I have been teaching most of my online course in a synchronous fashion but really like the information provided to add more asynchronous learning content.
Ensure students are well informed on dedlines of assignments due.
This information is useful in helping to set standards and expectations for student. I intend on using this information to serve as a guideline to promote student success.
Im learning how to lead a class with a goal in mind!
Create a syllabus that has key points highlighted in some way, e.g. Bold larger print, text in a box, etc. This will make it easier for the student to find and understand.
I beleive it is very important to set expectations at the start of the course.
i think reminders and class calendar for due dates is helpful for the students.
I love the strategy of asking students questions to help them answer any posed questions better. I know my students struggle with sharing due to their anxiety about not answering the question correctly. Helping them communicate better can help guide their critical reasoning skills, which will build confidence in their learning.
I have always appreciated the first day ice breakers. Never thought it was a waste of time because it tells me some unique things about each student, their personalities and sets an early pleasant tone of cooperation. It also helps us all put names to faces.
These are all things I have done for decades, I was mentored when I started teaching by the best. I do see many intructors making many mistakes because this school has no training/indoctrination program for new instructors, they don't take care of the instructors they have so when someone leaves abruptly they need to fill the seat and a person is given an ipad and shown their room and then they're on their own and without guidance they make the cardinal mistake of being their students buddy. They let the students call them by first name, they give their home phone and/or cell phone and tell them they will do whatever so they pass the course. They just opened the door to constant drama and assignments not done on time. Your name should be Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss and your contact is your WORK email and school phone number and inform of the hours and days they can expect a response.
You have to maintain a sense of leadership and due dates, just like at work, you're not the buddy, friend or teacher, you're the boss, the employer, the manager and you need things done on time. Once you give them the answers, pass them, cater to them you've lost, you'll never regain control and they will continue to be late and absent especially if you allow them to make up all the work after the class is over. There are instances where they really have a valid reason for missing one assignment
You're not helping them and you're creating madness and drama for yourself, remember what the course said ---They will push you as far as they can to make exceptions for them. Remind them that people hire them to perform a service or produce a product. When they are out in the field, their customers and/or employers won't accept their late or incomplete work.
Use icebreakers to relax the students and always connect lessons to how it will help students in their careers.
Always lead by example. Show them the due dates on the platform and also on the board. Also, show them the late assignment policy.
clear expectations. there will be students who try to see how much they can get away with.
sometimes need to be a salesperson for the course
include team work in classtime
Being upfront about the classroom expectations and rules, adding the WIFM, and icebreakers are all great tips on how to set the tone for the beginning of the ysemster.
In "Setting the Stage for Success" module, I learned that it is important to be clear on your expectations. As instructors, we should ensure students have a good and clear understanding of the syllabus, and what we instructors are expecting from each assignment and exam.
reminders for due dates are key as this often comes up as a reason: I forgot the date it was due
I love what she said: It's our job to make 'the student' sound better and better. If we do that they will want to share. Make them feel like their answer, right or wrong, is important to the process. I've always learn more fixing mistakes than by memorizing answers.
Setting the stage begins even before the first day of class, as expectations should already be decided and thought upon. When students enter the classroom, these expectations should be given to them in an easily disseminated fashion that takes into account how they will perceive their class.
I have used ice breakers both in education and in my field of work. I feel that everyone feels a little more relaxed after we did one. I would let a student pick one so it changes on a daily basis and you never knew what question it would be which made it more fun. I think the course syllabus is vital so everyone knows what is expected from them from the first day and what we are offering our students.
I have been reminded that students need to know what is in it for them. My class is one that is fun, and most students like to join because they are able to cook, however, many don't take the class seriously. I need to make sure they know what they are getting out of taking my course. Make sure all due dates are clearly given in the syllabus and so are course expectations.
I really like the "paper airplane" ice breaker!! I'm going to use it!!!!
