I generally rely on the syllabus and assignment list. I also ask them on day one what they expect to get out of the course.
i always try to engage my students in the most up to date info as possible concerning the field.
The first day of class I go through the syllabus page by page. I go over the course outline, the grading policy, how their grades are broken up into the different categories, then I go over the lesion plans for the entire course. What chapters will be covered and when assignments are due. At the end of every class as the term progresses I go over the lesson plan for the next class period and what homework/assignment is due.
I like to do a detailed review of the the syllabus with the class. It's a good time to place emphasis on certain areas, solicit student views to check their understanding of what is required.
On their first day of the course, I start by introducing myself and my background. I facilitate a get to know you format between myself and my students. I have the syllabus prepared and handed out. I then go thru the highlights of the course and the course requirements in regards to assignments, testing,and grading policy.
On that first day I also do a short introductory lecture to "get things started" .
Melinda
On the first day of class, after a brief introduction of myself, we go over the sylabus and all the dates that projects are do and highlight those. With constant verbal and visual reminders it helps those fresh out of high school to realize the change in college protocol and requirements.
I usually take about 1 hour of our first two hour meeting to explaining the course syllabus. I do explain that a lot of their in class work will be group work. I first hear a lot of complaining but I go on to explain why. I tell them that I watch them to see who takes on the leadership role and grade them on how well they work together. I further explain that when they go to work they can not choose their patients or their co-workers.
I try to write all I can in the syllabus. When going over it, I stress all the areas that I have had previous student problems in such as point values, due dates, excuses for not completing assignments, and late assignments/quizzes. Certain topics are highlighted, bolded, underlined or italicized. As we go through the class I remind them that "your syllabus says....".
Hi Georgiajo,
I am sure your students appreciate how you go above and beyond to ensure clarity.
Patricia Scales
Hi Karis,
Great ways to provide clarity to your students.
Patricia Scales
Hi Karen,
You are very thorough providing clarity to your students. I am sure your students appreciate how thorough you are.
Patricia Scales
I havent had the actually opportunity to work with the students in the classroom, but if I did I would probably start by using the course syllabus which uses the goals,objectives, and topics for the course.
I am currently using the course syllabi that the college requires, with an addendum attached outlining and explaining my expections from my students, late assignment and missed test policies, etc. I also provide a calendar that details the objectives each day and assignments with due dates.
I make them clear by handing them a syllabus and a day to day schedule, so they are prepared and know in advance the expectations for the next classes, I feel a good student is a well prepared student, and all of my contact information is on the syllabus so at anytime if they are confused or unsure, they can call or email me and I would answer them as soon as possible, clear expectations the first day sets the pace for the rest of the class, clear goal here is for the student to be successful!!!
course syllabi and day-to-day schedules as well as daily verbal reminders
I try to be very thorough with my syllabus and I go over the syllabus completely at the beginning of class on the first day. I try to clearly identify any major projects or assignments and give a grading rubric so the student knows the exact expectations of the assignment and how it will be graded.
Hi Catherine,
You go above and beyond by providing an additional handout. I am sure your students appreciate your thoroughness.
Patricia Scales
The syllabus provides a lot of information and I also create handouts that provide additional information not covered by the syllabus (expected behavior, stress the fact they are in a professional program, etc).
Hi Luis,
Students like knowing when things are due in advanced.
Patricia Scales
Hi KAREN,
Students need as much clarity as possible.
Patricia Scales
