps:
1. Review the course syllabus and have the students highlight the text and workbook chapters assigned (which I also write on the white board as we talk).
2. Provide a paper calendar that has all quiz and exam dates in bold. Homework due dates are also listed on the calendar, with the penalty for late work identified (50% on second day after due date, 75% reduction on day three, 0 points after that).
3. Remind students one day prior to assignment due dates.
4. Provide examples of quality academic work for student insight and motivation.
5. Explain that active participation in class discussions accounts for 20% of their final grade.
6. Encourage students to e-mail me with questions or concerns - and respond within 12 hours to each inquiry.
We discuss the syllabus on day 1 as a unit. From this I state my requirements as well as expecations.
Hi Vicki,
Examples provide great clarity to students.
Patricia Scales
