The two things to consider when establishing a teaching pattern are:
1) Provide expectations and timelines for the material in the course
2) Communicate frequently with the students and the course material and make sure the course is following the expectations and agenda details in the beginning of the course.
Your audience and providing continuity throughout the course.
I think it is very important to express what you expect from them as soon as the class starts and though out the course when it come to grading. This way they know exactly what they have to do.
Two most important things to consider:
1. Consistency in all you do.
2. Communication - clear, consistent.
Be visible, approachable, find what works and do what works, set and adhere to expectations.
Susan,
I love your statement "using a little common sense in the classroom". Just as in a f2f class, you can use some flexibility in online.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jan,
Do you provide your important information in multiple locations? I agree that it is important to be consistent.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Leigh,
I think you are right. You might also have a "contract" with the students identifying their accountability.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Consistency and collaboration are very important. I am new to my institution and my students. However, through consistency and fairness they are beginning to understand me and I am beginning to understand them.
Communication and content are extremely important; however, students need to know that academic freedom and the ability to express their beliefs is more crucial or you will not receive a rich, thick textural discussion.
I've found that having a clearly established pattern of teaching eases student insecurity. The two greatest areas of student insecurity include assignment expectations and assessment protocols. Therefore in my teaching pattern these are the two areas that are always clearly defined.
Clarity and consistency.
Are the expectations clear?
Am I consistent in applying the expectations?
While many objectives and goals are important to establish a pattern of teaching for students to follow and maximize their efforts, those that are foremost within my planning are, (1) expectations – communication, and, (2) assignment submission. To consider these efforts as premier within the navigation of an online environment is based upon the structure of reinforcing participation, and opportunity for point assignment to earn the best possible course grade. Communication of expectations will facilitate the students desire to be successful whether currently existing or requiring development. A strategy is set that compensates limited face to face interactions with more reinforcing attitudes of success, or what is expected to be successful. Secondly, assignment submissions as a pattern of facilitating success are supported by an opportunity to earn points within the course. Without submission the expectation to pass the course, or be as successful in earning the most favorable grade is impossible, or severely limited. These two patterns by my perspective form the rudimentary basis of pattern structure for best facilitation of an online course.
I agree. To establish a teaching pattern is very important. Instructor has to make everything organized and accessible online. Personally I like "front load" for each class. It encourages students to bring some topics on the discussion board.
Coomunication and Content Delivery are what I believe to be the two most important aspects to consider when establishing a pattern of teaching.
Communication is always important no matter what it is used for. Communication with the students is vital so that they know what is expected and why. If they don't understand, the instructor needs to be there to answer any clarification type questions, or anything else the student has that is confusing them.
Content Delivery is also vital. Without proper delivery methods, the students will not learn. If the desired goal is to help the student learn, then the content must be delivered in such a way that it is easy for them to do so, yet challenging enough for introspection.
Choosing appropriate technology for teaching and organizing your online course is essential to the learning process
Teaching patterns characterizes how an instructor provides information to students. This information should be clear; students learn how to navigate within the course when the course is designed outlined in a way in which allows them to understand what is expected of them.
Communication is also an important factor when considering a teaching pattern. Instructors must have an open communication process with the student. This ensures that they do not feel as if they are all alone while in the class.
Jim,
I agree with you. sometimes, I can say something in various ways, many times and still a student can miss what I was saying. I find that showing by example problems shows them clearly what is expected.
and yes, it does stir discussion and at the end, they usually feel content knowing what is expected of them for the assignment or for the course.
susan
This is a good question - I find that consistent and clearly stated expectations including a thorough review of the assignments each week as well as clear and consistent grading using a rubric provide students with an understanding of what to expect.
I also like to incorporate a little common sense into the classroom - if a particular subject appears difficult, I work in some extra time to make sure students have the best opportunity to "get it"
Susan
The two most important things to consider are:
1. Make sure information to the students are delivered in a centralized location within the course so the students can access the information easily regularly going back to the same location.
2. Set up regular and consistent schedule for student to summit their assignments and post their discussion posts.
The two most important things that come to mind are communication and accountability. For 'communication', the instructor must regularly and clearly communicate with the students. This includes discussion of assignments (Q&A), reminders, and expectations for outcomes. For 'accountability', the instructor must show that students can count on them to provide the information they need. They must also respond to students in a timely fashion, so that students know they can rely on them when needed.
These are two most fundamental aspects I can think of.
Ron,
I think that is how you develop trust in the online environment. Routine helps develop relationship that helps develop trust. That is the key. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
