I MAKE IT CLEAR IN THE SYLLABUS THE EXPECTATIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING.
Methods that I use to making course requirements clear include handing out a syllabus and reviewing it. I also like to verbalize what the requirements are and then ask if this is understood. I believe that the more clarity that can be accomplished before the class gets started, the more successful the outcomes for both students and instructor.
Gary Piontkowski
Hi George,
Super idea! This is really going above and beyond to make things clear for your students. A lot of grade level teachers use this method so that parents know exactly what their child(ren) should be doing.
Patricia
Hi Scott,
Students get a real sense of satisfaction when they understand why they are taking a particular course. It is simply human nature to want to know "WHY".
Patricia
I use visual aids such as a syllabus and/or display and questioning/discussions to determine understanding at different times throughout the course. If a student is struggling with the requirements, I have a one on one meeting to see if we can figure out how to resolve the problem.
We include Course requirements in our Syllabus and I discuss each of them in detail the first day of the class. I then connect real life experiences to each of the requirement to cover/answer the "WHY" in the student's minds.
One of the methods I use very successfully is to make a school sharepoint webpage. I put all assignments and work to be finished for each class plus I assign the next class's homework. If any one is not clear with any thing on the webpage, I have them email me their questions.
I discuss the syllabus in detail as part of my first class' acitivity as well as bullet points for major requirements with percentage of overall grade.
Understanding what course materials are prepared for the students and the teacher before the class begins is a huge deal. In some instances I have found myself teaching a topic by the seat of my pants and using more of my own experience to explain a concept versus what the students may see in ther textbooks. The success rate from this has been better understanding of course material and how they may use this in real world situations and my students are grateful for it.
Hi Ashley,
I require my students to keep a calendar so that they are clear when assignments are due, and they have something to refer to.
Patricia
In addition to covering the course syllabi word for word, I include a weekly class plan that indicates which chapters the class will cover as well as specific case studies the class will discuss. I also make sure the students are given a complete homework schedule that includes assignments and the specific due date for each assignment.
I agree completely. They also can use it to refer back to throughout the course if they have any confusion on due dates for any assignments.
Hi Ashley,
Doing a thorough job with going over the syllabus cuts down on a lot of confusion. Students appreciate knowing exactly what is required of them.
Patricia
In order to make the course requirements clear to the students, I go through the syllabus and go over all objectives and assignments that are required for the course.
I have a lesson plan prepared for the students. I follow it exactly There are no surprises, no confussion
Hi Kevin,
Students like it when they know exactly what is required of them, whether they do it or not. When clarity is provided, it is harder for students to play the card, "I did not know."
Patricia
Hi Heather,
I too am Personality A. I want to know exactly what is going on and required of me so that I can excel.
Patricia
I try to always make my course requirements clear to students. It keeps them and me on track. I am a very type A personality so sometimes I think the requirements are more for me than them!! People always do better when they know what is expected of them. Also it saves for any confusion later on.
It is very important to make course requirements clear for the students. You need to let them know what they need to do to successfully navigate the course. You also need to let them know when tests, assignments, projects, etc, are due. That way you can make "late assignment" excuses harder to come by.
Since I teach online I do this several ways. The first was is that during our first live chat session I review the course syllabus with the students and answer their questions. Second, I have the course syllabus posted in several areas of the course shell. Finally, I post weekly announcements that remind students of what is due that week and of the learning objectives.
