It's a multi-pronged approach that begins with the syllabus/calendar, continues with verbal explanations for each assignment, written instructions for each assignment.
The syllabus, aka 'student's class guide', should clearly detail all administrative information students need to be successful in the class. Assignments and assessments should be weighted and due dates succinctly defined. I like to think about the syllabus as a "knowledge base" of information that anticipates potential questions and provide, if not the answer, steps to get to the necessary information.
Give each student a copy of the course requirements.
Present the course requirements in class and answer any questions on the requirements.
Hi David,
Very clear! Student can not say that they did not know. You always have documentation to refer to.
Patricia Scales
Hi Alana,
By providing examples, you are giving your students great clarity as to what is expected of them.
Patricia Scales
I have each assignment and due date listed in the syllabi.
Hello,
I usually review the syllabus by having the students take turns reading sections of the syllabus. With each course requirement, I also provide examples. I find that new students like to know what past students found interesting about the course and what difficulties they faced during the course then eventually, this discussion will usually refer back to the course requirments.
makine course requirements clear for students sets the classroom participation level and lets them know your expectations
Hi Diane,
You do a fine job of ensuring your students know exactly what is expected of them.
Patricia Scales
I ensure that the syllabus is up to date and clearly defines the course objectives. On the first day of class we go ver the expectations and I answer any questions if any.
I make the course requirements clear for students by including the requirements in the written syllabus, going over the requirements with students on the first day of class, and then checking for understanding by asking students to tell me what they understand the course requirements to be. This "checking for understanding" piece is particularly important if I have any requirements that are a bit more complex than students are typically used to.
I create a course outline for my students to pass and discuss on the first day. The outline details what content will be covered on each date, lists all assignments that must be completed and what date they are due. The outline helps keep the student on task with the assignments and they can plan for them.
I think sticking to the syllabus is very important.
The course requirements are listed in the syllabus. Dates of lab practicals and quizzes are listed, along with the scheduled topic of discussion for each day. Homework assignments are listed, as well, with due dates. The grading for the course is clearly outlined, showing how much weight qizzes, homework, midterm, professionalism, and the finalexam are worth.
In my classes I use the syllabus and a list of class rules and expectations to make sure that the class understands the course requirements and what I am hoping to enstill into their education. I believe that the more information you give a person, the better informed they are to make decisions. This will help to keep everyone on the same track and allow for the consistant flow of information without having to stop and go back because someone missed a day or did not do an assignment.
Richard
I've used several methods including assignments from the texts as well as handouts that I create to explain, in detail, what I expect to see from them. With design students,visuals are evrything and when they are creating a "board" it must tell a story but that story must be well composed. My handouts explain the method needed to professionally compose a board and how the grading rubric is broken down. These create an understanding of my expectations and it also prevents the students from wanting to complain since everything is in writing and repeatedly explained throughout the course. I have found that rubrics are a must, especially with students who seem to think they know more than the instructor (specifically those right out of high school!)Also, they provide a standard by which the students can carry from course to course, in the interior porgrams, so they can creat a style, be consistent and take pride in their work from neatness to creativity to professionalism.
I follow the syllabus and write the requirment per day on the board. Refer back to the syllabus thought out the course.
Hi,
Double coverage, I like how you do not leave it up to the students to read, you provide explanation for them.
Patricia Scales
On the first day of the course I review the entire syllabus and explain all of the course requirements from attendance, tests, lab assessments, grade breakdown, and all other important information.
Outline them carefully in the course syllabus as well as going over them in class
