Hi Alhagie,
Awesome job of making course requirements clear. You are really there for your students, and I can tell you want each of them to succeed.
Patricia Scales
On the first day I introduce myself and give a little of my background. We then go over course requirements and how I handle typical situations. I also ask questions to begin to establish what their backgrounds are. This allows me to establish what my expectations are for them as well as what they can expect from me. It also begins to open the comunication channels between them and myself by discussing some of our backgrounds.
During the first class meeting, I'll announce and briefly introduce myself. Then, ask the students to do the same. Sometimes, we'll include a little bit regarding the student's particular interests.
This eases the first moments of class into a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
Afterwards, at this point is where I'll introduce the students to the course requirements, whether they involve the class objectives, lab tasks, rules of conduct, etc. This method has worked well for me in almost all cases. On rare occasion, a single student will be anxious to "get the class started". Those who are like this understand it is for the greater good of the entire class, if we do not take too long.
Students sometimes say they have an understanding, but when it comes time to actually complete the assignment or project they find they have questions. I think a calendar with due dates is very important so they can see exactly when the assignment is due.
Dates on assigments are one of the most important part of the Syllabus and students really like to see that.
I am very descriptive in my syllabus so that there are clear cut guidelines for assignments, tests and quizzes. I include due dates any what is covered on what day.
I give them a syllabus and prospectus first. The syllabus has all the information about the course materials they need for example textbook etc. It has a breakdown of what chapters are supposed to be covered every week and also a breakdown of the grading scale, which I know the students are very particular about. It also has the time class begins and ends. I make sure I explain attendance is very important and carefully tracked. I let them know that if they miss more than 17 hours they will be automatically dropped from the course. Missing time includes both coming late and leaving early. I explain to them how many tests and exams they are going to get plus the format and time of the tests. I explain to them how the class is going to be taught by using part lecture and part hands-on exercises in class. After going over the syllabus and answering all the questions they may have, i then move to the prospectus. The prospectus has similar breakdown of the coursework just like the syllabus, but it also includes all the school rules and policies about dress code, cheating, eating and using phones in class which are prohibited. Since I teach computer classes I always tell them not to be intimidated at all because I will work with them whatever their level of experience is. All I want from them is to stick to the course and put the best effort they can and they will pass. I also make sure that they have my email which they use to send me their homework and also ask questions if they have any. my email is also on the prospectus.
Making course requirements includes three steps in my classes. I do the course calander that accompanies the syllabus, I have bbjectives on the board at the start of each class for that day, and I also verbally identify the assignments due at the start of each week.
Regarding their performance expectation, I try to clarify as best I can my methods for relaying information in the classroom. It seems to make a difference, from what I observe, in how prepared the students are for my teaching style. If they know in advance that they will have an opportunity to put a lecture concept into practice with a worksheet or in-classroom interaction, often their frustration is put on-hold until after they feel they've exhausted their opportunities to learn the content. It seems to increase their willingness to engage in earlier classes and helps them to better retain the first information I deliver in lectures because I've tried to convey my teaching style in advance. I dont want them to miss foundation-building material or concepts that are typically within the first few class sessions because they are frantically trying to adapt to my method of presentation.
I bold the TEST DATES and PAPERS DUE BY DATES. I read the requirements slowly stopping frequently to ask for questiions and I encourage students to call me for all questions.
we have a first day checklist we read off to the students with emphasis on the course requirements to complete the course especially the number of hours they have to put in and the number of student patients to have to perform on as far as venipunctures are concerned
Hi Michelle,
You do a fine job providing clarity to your students.
Patricia Scales
I have found giving students examples of requirements not only helps make the requirements clearer but the student remembers the requirements throughout the course.
We also take a tour of the building or buildings where their class or clinic will be held. They see the equipment, rooms and product dispensary they will be working with to meet the requirements. This also cuts down on student anxiety so they can retain requirements of the course.
I make as clear a syllabus as possible, including a "due dates" page that is a list of all required assignments. I then use the first day of class to give a brief overview of all assignments, objectives and course requirements/expectations. I also like to give a more detailed assignment discussion later in the term as things become due.
Hi Nancy,
I like how you give your students several ways to contact you. They have no excuse of saying "I was not able to get a hold of you."
Patricia Scales
Hi Carla,
You do a fine job making your course requirements clear. Students need as much direction as they can get.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sharon,
Super! You may want to even take it to another level and secure a signature on the class rule sheet. Signature exemplifies a sense of seriousness.
Patricia Scales
I also have started to place my office hours on the syllabus....in a prominent spot. This information is in a box with my work email, my work phone and my cell phone numbers. I also review the material about week 3 or 4 just to remind the students. Sometimes the first day of class becomes a sea of mud for the beginning students I have in class.
I provide each student with a syllabus. I also thoroughly go through the syllabus during the first clas. I also give students the opportunity for feedback regarding the syallabus
Hi Russell,
Students need to know their expectations/requirements on Day 1 so that they are not in for any surprises.
Patricia Scales
