Hi Alwyn,
These are super ways to make learning clear for students. They need to see it what you are talking about.
Patricia Scales
I am a dental assistant instructor so you are right I use handout that has symbols or pictures of dental instruments on it and have the students match them with the pictures of how the instruments are used and then I would show them the instruments in the lab.
Hi Deward,
It is crucial for students to fully understand the importance of a syllabus. We need to always drive home the point of the importance of the syllabus on Day 1 and throughout the grading period.
Patricia Scales
Hi Teresa,
I too am a reminding type of an instructor so that my students cannot play the card, "Oh I did not know."
Patricia Scales
Hi Ronna,
You do a great job of reminding your students and providing clarity.
Patricia Scales
The syllabus is important and is used like a job description. I use the analolgy to bring home its importance.
During the first day of class with the course objectives, activities, content, or assignments are mentioned I try to give many different examples of what I see my students doing. For example, if I have students write a paper I may talk about what would be in an 'A' paper to include my grading rubric etc. . .That way students know what the assignment is, when it is due and what they need to do in order to earn an A for that assignment. .
During the course I also remind students what is due the following class. Both major and minor assignments so I dont get the excuss of "I didn't know when it was due".
Laying everything out in the syllabus is imperative. By giving due dates, including rebrics and giving examples, students have a better understanding of the requirements for course completion and satisfaction.
Students need to be reminded why they are learning each topic. They tend to focus on "What does this have to do with_____?" Instead of focusing on it being part of the overall class topic and instruction.
If we can give solid examples and even get the students to do some extra research on their own about the course topic to bring up greater discussion in a later class meeting, the students will better understand the reason behind certain topics and discussion.
Not only do I utilize the syllabi but i also have my own coursen requirement hand-out that simplify's the syllabi. I go over these the first day and then ask if anyone has any questions regarding the syllabi the second day. A few days prior to giving an assessment in the course I go over the requirements again.
I have learned over the course of time this is one of the most important things to do. I believe by reviewing the class expectations, work standard and giving examples sets up the student for success. Knowing clearly what standard you will be held to and how to achieve that standard makes for a focus on educational achievement.
Hi Terry,
What a great team you all make. We do a similar practice at my institution as well. At my institution, we have a professional counseling service that have experts to help students with all types of challenges that are beyond our professional scope.
Patricia Scales
I provide an addendum to the prescribed syllabus. I provide weekly Lesson Plan/Study Guides detailing assignments, case studies, and qizzes (including the point value for each).
I take about an hour to go through the course requirements. Now I also have a term long calender with each class date, required reading, lecture, labs, homeworks, assignments, exams/tests all on one sheet. So that they have a quick an easy reference on what to read ahead of time and what is due when. It avoids a lot of confusion.
One thing we do in our department is to let the students know that any instructor in the department is available to assist them whenever they have questions or difficulty. At our regular department meetings we can discuss what students need additional help and more importantly, why they need help. Today, we are finding multiple outside influences that can affect the students ability to study or to concentrate on subject material. Each situation is unique and if it is beyond our scope, we will refer the student for counseling.
The method in which I use to make course requirements clear is via the syllabi. Information is delivered in a consise and clear fashion. I try to make sure that written requirements are not vague and easy to understand.
Hi Lea,
Students have a better understanding whenever we share examples with them, especially visual examples.
Patricia Scales
Hi Terry,
I like the ending of your introduction letting your students know that you are there for them. Students need us for guidance and mentoring, which will help them to be successful.
Patricia Scales
Hi Christopher,
This is a nice leeway into the grading period. Students feel more at ease when they know exactly what is expected of them and when they have met their classmates.
Patricia Scales
Hi Catherine,
Come up with your own late policy, if your institution does not have a late policy, and make sure to enforce the late policy.
Patricia Scales
I usually give an outline and a breakdown of the assignments, exams, and everything else with their corresponding percentages. I always explain as much as I can and give examples to the students.
