Rubrics and explanations of expectations as associated with grading.
Clearly defined expectations regarding communication.
I find that if I just tell students what I expect and ask that they communicate with me, it actually works! Many people are really going to a lot of complicated lengths to try and keep students engaged, but it seems like the simpler and more straightforward plan works the best in my experience.
Brenda,
You are so right about the consistency of implementation. There are expectations regarding routine. There is also a comfort to the people who are taking the course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Content unique to the subject should be relevant to the subject area being taught. For example, if you were teaching microbiology, the subject area should be centered on infectious diseases and the infection cycle. Teaching English in that class would not be relevant unless you are making sure vocabulary unique to microbiology is taught.
Implementation of community guidelines would be introduced on the first day of attendance whether online or in a classroom. Then, a consistent implementation of those rules would be expected. Such things as making discussion entries appropriate, etc.
Brenda,
When you say content unique to the subject how do you do that? Also how do you implement those community guidelines?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The two patterns of teaching that I believe are important to establish are:
1) Community guidelines
2) Content unique to the subject
Gary,
What a great answer. You are right, you have to be consistent.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
First, there must be clarity. Are you communicating the concepts and ideas in the way students can understand them?
Second, are the students able discern the expectatins of the class through patterns you have established. Simply establishing what you believe are patterns does not mean the students can identify and adapt to those patterns. For them, the expectations of the class must be made clear.
Shannon,
You are correct. Do you consider organization of the course part of the important part of the content?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Marcia,
Great answers, Do you think organization is a part of that valid information?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Content and Communication
Both contribute greatly to a student's ability to achieve learning outcomes. I selectively choose what will be included in a course and what will be covered in greater detail. I find that focusing on the most relevant information assists the student in their first mission, which is passing the course. I know that this almost sounds strange, but I am finding that the second goal of the student is to actually learn something.
The method in which content is communicated is also important in regard to establishing a teaching pattern as students become comfortable with methods of communication impacting their expectations.
To be knowledgeable and present valid information about the subject area of a course.
This may seem pedantic, but I try my best to follow the academic style used by the college or department to serve as a reinforcement, in that people often learn what they see.
As a third, but no less important element, working with students.
Rebecca,
Those are so important in establishing a pattern of teaching.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mary,
How do these items determine teaching pattern?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mary,
How do these items determine teaching pattern?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Faryl,
You are correct! You can never underestimate the importance of articulating expectations
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
i believe the two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of teaching is that students can depend on where they can find content for the course and where they can submit assignments.
The students and the content of the class being taught.
The first most important thing to consider is having clear expectations for both the teacher and the students.
The second most important thing to consider is how to ensure that students are familiar with the expectations.
Jodi,
Good answer! You are right, it is important for routine, just like in "real" life :)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Consistency and follow through. You must be consistent in all you do, including grading patterns, grading rubric, timeliness of grades, timeliness of response to students, etc. It is also imperative that you follow through with your students. If you say something will be done, do it. Setting up an expectation and following through is key.
