Get Your Students Hired
The two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication with students is to make sure it is realistic and that you are consistent. If faculty particularly adjunct faculty expect to respond to students within 1 hour of an e-mail, they might not be able to fulfill that expectation. When realistic guidelines are established in the beginning, it benefits both the instructor and students. Also, when faculty are consistently following the established guidelines it increases confidence back to the student. Another way of assisting with the pattern is to offer various office hours during the week where the faculty member is available. What factors should be considered when establishing times for office hours?
Jay
Jeremy,
Great "C" words. We at times also have to be creative in our communication to help students understand everything we want to them to understand. Thanks for your input.
I saw these two "things to consider" posted most commonly in this forum, and I tend to agree that they are Consistency and Clarity. I require myself to open communication early at the start of each week to cover what is required for this week. I send along a mid-week reminder, and end of week reminder, and a "this is almost due and I have already emailed three reminders" message. I keep very clear as to what is required and hope that my communication will ask least encourage a reply.
Jared,
You have added many postings to this forum and we appreciate that. You have provided "spot on" comments about communication and developing that necessary pattern. Nice job.
The two most important things to consider establishing a pattern of communication are:
1. Being consistent in the timeliness of the communication creates a natural pattern. This allows the student to know what to expect.
2. Provide quality information in the communication. If a student does not regard the communication as important, she will not recognize the pattern of communication.
Melissa,
The students to need to know what is expected of them and how they should conduct themselves. They also need to know the consequences if they conduct is not up to par. As you say, being clear and consistent is essential.
Thanks for your input.
Ola,
Consistency is always a factor in the communication process. This along with timely communication is important as well.
Thank you.
The two most important things to consider in establishing a pattern of communication is to clearly and specifically develop your "Communication Code of Conduct" as I found this to be a truly helpful resource. Thank you Dr. Crews!
I also believe the second most important thing to consider in establishing a pattern of communication is to provide a highly-detailed and developed rubrics for discussions. This provides a clear and consistent format for students to follow and be continuously reminded to follow for each weekly discussion.
I would say provide a students a consistent forum for asking questions, and bringing up concerns. It could be through email, or setting up online office hours. Allowing the student to clearly understand what is acceptable and what is not when communicating is key as well.
Also, responding to students in a timely manner is key to allow the students to resume the course activities that they might be waiting an answer on.
Michael,
Excellent. We do need to make sure all can use the communication tools and the communication tools are working for everyone. Thanks for your input.
When establishing communications, the two important items to consider would be:
-Is the communications process being utilized fully by all those who participate.
-When communications occur do the subjects who use the communication tool act civilly to each other just as they would in a ground classroom environment.
Gracie,
You are so right. Students need to understand the course expectations, how they will be assessed and how to reach all goals. Consistency, as you say, is a key element. Nice job.
Students need a very clear idea of what is expected of them. An FAQ board is a great idea as well as having rubrics for all assignments.
Instructors should also be very consistent with their delivery. If instructors are organized and consistent, the students will find it easier to navigate the course and will be able to understand the ways to communicate effectively.
Stacy,
Timeliness is important and we need to communicate with students when we will be checking email and the LMS or whatever you may use so that they don't think we are 24/7 instructors. This will help minimize anxiety as well. I also do not accept late work - I don't have time and the students need to be responsible for that timeliness themselves. Thanks for your input.
Hi, everyone.
I believe that timeliness is very important with online communication. Although instructors aren't, literally, sitting in front of their computers all day and night waiting to respond to questions, comments, and concerns, there is an expectation that they are addressed relatively quickly. Considering that there isn't any face to face interaction, it's fair to work within this expectation.
Another important variable is honesty. Sometimes, students want to know when late assignments will be assessed. They may even put pressure on instructors because they're concerned about their grades. It's still important to give realistic timeframes. Those might not be what they want, but they will still know what will occur. This might minimize some anxiety.
francis,
Consistency is important. If you set a pattern in anything, it's good to stick with that pattern unless you find it's not working. You may want to get formative feedback from students to see if it is really working. Thanks for your input.
If you start a pattern of communication you should be committed to follow through completely on it. It is important to respond back quickly and keep the discussion meaningful to the teacher and the student.
Patricia,
The online instructor has to be engaged in the learning process as well as the students. However, it is essential to serve as a facilitator and let students explore and learn things on their own as well. Nice job.
francis,
When misinterpretation happens, it must be explained in detail, but as you say, not leaving things open to interpretation is even better. Thanks for your input.
Two most important things in establishing a pattern of communication are.
1. Students should receive email messages on a regular basis both to the class and addressed individually.
2. Students should see the instructor interacting in the course room on a regular basis. It is not necessary to always have a serious message to impart, but have a “look in†so students do not think they are alone.