Reading detailed instructions
It is difficult to learn online as students don't have the opportunity to ask questions and get an instant response as they may face to face. I often strive to create VERY detailed instructions/expectations including a checklist of tasks that must be done for each assignment. The thing I struggle most with is getting students to READ these instructions. No matter how I share them, announcements, email etc it seems there are always some students who completely ignore the detailed instructions. Does anyone else find this? Do you have any tips or strategies to get students to make use of the resources available to them?
Kerry,
We do have to provide reminders to students in various ways. It's just like providing content to students in various ways to meet their learning styles. Thanks!
This happens to me as well. If I am giving an assignment in an online class I always tell the students about it verbally during a class session, send an email with the assignment, and the tell them AGAIN during class with specific instructions and due date, which are also documented in the email. I find that telling the students several times and backing it up with written, detailed material helps the students follow the instructions correctly and complete the assignment.
Donald,
But, we need to keep leading them to the water. ;-) Thanks!
Do students read the instructions in an on-ground environment? Probably not. In an on-ground environment, I even state in class how long a student should study for an exam. After the exam, I ask the students if they studied the suggested amount of time. They usually say no. They usually study aboout half the time. For me, it comes down to the old adage that you can lead a horse to water, you cannot make them drink. This is my opinion.
Donald L. Buresh
Madhuchanda and Leah,
Create quiz questions based on the chat sessions or announcements and let the students know you are doing this. It may help to encourage them to look at things more carefully. The friendly reminder is good, but puts more work on you and the students should be taking more responsibility for their learning.
Hello Leah,
I do agree with you. I have students who will not attend the chat sessions and will not review the archives either.
Also, they will not read the announcements that provide clear instructions on what to do and not to do.
Of late, I have started sending an email the day before the assignments are due with a checklist. I entitle the email, "A Friendly Reminder - did you.....?"
It has helped a little. I plan to continue with it on the hopes that eventually, I will have a higher % paying attention to the details.
Michael,
Absolutely. This deepens the understands and helps answers questions up front. Nice job.
I've found that creating video examples of how to do certain tasks can help a lot in showing students how to do something. With video, students are less likely to skim, which can make the difference between comprehension and confusion!
Marshall,
Yes, I see the connection. You would go to class typically each day and do the same. Thanks for the connection.
If you log on every day, address their questions, present other questions relevant to the assigned topic, this is very similar to a traditional class.
Stephanie,
You can start with leading questions, but eventually put that responsibility on the students or a team leader, etc.
It is very difficult. I sometimes feel that if I do not ask leading questions that I do not have their attention.
Leah,
I agree that the detail is essential. Thanks.
